Discusses general processes for goal formulation aimed at establishing policies and practices in parks and recreation. (JA)

Public agencies can benefit from cost savings in forestry services, park security, and maintenance when park and recreation departments contract out for services. Pros and cons of contracting out and guidelines for this process are offered. (DF)

A needs assessment program can help recreation managers recognize new and changing leisure interests and needs of the people they serve. This article reviews strategies that military services use in needs assessment programs. Issues encountered when conducting an assessment are discussed. (DF)

Intrinsic motivation is discussed as the main concern of evaluation of leisure and recreational programs. Two factors influencing leisure behavior are perceived freedom and perceived competence. Two types of intrinsic rewards are possible from leisure participation: rewards and those obtained from a change in environment. Evaluation should then…

This article presents the results of a survey to investigate the current issues of computer use in public parks and recreation agencies and to document the experiences of agencies pioneering the use of electronic data processing. (PD)

This article reports on the scope of activities and the effectiveness of a Colorado program that trained community park and recreation personnel to carry out local cardiac wellness services. Participants were trained to provide rehabilitation and fitness activities for those recovering from heart attacks or surgery and for other high-risk persons.…

This article states findings on the fitness and physcial activity patterns of youth as determined from the National Children and Youth Fitness Study. The role and effectiveness of schools and parks and recreation programs in improving the fitness of youth is explored, and suggestions for parents and citizens are offered. (DG)

A computerized information system can be used by park management to project facility maintenance requirements. The benefits and uses of a computer system that records and analyzes data on budgeting, resources, scheduling, and maintenance are discussed. (DF)

Recreation program planners can learn from program failures. Failures should not be viewed as negative statements about personnel. Examining feelings in a supportive staff environment is suggested as a technique for developing competence. (DF)

Employee recreation programs have been shown to reduce absenteeism, increase performance and productivity, reduce stress levels, and increase job satisfaction. Studies that present positive results of employee recreation are discussed. (DF)

Efforts to qualitatively measure the effectiveness of military recreational programs have met only negligible success. This is due in part to a lack of definitive data and a lack of scientific assessment tools for adequately measuring performance objectives. (JN)

Most research on the effectiveness of therapeutic recreation in substance abuse treatment is either theory-based and programmatic or descriptive. This paper examines the research, noting multicultural and interdisciplinary issues. The few existing studies present generally positive results, though not always due solely to the therapeutic…

Ranking the "top 10 universities" which train recreation professionals does little to enhance the goals and standards of the field of parks and recreation. While evaluation of faculty and educational institutions is considered important, it should be conducted in a manner which tends to be more professional than mere gossip. (JN)

A volunteer program's worth affects volunteers themselves, the leisure service agency, and the community. Four major activities which recognize volunteer worth are discussed--keeping good records, thanking volunteers and recognizing them formally, providing feedback to volunteers, and developing cost-effectiveness analysis. A cost-effectiveness…