They Truly are Endless - Brief Article

The following Benefits-driven budget justifications for new positions, drafted at a Benefits-Based Management workshop piloted last fail in Dayton, Ohio, will give readers a true sense of just how boundless -- and priceless -- the Benefits of parks and recreation really are.

Grounds Maintenance Worker

A grounds maintenance worker is desperately needed to ensure quality maintenance of our parks, athletic fields, and green spaces. These are essential for providing a safe environment that will keep property values high and attract new businesses and families to our area, further promoting pride in our community.

If not funded, our parks will decline, encouraging antisocial behaviors to exist, deterring families and children to use them, and reducing the value of homes in the nearby area. When property values decrease, so does our tax base.

Seasonal Recreation Leader

In order to reduce youth crime, keep kids off the street, and provide positive and meaningful leisure-time activities, we need to maintain our current seasonal staffing levels.

If not funded, we will not be able to provide our youth with opportunities for:

1. Enhanced self-esteem.

2. Improved social skills.

3. Constructive summertime programs.

4. Appreciation for the environment.

5. Respect for others and their property.

Research shows that when a child is involved with organized, structured leisure programs, they are less likely to pursue deviant types of activity in their leisure time.

It costs Ohio taxpayers $40,000 each year to incarcerate one youth for juvenile crimes. The cost of these positions is one hundred times less in terms of the long-term investment in our youth.

COPYRIGHT 1999 National Recreation and Park Association
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group