Agencies design blueprint for effective programming

What do common-purpose organizations do when the going gets rough financially and otherwise? Form an association, of course, for in combined effort lies strength.

By Clarence L. Hicks, Jr.

In October, 1975, the Rockford Park District combined with other nonprofit recreation agencies that were all experiencing an economic crunch and formed the Recreational and Related Agencies Association, Inc. (RRAA).

The task was not an easy one. Previous attempts to have these agencies' meet on a regular basis were unsuccessful. Everyone was working exclusively in their own comfortable and protective environment "doing their own thing" — and competing with one another.

Then personal property taxes were eliminated, thereby reducing tax dollars for public recreation. Other agencies competing for limited United Fund dollars also began to feel the economic stress of the times.

These factors made the need for open communication, coordination and cooperation apparent. All concerned had one of two choices; either cut programs and staff or determine how to get more out of the dollars available for community recreation.

Meeting a challenge

The challenge was apparent. How do you get agency representatives who previously avoided talking with one another to suddenly work together? The park district solved this problem by creating a nonthreatening atmosphere built on the concept of mutual trust, respect and understanding.

This was accomplished by hosting many meetings, initially with 11 other agencies that provided recreational services. The purpose of these meetings was to identify programs offered by individual agencies and those available through interagency cooperation. We also needed to know what facilities and community resources were being used for programming, and what each agency needed to continue or expand its services.

It became apparent that the park district had equipment, supplies and resources which the centers needed. Sharing became a possible solution for the problem.

Sharing resources

The district established a support services program and made its tennis courts, ball diamonds, playgrounds, Showmobile, sound systems and inventory of recreation program supplies available for use by the community centers. This was done on a scheduled basis with no charge to the agencies.

The community centers also began to identify those resources they could share, thereby creating an exchange of facility usage and cosponsorship of community recreation programs. Community needs were better identified and plans were implemented to fill those needs without duplicating services.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 24 March/April 1986

Pooling transportation resources, joint purchasing of supplies, cooperative staff training and development, and cosponsored tournaments and festivals all became cost-effective projects for the agencies.

However, the need to increase the availability of community resources for recreational use still existed. Non-participating agencies which had those resources were invited to attend meetings, and the concept caught on. During the first year, 35 agencies worked together to improve leisure-oriented community services.

A unique association

This effort resulted in the formation of the Recreational and Related Agencies Association, Inc. — a unique community organization believed to be the first of its kind devoted solely to leisure, recreational planning and development. The RRAA became a State-chartered nonprofit corporation that currently consists of 85 participating agencies.

The Association meets monthly September through May. Agency roundups, exchanges of ideas and information, problem solving, workshops, professional and board development, and planning and coordinating of both agency and community services and programs are discussed.

In addition to an Executive Committee, the RRAA has standing committees on youth sports and athletics, recreation for senior citizens, recreation for the disabled and the Association's annual Recreation Fair.

During the past ten years, the RRAA's accomplishments have included the publication of a Community Guide to Good Sportsmanship in Youth Athletics. It also produces a monthly recreation newspaper and attracts nationally known personalities to Rockford for special community programs. In addition, the Association offers internships for recreation students from local colleges and coaching clinics for volunteer coaches in youth sports.

Final thoughts

Rockford's Recreational and Related Agencies Association, Inc., is a working and successful example of what a park district and other recreation agencies can accomplish when they join together to meet the community's needs. Moreover, the participating agencies have not lost their identity or effectiveness in accomplishing that mission.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Clarence L. Hicks, Jr., is superintendent of recreation at the Rockford Park District.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 25 March/April 1986