03-28-85 Agenda & Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Con ' t. . . IlkDisappointments included; limited enrollment in the new health class offerings . Participant evaluations , however, served to reinforce enthusiasm from those participating, yet significant revenues were not generated as had been 'hopefully ' speculated. A comprehensive wellness program most certainly encompasses all physical activities , more specifically aerobic exercise and fitness. These classes were well attended and continue to increase in participation, similiar to the national fitness trend. The health classes seem to follow a seasonal peak and ebb of enrollment similiar to specific physical activities , yet this distinct pattern is not yet clearly defined . Lack of adequate planning time to initiate a quality promotional strategy and lack of adequate monies to match the goal of aggressive, quality marketing was seen as a significant early introduction obstacle. How much momentum was lost, that cannot be regained is hard to measure , yet it can be assured some irrepairable damage in a ' tough sell ' like behavior change programs , such as wellness , was done. Lack of understanding of a futuristic concept, marketing and creative strategies by key individuals in a conservative field such as park and recreation was certainly a formidable obstacle. This perhaps contributed to inferior training of instructors , quality and innovativeness of brochure and other lilt marketing strategies . This framework could have been sincerely justified from past experience of what the consumer has wanted or what has not worked in the community. Perhaps this perspective also applies to wellness offerings , yet one unique distinction categorizes what motivates people to participate in wellness classes and recreation (fun) , is often in wellness people are motivated by reluctant discipline, deprivation with an underlying feeling of 'getting my life together ' which is a very ' hard sell ' in any market. The trend is normally to see a person motivated into action by desiring to repair damage, change poor behaviors , and much later they come to realize the much greater motivator becomes enhanced feelings of well-being. The big question is how to motivate people into action considering their thought patterns of personal reluctance not fun, enjoyment like recreation . These failings need be re-defined from the perspective of a pilot project of a new concept in a new area , where failings are only viewed as impetus to change strategies . A dynamic ongoing evaluation and assessment of consumer needs assures eventual progress in any new project.