PARTNERSHIPS
PARK DISTRICTS, FOREST PRESERVES AND RECREATION DEPARTMENTS
WORKING TOGETHER WITH CIVIC AND BUSINESS LEADERS TO BUILD OUR COMMUNITIES

One of the challenges we all face, no matter what our business service, is how to do more with less. Partnerships can be the answer. Based on a survey conducted by Burnidge Cassell and Associates in May of this year and interviews with directors from park districts and park and recreation departments, here are a few insights into successful health and wellness partnerships.

Who is the best target?

Professional health care providers, such as hospitals, are the overwhelming favorites for health and wellness partnerships. According to the survey of Illinois park and recreation directors and administrators. A majority of respondents (72 percent) agree that they would prefer a partnership with a professional health care provider. Health care partnerships provide many benefits for both parties involved.

Rich Grodsky, director of the Elmhurst Park District, stated that the district's Courts Plus facility is able to provide orthopedic and sports rehabilitation, job therapy, weight and health management programs, wellness classes and health screenings through a local health care provider. The benefits include annual income and client referrals that might become new members. Having a health care provider also gives credibility to the programs and facility in the eyes of the users.

How to get started?

The majority of people interviewed stated that they sent out request for proposals or approached a local health care provider regarding a potential partnership. Greg Meyer,

10 / Illinois Parks and Recreation

HEALTH AND WELLNESS PARTNERSHIP SECRETS

director of the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District stated that the park district sent out requests for proposals to four area hospitals when they were seeking a partner while planning an expansion to an existing facility. After reviewing the proposals, the district entered into discussions with the hospital deemed to be the best fit for the park district.

Start early!

It can take anywhere from six months to a year from the day you begin thinking about it until both parties sign a legal document. Most directors agree that it's best to begin your partnership process either prior to or while planning a building improvement. One strategy is for the potential partner to pay for a portion or all of the related construction costs for the space that will be dedicated to them in the facility. Other items to consider as part of the agreement include rent, maintenance, cleaning, utility costs, and if possible a square-foot cost for the areas used in the facility beyond the dedicated rented area. The average period for an agreement is from three to six years.

The Channahon Park District is getting a good jump on creating a successful partnership with its local school district. The partnership discussions began before a site had been identified and the school district had decided on the type of school to be built. The park district is planning a new fieldhouse facility that will connect to a new junior high school also being planned on a shared site. Both the indoor and outdoor amenities will be shared, maximizing the value to the community while minimizing taxpayer cost.

Chuck Szoke, director of the Channahon Park District, understands that the early involvement of both parties creates the opportunity to provide appropriate and well-designed facilities that will benefit the greater Channahon community for many years to come.

Good communication is key

Not only is it important to have good communication during the development of a partnership agreement, it is equally important to maintain good communication during the agreement period. Encourage your partner to attend weekly staff meetings to share their concerns and comments as well as give you the opportunity to share your concerns and comments.

Don Chapman, director of project development at the Elmhurst Park District says: "Communication is critical to the success of any partnership agreement."

Do more with less

"Partnerships are the way to go," says Orsi. "The era of standing alone is gone."

Saving resources from construction costs to operations and maintenance costs are a benefit to taxpayers who truly own public facilities. In smaller communities, partnerships are critical to provide quality community services in a very cost-effective way.

The Country Club Hills Park District knows how to do more with less. The district initiated a partnering agreement with its local school district that resulted in both parties getting more together than they would have individually. Their three legal agreements cover 1) how to work jointly; 2) how to work together during the construction process; and 3) roles and responsibilities for maintaining and operating the facility Through these cooperative agreements, the park district gained two gymnasiums, three programming rooms, a senior center, drama stage, storage, and walking track along with access to other school space that would not have been available otherwise. The two involved parties agreed to a 62:38 split of the construction costs. The park district will also pay less for its share of the energy costs since the school district receives a lower utility rate than the park district would have if it operated the facility. It was also agreed upon that any cost overruns during the construction phase would be the responsibility of the school district. By combining forces, the park district has continued to improve the quality of life within the community without a tax increase or referendum.

Brian Sullivan, director of the Country Club Hills Park District, advises others considering a partnership to make sure at the beginning of the process to write everything down on paper that you want.

"Let the process whittle down what you don't need," says Sullivan. "Don't start taking things out from the wish list internally before the process begins."

Increase membership

According to Rick Pyle, Streamwood Park District director, the district's health care provider is its best sales vehicle to gain new members for its Park Place Recreation Center. Individuals using the facility while being rehabilitated are encouraged by their medical professionals to continue their exercise routine. Where best to continue it than at the same facility? Approximately 50 percent of the individuals who are referred to the health care provider at Streamwood's facility become new members.

Process, process, process

Through our experience, Burnidge Cassell Associates has found that the process or how you get there is as important as the end product. Here are some suggestions on the partnership process.

1. Establish a direction. What do you want to achieve and why?

2. Gather input. What are the parameters and who is interested?

3. Develop ideas. What's best for both parties and the community?

4. Conduct a work session. Think win-win to resolve conflicts.

5. Formalize the agreement. Use the KIS (keep it simple) principle and develop a written agreement describing the roles and responsibilities of both parties.

There you have it, secrets to a successful partnership. Remember to think outside of the box, since there is no one right solution for everyone. Or, as Greg Meyer stated so well when thinking about potential partners: "Who's next?" •

DANIEL R. ATLIANO, AIA is principal, recreation team leader for Surnidge Cassell and Associates, Inc., a full service architectural firm specializing in park and recreation design services from planning through construction, located in Elgin, III., the firm's services include planning studies, architectural design, interior design, landscape architecture and land planning services.

September/October 2000 ¦ 11