A pilot project investigating the feasibility of year-round recreational programs in rural counties of populations of less than 10,000 is described in this report. (Sheridan County, Kansas, was chosen as the project site.) Part I, the introductory section, briefly defines recreation and its relation to human needs. Part II provides a geographic description of recreational activities in Sheridan County, explaining why a recreation program is needed and how it can be accomplished. Part III discusses the county's recreation program needs and interests. A discussion of the recreation plan in part IV includes how to reach the county, a program region map, program ideas, administration, organizational chart, funding and proposed budget, and how to set up a recreational commission. Part V describes alternative plans to the broad plan presented for Sheridan County--county-wide programs, excluding cities; county-wide programs without a county director; and county-wide programs without county tax levy. The appendixes include a recreation questionnaire, Kansas recreational publicity items, Kansas statutes on recreational activities, and a bibliography. (SH)