by Tony Zito

During the formative years of the recreation and play movement in the United States, the individuals who were influential in the growth and direction of the field were of the opinion that recreation and politics should not mix. Traditionally this position has been maintained.

However, things have changed. We find ourselves in a politically dominated society whose people have values, opinions, and attitudes much different from those of their forefathers. The work ethic under which this nation was born grew to a leisure ethic which places as much, or more, importance on leisure as it does one's job. Great philanthropists and trusts, becoming more social service conscious, are no longer donating their time and monies toward promoting leisure pursuits. Governmental agencies have been forced to accept the primary responsibility of providing recreational opportunities for the public.

This writer would idealogically agree with the position of political/recreation separatism. However, it has become evident in recent years that without political activity, there may not be public agencies providing recreation facilities and programs as their first priority.

Governmental agencies seem reluctant to give recreational spending a high priority. They are hard pressed to deliver the so called "more necessary" services, such as police and fire protection, sanitation, and general welfare.

Special districts providing recreational services are finding their current sources of revenue being frozen at current levels, lowered, or restricted. Today as recreators the question should not be whether or not to become politically active but to what degree.

Recently articles have been written encouraging the "opening of communications" between ourselves and legislators, especially by inviting them to meetings, and notifying them of bill numbers which bear impact upon our field. It is agreed that communication is important. If we as a group are having significant impact on legislators then this should be reflected by an increase of bills passed favorable to our field. If not, then something more must be done.

We must be willing to:

a) admit that we live in a politically orientated and dominated society;

b) recognize that we are delivering a definite community service; and

c) make the necessary sacrifices to grow in our ability to deliver a better quality service.

We as recreators must then pull our heads out of the sand and see what other groups do in influencing legislation favorable to their positions. Two types of groups immediately come to mind; one is the group that can provide funds, the second is the group that can turn out a large vote for a particular candidate or issue. The position of the latter group is the one that should be assumed, the power is in the vote.

We must actively support or oppose local, state, and national candidates and issues depending on their position or impact on the leisure field. What better line of communication is there than that which exists between the elected officials and the individuals that were responsible for their holding office? However, one must also realize that the voices of individuals who have opposed the winning candidates may fall upon deaf ears.

Extreme? Perhaps, but it's better than no position at all. Or, worse yet, maintaining a position which over the years have proved itself ineffective. This writer, aware of the risks involved, is of the opinion that it is unrealistic to continue on a course of being isolated from the political process.

Therefore, the time has come to ask two questions:

1. Can we as recreators, individuals directly or indirectly involved in the delivery of a recreational service, stand by and watch our field be ignored?

2. Why can't we become politically involved by participating in a supportive or opposing role such as organizing groups, distributing literature, and knocking on doors?

If we cannot spur an interchange of ideas on this subject, then perhaps the biggest question of all will be, can the Illinois public park system continue to exist as a viable entity.

(Editor's Note: Tony Zito is Director of Memorial Park District, Bellwood.)

Illinois Parks and Recreation 11 July/August, 1975