Computer update

by Dr. Jeff Stuyt

This section presents the latest developments in the area of small computer applications for recreation and parks. Both current and potential uses will be introduced by way of short descriptions. Contact the author for more detailed information on items presented here and to share your own suggestions: Dept. of H.P.E.R., Texas Tech University, Box 4070, Lubbock, TX 79409, Phone (806) 742-3335.

1. Kansas City Leases Mini from Sperry Rand

In 1978 the Johnson County Park and Recreation District management acquired an in-house mini-computer to streamline its accounting procedures and improve its registration system for the rising number of park and recreation users. The computer was obtained under a 5 year lease-purchase agreement with the Sperry Band Corporation. Purchase-lease costs are entirely defrayed by a $1 recreation registration fee.

The computer provides rapid retrieval and accounting of financial management data in the areas of Payroll, Accounts Payable, General Ledger and Budget. It aids management with timely data regarding budget, personnel, and program participants. The participant registration system is updated from two terminals providing retrieval of existing participant information, and allows new class registrations, changes, and deletions to be entered directly through the terminals. A master file of over 18,000 recreation program participants is maintained for special mailings and demographic studies. Address: 6501 Antioch Road, Shawnee Mission, KS 66202.

2. Campus Intramurals Computer-Coordinated

Brigham Young University in Utah has an intramural program that dates back to the early 1960's. The program has grown into one of the largest in the country, with over 25,000 students participating in 500 bowling teams, 900 basketball teams, and 57 other activities and sports. Graduate assistants used to schedule the teams, keep score, handle forfeits and defaults, and virtually spend 90% of their time on paperwork instead of serving student needs.

After two years of study, they developed a series of computer programs that promised to increase overall efficiency, evaluations, and to improve student services in general. Each team's coach now fills out an entry form that contains all team statistics, names, and phone numbers. This information is then entered into the computer and stored in its memory. After this has been completed, a variety of tasks can be completed rapidly. A team's win-loss record, power rating; who played in each game, evaluation of officials and complete team histories are produced showing which team will play when, how it is rated and where they have been scheduled. B.Y.U.'s computer is a large IBM 360, and the language used is COBOL, a common business tool. However, adaptation to smaller units is possible. Address: Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 34 November/December 1981