Never look a gift horse in the mouth; the freebie might not be what it seems or what you want.

In the following case, however, a donation of fitness equipment turned into much more than it seemed and a greater good was achieved for residents of the Wheaton Park District. A solid partnership was formed between a hospital and a park district, and their joint venture integrated services for people with disabilities in the community.

In this issue, IP&R once again takes a look at the benefits gained from cooperation between local governments and pri vate organizations.

Parks Plus Fitness Center, a facility of the Wheaton Park District, took on an unusual responsibility late in 1995. Accepting donation of a variety of fitness equipment from the Fitness Center at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital and Clinic—one of the nation's leading rehabilitation facilities, located in Wheaton—the district also took on the responsibility for those individuals with disabilities who use the machines.

Now, ten months later, thanks to strong cooperation between the two organizations, the transition has been made—smoothly, happily and with substantial benefits for all involved.

When Marianjoy, for financial reasons, decided to close its outpatient fitness center, the questions of how and where to arrange for the ongoing rehabilitation of its outpatients became issues of primary concern. A centrally located facility was necessary, and one that would not be a financial burden to Marianjoy. The Wheaton Park District Parks Plus Fitness Center in the Community Center was a relatively new center (only seven years old) and still had the capacity for growth.

Representatives from Marianjoy approached the park district about a possible cooperative venture, offering to move in and install the necessary equipment and to provide the services of an exercise physiologist for 20 hours each week. The exercise physiologist would be available for both Marianjoy patients who use the facility and for other patrons of Parks Plus. The equipment would remain the property of Marianjoy but would be maintained by the park district.

The Wheaton Park District was happy to approve the arrangement, and by late November of 1995 plans were well underway. With only a month to work out the details before the anticipated close of the Marianjoy Fitness Center, park district staff shifted into high gear. A transition team was formed with representatives from Marianjoy and the Wheaton Park District. Some of the equipment already on-site was rearranged, and a public relations campaign was implemented to make the changes clear and attractive to both Parks Plus members and the Marianjoy patients who might be following the equipment to its new home.

The park district fitness facility is being used to its maximum capacity by a broad spectrum of residents— a broader spectrum than in the days before the Marianjoy venture.

Ongoing in-service training in dealing with persons with disabilities was provided

8 * Illinois Parks & Recreation * November/December 1996

The agreement with the Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital and Clinic included the stipulation that the clinic assess prospective Fitness Center members, start them in an exercise program, and "bridge" them to the Community Center location.

Bruce A. Schurman, president of Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital and Clinic, communicated with his membership about the move by letter, saying in part, "Membership fees will be paid to the park district, and, in most cases, will be less than members are paying now... .We are very pleased and excited to be working with the Wheaton Park District and feel certain they will provide an excellent program for the members. This move will also be of help to Marianjoy towards its aim of reintegrating persons with disabilities back into the community."

Molly Russell is the exercise physiologist assigned to Parks Plus Fitness Center 20 hours a week. At the end of January 1996, she reported her review of the first month of the cooperative arrangement.

"I have been keeping a list of questions, comments and concerns that have been voiced by former Marianjoy members," said Russell. "I am happy to report that they are very pleased with Parks Plus thus far, and most of the concerns that I have mentioned have been readily addressed and solutions resolved."

Suggestions from former Marianjoy members resulted in the following adjustments at Parks Plus:
• A wheelchair is available at the front door for those patrons who might have trouble walking to the elevators and back. (Parks Plus Fitness is located on the lower level of the Community Center.)
• The back exit doors are left open when necessary, providing closer access to the elevators and to handicap parking.
• A NuStep recumbent stepper was purchased. This piece of cardiovascular equipment is easier to use for those with limited abilities.
• The timer on the automatic door opener at the main entrance of the Community Center was reset from 12 seconds to 22 seconds.
• Additional Parks Plus staff were hired to cover the time frame between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. when there is the heaviest use of the facility by individuals who need assistance.

Molly Russell says that many of her clients made the move with her from the Marianjoy facility. Wade Lederman is one of them. He had been in therapy at Marianjoy for four-and-a-half years after breaking his neck in a diving accident.

"It's a good recovery-type situation for me," says Lederman. "Parks Plus offers a great alternative and I am very grateful for it. If Marianjoy and the Wheaton Park District had not designed this cooperative venture, many of us would have been left without a place for therapy."

The most visible benefit from the Marianjoy-Wheaton Park District partnership is obvious—easily available, reasonably priced physical therapy for disabled individuals in the Wheaton area. But there are other benefits, just as important if not as visible to the general public.

The park district fitness facility is being used to its maximum capacity by a broad spectrum of residents—a broader spectrum than in the days before the Marianjoy venture. Now, truly, the facility is available to everyone, regardless of physical ability. In addition, the tax-supported facility is offering an exceptional service to the public without the expenditure of additional tax dollars.

And, finally, the goodwill generated by this cooperative agreement is favorable for both Marianjoy and the Wheaton Park District. Separately, we offered good service within prescribed boundaries. Together, there is no limit to what we can do. 

Barbara Eaton is the public information coordinator for the Wheaton Park District. Exercise physiologist Molly Russell assists Wade Lederman in his physical therapy at parks Plus Fitness Center, a facility of the Wheaton Park District.