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Ralph Cianchetti —Age 69

I'm growing old. I'm ready to take time for fun. In fact, to insure my continued physical and mental health, I had better take time for fun. Now, more than ever, I need the affordable services provided by park and recreation agencies. I realize that agencies must answer to a diverse population, all with legitimate recreational needs. I know that resources are already stretched and shrinking. And, believe me, over the years my family and I have enjoyed a wide array of well-managed and affordable rec services. No, I've no beef with the status quo. However, and correct me if I'm wrong, the historical focus of park and recreation services has been primarily kids — and with good reason. In the post-World War II years, we experienced a baby boom. Kids were at the center of our national concerns. But demographics are changing. There are now lots of old folks and many more millions on the way. Seventy-seven million baby boomers will begin to reach retirement age in about 15 years. According to the experts, we're going to be a healthy and active bunch.

I'm suggesting, therefore, that park pros and boards, if they haven't already done so, widen their planning perspectives. They need to keep us old folks in mind when planning staff, program, and facilities, when formulating annual budgets.

We're not looking for agencies to short-change their traditional publics. All we ask is to be included in the planning mix. Remember, we pay taxes. We vote. Boy, do we vote!

I congratulate the vision of those agencies that have recognized the graying America and are already planning for it. To those that haven't, the age wave has yet to peak, but it's building — and fast.

Working together, we can build a solid future — one in which everyone, old and young, can take time for fun and enjoy the rich blessings that flow from our Illinois parks and recreation programs.

The IAPD found that 23% of park commissioners are over 60 years of age! If retirement is to withdraw oneself from business, active service, or public life because of age, this then means that one out of five park commissioners has withdrawn from workday life but has more time to devote to their park service.

Mike Cassidy —Age 73

The problem is how to be a help to the park district and not get in the hair of the staff (if they now have any). First, you should be able to devote more time to do your homework as a park commissioner. You should research a problem with experts or authority on a question. Share your information with your director or staff member with whom you are working. You should be considerate of other commissioners that are not retired and be careful that you work together and share information. Second, volunteer to your park district; help out where you can. Be a guide on bus trips, sell tickets at park functions, help out at parties (make a dish to pass, prepare food, wash dishes, clean up), pitch in and work with other volunteers and park staff, mix with other people, or get to know other parts of park work. Most importantly, be just one of the folks and not a park commissioner at this time.

One would be surprised at how often you can help out with the problems and activities of your park district.

Consider committee work for the IAPD. You now have more time, and the Association can use your help. Call or write the IAPD office now and pitch in to help the park and recreation field throughout the state. You will enjoy working with IAPD — the staff is friendly and very supportive.

Now that you have read this article, call the park district office and explain what you would like to do. Ask to have the information noted to the staff. You might also offer to stand by to be on call, if the staff needs a fill in, if someone fails to show, etc. Be the one they can call on for help.

Offer to help out at your park district or the IAPD. DO IT NOW!

Illinois Parks & Recreation* November/December 1994 * 31