Standard: The agency shall facilitate assistance to individuals and groups of individuals that provide or want to provide recreation programs and leisure services independently from the agency. An example of facilitated programs and services is an individual or group that wishes to start a community theater organization; the agency may help initially by providing a meeting place, some administrative help in publicity, and "seed money” with the intent that the organization will become self-sustaining. Demonstration projects may be utilized for this purpose.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide examples of how the agency provides facilitated recreation opportunities, including a list of such opportunities.
Informational reference in the Management of Park and Recreation Agencies, (2010), 3rd Ed., Chapter 9 – Program Services and Event Management, pp. 161-162.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
As outlined in the mission, the Park District of Oak Park, "in partnership with the community," offers a variety of facilitated recreation opportunities. Staff work with many local organization to offer quality programs for the community. Depending on the relationship, the Park District may assist with marketing through inclusion in the quarterly brochure, use of Park District parks and facilities, assistance with completing volunteer background checks, and other support.
In order to ensure an equitable distribution of resources, the Park District created the PACT program. The PACT program categorizes community organizations requesting support from the Park District and provides facility use and other support according the guidelines1 in the program. A current list of PACT organization is available on the Park District's website2. Another example of an organization that the Park District supports is Oak Park Festival Theatre3, which receives financial support as well as use of one of the Park District's parks to house its outdoor productions of Shakespeare plays each summer.
Examples of facilitated programs and services include:
- youth baseball/softball organizations
- youth soccer organizations
- youth football organization
- adult tennis organization
- scout groups
- civic groups
- Oak Park Festival Theatre
Documentation:
- Park District of Oak Park PACT Program Guidelines
- List of current PACT participating organizations on Park District website
- 06.01.05_2015-Festival-Theatre-Agreement.pdf
Agency Self Review: MET