Celebrating 50 years of community sports with Sports Illustrated and NRPA
Kevin BeckHere are this month's Sportstown! These towns have been chosen by NRPA and Sports Illustrated as some of the best in the U.S. at enhancing the quality of sport through parks and recreation. Keep reading to learn how these Sportstown improve community through sport. And keep reading Parks & Recreation every month to find out about other winning Sportstowns. For a list of winners to date, see www.nrpa.org
BISMARCK, N.D.
Bismarck's the Spot
The northern Great Plains states--home to hardy winters and few large cities--perhaps don't come to mind as sporting havens to those unfamiliar with the heartland. But not only is the recreation and leisure scene in Bismarck (population 55,000) thriving and varied, it's among the country's most progressive by any measure.
The community philosophy of the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District (BPRD)--an organization that celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2002--is "to promote broad-based recreation opportunities to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Bismarck and its visitors." The key phrase here is "broad-based"--BPRD's strives to bring a variety of recreation offerings and opportunities to every member of an unusually diverse citizenry.
The District takes a three-pronged approach to ensuring top-quality services for Bismarckians: ever-better training programs for coaches, officials, participants and parents; the expansion of partnerships with local clubs, organizations, associations and governmental agencies; and the development and continuation of affordable, high-caliber recreational facilities and programs. Three times a year, 30,000 households are mailed copies of the District's activity schedule; this has long served as the most effective means of reaching and informing community members about BPRD programs and resources.
BPRD takes a variety of measures to promote universal access to programs and facilities. The District offers programs at schools and close to residents' homes, minimizing transportation needs. In addition, BPRD strives to provide low-cost and affordable programming for the community by offering scholarships to families who are unable to pay for programs available through the Park District, Bismarck Public School District, social services, Youth Works, the Police Youth Bureau, the Adult Drug Court and several other program providers. The District also offers many free programs throughout the year, many of them centering on activities that focus not only on competition but on basic fitness: shelter rental, golf, swimming, open houses, ice skating, cross-country meets, elementary-school track meets and even an all-city Halloween Party. Local high schools are also afforded the free use of many BPRD facilities.
Social aspects of program participation are given high priority. Whenever possible, teams in youth sports are organized by school and neighborhood to keep friends together, reduce any uncertainty that kids may be feeling and provide easier program access. End-of-season jamhorees are held in lieu of tournaments to celebrate participation in the program and avoid the stress of further competition. Also, while dozens of competitive leagues exist, BPRD is committed to setting aside ample funds to maintain or enhance non-league sport opportunities for adults and children alike.
For the differently-abled, BPRD has a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist on its full-time staff that is able to assist in program adaptations, staff education and equipment modification to enhance participation by those facing unique physical and mental challenges.
Bismarck and neighboring Mandan, just across the Missouri River to the west, together include more than 30 miles of multi-use trails for jogging, cycling, hiking and simply enjoying the outdoors. Active residents who have lived elsewhere in the United States often note that Bismarck does an unparalleled job of keeping its footpaths clear even in the roughest parts of winter. The area also includes three highly regarded golf courses--Tom O'Leary, Pebble Creek and Riverwood.
In early 2000, Bismarck Parks and Recreation District adopted its third five-year plan, "The Path To 2005." Targeted for construction or development during the next several years are recreation trails (hard-surface and off-road), an indoor swimming pool, improved river access for boating and fishing, additional youth softball and baseball fields, an indoor running track, a recreation center, a climbing wall, additional gymnasiums and soccer fields, an indoor playground and land acquisition for future development. Central to these plans is a tremendous level of community financial support.
Between 1998 and 2002, tax support grew from $3,311,000 to $4,139,000. During this same period, BPRD generated more than $5 million in grants, sponsorships and donations to supplement operations and facility development.
The BPRD Web site, www.bisparks. org, is a comprehensive resource that includes a full listing of available programs, sport schedules tar the area's competitive leagues, upcoming special events, tournaments, maps of trails and parks, golf-course information and opinion polls for feedback purposes. Also on the site are links to a variety of partner organizations and sports governing bodies, among them the Bismarck/Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau, the North Dakota Amateur Hockey Association and the Dakota West Arts Council.
Bismarck is unique in that its pet slogans aren't just cute catch phrases; a "we-can-do-it" attitude clearly pervades and defines the spirit of BPRD, its partner organizations and the recreation-savvy citizens of North Dakota's proud capital.
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ.
One of the Best in the West
Arizona's boomtowns are perhaps widely known as quiet slices of retirement bliss, but Scottsdale, a community of 219,000 just east of Phoenix and carrying the slogan "the West's most Western Town," is a recreation paradise that stands alone even in a region teeming with a myriad of leisure opportunities.
Originally a farming town, Scottsdale stretches 31 miles from north to south. Surrounded by the picturesque Sonoran Desert, it is an eminently livable city: Its average median temperature is 70 degrees, its average precipitation is seven inches per year and the sun shines brightly on 86% of Scottsdale's days. Combine this with a high standard of living, and it's easy to see why Scottsdale is the first--and to date, only--Arizona municipality with the distinction of achieving national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation for Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). the city's median age of 41 implies that the city must provide recreation programs targeting the entire spectrum of life in order to fulfill its mission--"To provide quality recreation, sports, youth and senior services and maintain safe, clean and attractive parks and city facilities which enhance and enrich Scottsdale and the quality of life for our citizens."
Scottsdale relies on more than just its high-quality facilities--a healthy dose of inventiveness, cooperation and forward vision is a must for any successful recreation provider and administrator, and Scottsdale fits the hill in various ways. For example, in 1996, a year after the addition of the extensive McDowell Sonoran Preserve to the city's park system, residents overwhelmingly voted in favor of directing funds from a sales-tax increase toward the Preserve's expansion and the guarantee that its 36,000 acres would remain protected. The Scottsdale City Council, city of Scottsdale staff, and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission are working together with other jurisdictions, including the State Land Department, Maricopa County the Town of Fountain Hills, Scottsdale Community College and the McDowell Sonoran Land Trust to oversee and plan for the long-term stewardship of the Preserve.
Not surprisingly, outdoor sports and activities are regional favorites. The city of Scottsdale has an extensive trail system, with more than 170 miles out of the 350 on the city's General Plan already implemented; these trails are multi-user paths that bikers, bikers and equestrians can use for a quality recreational experience. Another local gem is Pinnacle Peak Park, an eminently popular 1,50-acre tract. In 2002, a trail was completed in the park and already, more than 160,000 people have hiked its 1.75-mile length. Also, park staff members offer night hikes, star-gazing sessions and interpretive and educational programs throughout the year.
Scottsdale is known as one of the best golf destinations in the world. With more than 600 holes in a variety of settings, Scottsdale is the home of one of the most popular PGA events--the Phoenix Open. Locals and visitors alike indulge in the treat of playing on the same courses as the tournament professionals.
Reciprocal cooperation is a major contributor to the flourishing of Scottsdale's renowned youth sports programs. Local high schools lack swimming pools, so members of its swimming and diving teams use city facilities. By the same token, city community centers lack gymnasiums, so youth and adult program participants partake of high-school gyms in their endeavors. These arrangements are effected at no cost to either the school system or the city. All told, there are 36 local youth sports organizations encompassing hundreds of teams and some 17,000 individuals.
Adult sports programs are also bountiful, reaching nearly 300,000 citizens per year. These offerings include softball, baseball, basketball, flag football, tennis, racquetball and volleyball.
A division of the Scottsdale Parks, Recreation & Activities, Adapted Recreation Services, provides opportunities for adults, teens and children with disabilities to participate in various sports programs. Special Olympics programs for adults are provided annually, swimming is offered in the fall and basketball in the spring. Unified basketball is also available to adults with developmental disabilities as well as their non-disabled peers. The Lake Pleasant Outdoor Retreat, offered one weekend every spring, provides opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities to experience biking, boating and other outdoor recreation pursuits.
In the spirit of the new millennium, the Parks, Recreation & Activities segment of the city of Scottsdale's Web site, www.scottsdaleaz.gov, is updated often and thoroughly, keeping visitors posted on upcoming events, classes, sports and recreation programs and Scottsdale Stadium happenings and providing maps of trails as well as a directory of parks, pools and recreation centers.
Scottsdale is a city that is growing at a rapid rate by any measure, but most impressive of all is that its growth as a Sportstown not only keeps pace, but contributes to the area's flavor and allure in truly compelling ways.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D.
Partnering Proves Successful for Sioux
In South Dakota's largest city (population 124,000), efficiency is the watchword when it comes to the programming and administration of community sports and recreation. Tax dollars earmarked for recreation are allocated judiciously to various associations and groups, and no financial resources go to waste. The efforts of a full-time city sports coordinator--chiefly responsible for facility scheduling and maintenance--form the backbone of a tightly integrated approach. Sioux Falls has relationships with 26 different athletic associations, four semi-professional teams, five high schools and two colleges in providing a wide range of sports. The city conservatively estimates there are 2,000 volunteer coaches within its programs.
The Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Department (SFPRD) city sports coordinator also administers indoor and outdoor volleyball programs, open gyms, tournaments and indoor adult basketball leagues. Sioux Falls has been aggressive in updating facilities to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, and compliance with the rules of every association within the SFPRD means allowing anyone who wishes to participate the opportunity to do so. Rules are in place for special-needs players--both of the city's family aquatic centers are accessible to any special-needs person, and after school programs are accessible to all special-needs participants.
On the whole, the city's philosophy leans toward emphasizing recreation over competition. For example, every child must play one full quarter in football, and all players in softball must bat once before anyone comes to the plate a second time. By no means do these inclusive, instructive practices exist at a cost to competitive play. Non-competitive activities are given scheduling priority, but a full slate of competitive sports--basketball, football, softball, baseball and volleyball among them--are made available to youngsters and adults.
State-of-the-art facilities, good sportsmanship and diligent maintenance form the cornerstone of Sioux Falls' recreation philosophy. Use of all facilities is free to all residents under age 18. A code of conduct for parents, coaches and participants remains in place in all 26 athletic associations. As a corollary to the city's emphasis on maintaining quality venues for sports and leisure, safety is targeted from all angles--maintenance inspections are done weekly to ensure all facilities are devoid of safety issues; recreation staff--both part-time and full-time--must pass a drug test prior to hire and also must be available for random drug testing; and all part-time personnel are fingerprinted.
Sioux Falls seeks to create and promote Unity, spirit and understanding within the community. High schoolers who compete against one another during the academic year often find themselves on the same teams in summer leagues, underscoring the importance of a sportsmanship-oriented approach. A contagious sense of goodwill means that sporting events are extremely well-attended, and this in turn has enabled the city to host numerous local, regional, state and even national events and tournaments over the years.
The city is responsive to community members' recreational needs and interests, and relies on the generosity of individuals and private organizations in order to continue developing and expanding is resources. A 2000 needs assessment demonstrated that 92 percent of survey respondents claimed a definite interest in sports and recreation, a level of appreciation for active lifestyles that in the past five years has resulted in, among other things, the donation of 160 acres of land for the development of seven baseball and eight softball fields. Programs especially for older residents--such as the Senior Games (a multi-event competition) and Senior Chair aerobics classes--are in place, with new programming added regularly.
The SFPRD Web site, www.sioux fallsparks.org/parks, is an excellent resources, containing a comprehensive and up-to-date listing and description of upcoming events as well as seasonal activities guides, newsletters, schedules and standings, locations of parks and tennis courts, recreation trail maps, employment opportunities and more.
The largest city in South Dakota also provides the most opportunities for participation, from the traditional (baseball, softball and soccer) to more trendy activities such as skate parks and an 18-bole disc golf course. With a commitment of more than $8 million in the past five years, and an additional $10 million scheduled for the next five years, Sioux Falls will surely continue to serve as a model American Sportstown.
TROY, MICH.
Winning Ways in the Wolverine State
With a population of more than 10 million and a fanatical thirst for sports in every professional, college, high school and amateur season, Michigan is home to any number of venerable recreation-and leisure-oriented communities. But Troy stands out as a Sportstown because of its unmatched record of assessing, responding to and tailoring the various recreation centered activities to all of its residents. The result is a slate of high-quality and far-reaching programs and facilities that service preschoolers, youth, adults, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Troy, a community of 81,000 about 25 miles north of Detroit, is part of a metropolitan area including more than five million people. Therefore, park land and open space are at a premium. Troy Parks and Recreation (TPR) recognizes the increasing community importance of preserving and developing these pleasant public spaces as well as making natural, historical and cultural features available. As a result, one if its stated goals is to acquire and protect these valuable resources and facilities for the benefit of future generations.
Not only does TPR aim to balance competitive programs with recreational offerings, but also carefully evaluates the nature of this balance as it pertains to different age groups. Up to the third-grade level, TPR programs and the coaches emphasize the building of self-esteem, fitness, and wholesome, enjoyable experiences so as to forestall "burnout" when kids are introduced to more competitive scenarios later on. Scores and standings are not kept until the fourth-grade level, and even then all children receive activity awards and certificates, thereby ensuring the focus remains on the cornerstone of any pursuit meant to last a lifetime--having fun.
TPR is always aiming to increase the quality of the services its personnel deliver through education, training and focused recruitment. It actively maintains and improves techniques to better train its coaches, especially its many parent volunteers with limited coaching experience. Making parents of team members more aware of TPR's youth sports philosophy--i.e., making sports fun, positive and non-competitive--is also a priority. Finally, TPR does all it can to find the most qualified and experienced sports officials to ensure equity of play and participants' familiarity with the rules and regulations of sports of their choosing.
The specific programs TPR provides are varied, spanning the gamut of its constituents' ages and abilities. Formal athletic leagues are offered to both children and adults, while sports include soccer, basketball, golf, volleyball, tee-ball and softball.
Rather than relying solely on competitive exploits for a sense of merit, these leagues provide environments where participants can learn new skills, connect with others, and enhance ethnic harmony. Recreational activities are also offered, and facilities are operated specifically for the leisure pursuits of all city residents. Instruction in various activities, fitness classes, special events, park operations, senior-citizen activities, golf, travel and special facilities are some of the services available.
Other athletic leagues are offered by non-profit organizations in cooperation with TPR. TPR's Parks Division maintains facilities and fields that are used by these organizations. Among the organizations that offer such programs are the Troy Youth Football Association, Troy Youth Soccer League and Troy Baseball Boosters.
Perhaps the greatest contributor to TPR's success is its close relationship with local schools. Joint sports programming, a matching capital-improvement program and ongoing comnmnication have facilitated the implementation of a number of quality programs to children at a critical time in their lives--when their interest in playing sports is established. By working with schools, TPR can effectively communicate programming to all of Troy's students regardless of their socioeconomic background and maintain top-caliber facilities in which they may pursue recreation opportunities.
Community outreach is vitally important as well. All Troy households receive a quarterly newsletter that lists all offered programs for children, adults, seniors and persons with disabilities. TPR's goal is not only to promote its programs, but also to stress inclusion and participation via the establishment minimum playing-time standards and other measures that ensure equal involvement by all participants.
The Parks and Recreation home page (www.ci.troy.mi.us/Parks) is as information-dense as an almanac, containing updates on facility openings and construction, various maps and directories, online registration forms for a multitude of programs, museum and library information, and even health updates (e.g., links to updates on West Nile Virus). In short, the site, like TPR itself, is not simply a promotional vehicle but a bona fide interactive community resource.
Troy has the vision to maintain its high standards well into the 21st century. In recent years a $26.2 community center has been built and a private architecture firm is currently developing a master plan for five new city parks comprising more than 70 acres. As these parks are developed in the years to come, Troy residents can expect new ball diamonds, soccer fields, basketball courts, pathways and opportunities for passive park usage. The city is also building a new 18-hole, $8 million golf course that is scheduled to open in the summer of 2004.
COPYRIGHT 2004 National Recreation and Park Association
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