HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/7/95 Agenda & Packet • MOUNDS VIEW PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
AGENDA
Thursday, December 7, 1995
6: 30 p.m. Conf. Rm. C
1. Call to Order
' 2 . Roll Call
Approval of Minutes
4 . Review 1995 Goals
i
V5. Begin Brainstorming 1996 Goals
,f. Ramsey County plans for improving Ardan Park compost
facility.
• t. Report - Recreation for the low income
8 . Recreation Programming Report as Crime Prevention
9 . Adjournment
WV OF
Cn1� ilMnC�
• Phone: (612) 784-3055
VV Fax: (612) 784-3462
"Quite Simply the Best"
November 22 , 1995
Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners:
The last meeting of the year will be held Thursday, December 7 at
6: 30 p.m. in Conference Room C. I will have cider and cookies
waiting for you. The agenda will be light, we can review the
year' s activities and look forward to 1996 .
Pam Starr and Dave Long indicated that they were questionable for
attendance at this meeting because of prior commitments. If any
others cannot make the meeting please call me at 784-0618 .
I will be attending the Executive Development School in
Albaquerque, New Mexico Noveber 26 - December 2 . Tuesday,
December 6, Rick Wriskey and I will be meeting with Zack Hanson
• with Ramsey County reviewing plans that they have developed for
improvements to Ardan Park compost facility. I will not have
information before that date so I will bring it to the meeting
for your review also.
Sincerely,
Mary Saarion, Director
Parks, Recreation & Forestry
411
I°Poiriniici 2401 Highway 10 • Mounds View, MN 55112-1499
`0 e`"o°P
Equal Opportunity Employer
• MOUNDS VIEW PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
Thursday, October 26, 1995
6 : 30 p.m. Conf. Rm. C
CALL TO
ORDER: Chair Burmeister called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL: Commissioners present included Chair Burmeister,
Commissioners Long, Silvis, Starr, and Dentz .
Commissioner Stevenson was absent.
MINUTES: Commissioner Silvis made a motion seconded by
Commissioner Dentz to approve the minutes of
August 24 , 1995 . Motion passed unanimously.
PARK
IMPROVEMENTS : Staff reviewed the report outlining park suggested
park improvements which dealt with safety issues
in the parks, especially athletic field fencing.
Commissioners discussed the improvements and
requested that information regarding cost
• estimates be completed and reported at a future
meeting.
WOODCREST
PARK OPTIONS : Staff reviewed the idea of community gardens,
located at Woodcrest Park and asked Commissioners
if they were interested in pursuing this option
for leisure uses of Woodcrest Park. The
Commission discussed pros and cons of this use,
but decided that it is probably the only use that
would be low-cost. Community gardens would
provide a more passive and natural use of the
park. The park is well-suited for this type of
activity with available water and sufficient soils
and space and parking. The only potential problem
would be the likelihood that vandalism of gardens
may occur. The Commission wishes to pursue this
use for Woodcrest Park in 1996.
UPDATES : Staff reviewed information on activities of the
department including park maintenance and project
activities, the Community Bonfire activity, and
golf course activities.
PEDESTRIAN
• BRIDGE: Commission members inquired as to the status of
the pedestrian bridge. Staff indicated that the
issue was still before the City Council . The
issue will be on the agenda of the next City
• Council Work Session. Commissioners were
encouraged to attend the meetings and call City
Council members to voice their desires for the
pedestrian bridge.
NEXT MTG. : Commissioners discussed the next meeting date
since it falls on Thanksgiving Day. Typically the
November and December meetings are combined and
held the first Thursday of December. Although a
few members were unsure whether or not they could
attend the meeting on December 7, it was decided
that there probably is no perfect date. The date
of the next meeting will be Thursday, December 7 .
ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Silvis made a motion to adjourn the
meeting, seconded by Commissioner Long. The
motion passed unanimously.
•
• 1995 GOALS
MOUNDS VIEW PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
1. Pursue the possibilities of purchasing the two residential
lots that abut Ardan Park.
- Plan co-existence with the compost pile facility.
- Meet and discuss landscaping and other ways of
improving the compost area with Ramsey County so that
the compost pile does not negatively impact Ardan Park.
- Continue with plans for developing Ardan Park with
original Master Plan amenities, inviting nearby
residents to input ideas.
2 . Improve Woodcrest Park.
- Pave the parking lot.
- Have engineering evaluation regarding the soils,
elevation, drainage, etc.
- Construct a youth ballfield.
- Initiate plans for culverting the storm water ditches
at Woodcrest Park.
- Look into the possibility of continuing a trailway
from Woodcrest Park connecting to Silver View Park.
3 . Continue with the plans for construction of a Pedestrian
Bridge spanning Highway 10 funded with ISTEA grant monies
with a 20% match by the City.
- Continue communication with the State to encourage
scheduled funding.
- Obtain boiler plate plans for bridges and begin ideas
for landscaping and amenities.
- Budget for this project in the 1996 budget.
4 . Publicize passive recreational opportunities offered by the
open space located adjacent to The Bridges Golf Course.
- Facilitate cross country skiing, nature hiking, bird
and wildlife watching.
- Name the Open Space.
_ Hold activities which will introduce the community to
the Open Space.
- Connect a hiking trail with Sysco property.
5. Install a crossing for the storm water ditch at Silver View
Park which would connect the sidewalk trail along Silver
Lake Road to County Road I via Silver View Park.
• - Use the services of SEH to investigate the
possibilities.
- Incorporate the Storm Water Management program to
• further and fund this project.
6. Expand the sidewalks, off-street and on-street bikeways and
park trails throughout the City.
- Advocate for designated bikelanes for streets of
Mounds View.
- Pursue the possibility of constructing an off-street
sidewalk along Silver Lake Road from County Road H to
County Road I .
- Pave trails at Greenfield Park, City Hall Park and
Silver View Park for accessibility and multi-use.
- Look at other possibilities for paving the way for
trails or sidewalks in the City to expand the trail
system.
7 . Recommend a policy for "NO NET LOSS" parkland similar to the
policy adopted by Ramsey County to ensure dedicated public
lands for perpetuity.
8 . Pursue the possibilities of acquiring, leasing, or obtainint
spaces and facilities to house community programs and
services.
- Pursue the possibility of purchasing vacant
• buildings.
- Pursue the possibility of using unleased retail
spaces.
- Pursue the possibility of joint ventures with NW
Family Services for the above facilities.
- Survey the community for desires for additional
facility space and usage.
9 . Continue to pursue revenue producing recreation facilities
and services.
- Look to other cities to see the successful
activities.
- Research possible capital monies available for
investment.
- Collect and share with City officials information
regarding economic benefits of recreation facilities
and activities.
10. Pursue opportunities to acquire public entity parklands and
green spaces.
- Obtain funds for purchase of available lands to
develop active park facilities especially youth
athletic fields.
• - Advocate for the beneficial preservation of
appropriate wetlands, green spaces and open spaces
establishing a balance of development and natural
environment.
• MEMO TO: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSIONERS
FROM: MARY SAARION
DATE: NOVEMBER 14 , 1994
SUBJECT: 1995 GOALS
There are a few goals that the Parks and Recreation Commission
has not completed from 1994 and a few ideas that have been
discussed during 1994 that you may wish to consider for 1995
goals. The 1994 goals which have not been completed include:
1. Park land acquisition. . . . not that we haven 't tried! ! !
There is the possibility of acquiring the land abutting
Groveland Park. Other possibilities for park land
acquisition can be discussed.
2 . Woodcrest Park development. The statement was "why add more
parkland when the parks you have are not developed" . This
was referring to Woodcrest Park - which we know is very
difficult to develop because of the high water table. But
maybe we should put an all out effort into doing whatever we
can at Woodcrest to "spruce it up" and offer more diverse
uses.
3 . Expand paved trails. We were lucky enough to get a start of
a paved trail at City Hall. Additional priorities are
Greenfield Park, Silver View Park and City Hall Park -
looped trails.
4 . Silver View Park storm water culvert project is yet
unfinished. There may be hope with a joint venture of storm
water management and park development. We need to continue
to pursue this project.
5 . Consider the possibilities of leasing or purchasing existing
buildings (ie. the Tom Thumb on Knollwood and Cty Rd H2 ,
strip mall space, the Bel Rae) for housing community
services including teen center activities, Senior Citizen
services, County Health programs, social services, etc.
6. Be a partner in the planning of Hwy 10 redevelopment project
along with other City Commissions for a parkway ambiance.
7 . Purchase 2 properties along the south border of Ardan Park
for park expansion and to comply closer to Compost criteria.
These are a few suggestions for you to ponder as your mind spins
410 with other ideas for 1995 goals - to be shared at the Dec. 1
meeting.
1994 WORK PLAN
• Mounds View Parks, Recreates and Forestry Department •
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
Goal No. I Work on Redevelopment of Ardan Park (Depending Upon City Council
Action)
ANTICIPATED
WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME
DATE
Advocate moving the compost pile out of Ardan Park. Commission Development of
- Ardan Park is on
hold pending
decisions on the
compost facility.
Research into the possibility of obtaining the two properties to the south Mary Ditto
of Ardan Park.
Once the compost pile is moved, meet with the neighbors to gain input Commission Ditto
regarding park amenities.
Revise the Master Plan. Commission Ditto
Develop a park development plan for Ardan Park including budgeting, Commission Ditto
grant opportunities and other funding for Ardan Park development.
Goal No. 2 Improvements to Park Buildings
.D
ANTICIPATED
WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME
DATE
•
Develop a funding plan for the installation of indoor restroom and new Commission Fall CDBG was awarded
furnace for the park buildings funding for the
improvements to
Hillview and
Groveland Park
bldgs, construction
to be completed
November 30, 1994.
Goal r' 3 Pursue the Possibilities of a Pede ian Bridge across Highway 10 Connell) >tg
WLong Lake Road
ANTICIPATED
WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME
DATE
Recommend support of grant proposals for shared funding of a Commission Spring Grant submitted and
pedestrian bridge. preliminary award
granted for 1996
construction.
Provide advocacy for the project. Commission Spring Key people were
notified
Goal No. 4 Development of Golf Course Park.
1r ID
ANTICIPATED
WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME
DATE
Plan a development of recreation uses for the park, matching uses Commission Summer Implementation
acceptable to wetland areas. plans for nature trail
are set for early
Spring, 1995. Cross
Country skiing will
be open for 1994.
Devise a funding plan for the development of amenities. Commission Summer Funding is being
pursued but has not
yet been identified
for site amenities.
Goal I•. 5 Install a Bridge or Culvert Over Storm Water Ditch at Silver View PO
Frail.
ANTICIPATED
WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME
DATE
Secure an engineering recommendation from SEH for the most feasible Mary Summer City Council has
choice. approved an
assessment of
permit requirements
and suggested
storm water
recommendations
for SV Park - SEH
doing engineering -
to be presented to
Rice Creek
Watershed for
approval.
Devise a funding plan. Commission Summer Storm Water
Management
funding is being
recommended.
Recommend action to the City Council. Commission Summer Recommendation
will be made once
the permitting
recommendations
have been
presented by SEH.
Goal a. 6 Expand the Paving of Multi-Use .ils in the Parks Especially GreenfielO ;ity
Hall a d Silver View Parks
ANTICIPATED
WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME
DATE
Secure the cost estimates and pursue all funding options for this Mary On-going Grant not yet found
project.
or identified for this
project. 1995
Lawcon grant will
be researched for
possible application.
Provide a priority list of trails to be paved. 'Commission Summer Commission has
prioritized trails with
Greenfield, City Hall
and completion of
Silver View. Partial
paved path at City
Hall installed in
1994.
Budget for funding in budget for capital improvements. Mary Summer In LTFP
Goal No. 7 Pursue the Possibility of Opening Pleasure Skating Rink at Woodcrest Park
ANTICIPATED
WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME
DATE
Budget for additional warming house supervision. Mary Summer City Council has
approved a request
for opening
Woodcrest Park rink
for 1994-95 skating
season.
Make recommendation to the City Council. Commission Summer Ditto
Goal ?a, 8 Pursue the Possibilities of Using lSpty Retail Spaces in the City for •
Recrea rional and/or Community Use.
ANTICIPATED
WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME
DATE
Work with the new Economic Development Coordinator to look into an Mary On-going Not a priority for at
agreement situation with the businesses for such uses. this time. Will
continue to discuss
possibilities at 1995
Strategic Planning.
Goal No. 9 Continue to Look into the Possibilities for Revenue Producing Recreation
Activities.
ANTICIPATED
WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME
DATE
Review the feasibility report from Maxfield Research Group, Inc. Commission Spring Report provided
caution for a large
capital expenditure
suggesting that
there are too many
mini golf facilities
around the area to
support an
enterprise.
Continue discussion and research into options and opportunities. Commission On-going Ideas require initial
capital investment
and because of the
capital investments
of the new golf
course, and the
issue of a joint Sr.
Center, this issue
has been
postponed.
Goal I� 10 Pursue the acquisition and expalAion of parklands.
ANTICIPATED
WORK PLAN PERSON(S)RESPONSIBLE COMPLETION OUTCOME
DATE
Submit grant applications for acquisition of land. Mary On-going Prepared a grant for
park acquisition and
development. Held
a public hearing.
The grant
application was
denied by the City
Council.
Work with Community Development Department to identify available Mary On-going Have worked with
lands. Community
Development
Department to
determine available
lands for park
acquisition.
Advocate for budget monies for park acquisition and parkland We have received
expansion. an appraisal for land
adjacent to
Groveland Park for
possible acquisition.
111
1994 GOALS
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
1 . WORK ON REDEVELOPMENT OF ARDAN PARK
a. Advocate moving the compost pile out of Ardan
Park.
b. Research into the possibility of obtaining the two
properties to the south of Ardan Park.
c. Once the compost pile is moved, meet with the
neighbors to gain input regarding park amenities.
d. Revise the Master Plan.
e. Develop a park development plan for Ardan Park
including budgeting, grant opportunities and other
funding for Ardan Park development.
2 . IMPROVEMENTS TO PARK BUILDINGS
a. Develop a funding plan for the installation of
• indoor restroom and new furnace for the park
buildings.
3 . PURSUE THE POSSIBILITIES OF A PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE ACROSS HWY
10 CONNECTING LONG LAKE ROAD
a. Recommend support for grant proposals for shared
funding of a pedestrian bridge.
b. Provide advocacy for the project.
4 . DEVELOPMENT OF GOLF COURSE PARK
a. Plan a development of recreation uses for the
park, matching uses acceptable to wetland areas .
b. Devise a funding plan for the development of
amenities.
5 . INSTALL A BRIDGE OR CULVERT OVER THE STORM WATER DITCH AT
SILVER VIEW PARK TRAIL.
a. Secure an engineering recommendation from SEH for
the most feasible choice.
b. Devise a funding plan.
c. Recommend action to the City Council
• 6 . EXPAND THE PAVING OF MULTI-USE TRAILS IN THE P
ESPECIALLY GREENFIELD, CITY HALL AND SILVER VIEW PARKS
a. Secure cost estimates and pursue all funding
options for this project.
b. Provide a priority list of trails to be paved.
c. Budget for funding in budget for capital
improvements.
7 . PURSUE THE POSSIBILITY OF OPENING A PLEASURE SKATING RINK AT
WOODCREST PARK
• a. Budget for additional warming house supervision.
b. Make recommendation to the City Council .
8 . PURSUE THE POSSIBILITIES OF USING EMPTY RETAIL SPACES IN THE
CITY FOR RECREATIONAL AND OR COMMUNITY USE
a. Work with the new Economic Development Coordinator
to look into an agreement situation with the
businesses for such uses.
• 9 . CONTINUE TO LOOK INTO THE POSSIBILITIES FOR REVENUE
• PRODUCING RECREATION ACTIVITIES
a. Review the feasibility report from Maxfield
Research Group Inc.
b. Continue discussion and research into options and
opportunities .
•
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ITEM 10
t':�.1L.' 1J "2„:„
FROM: PARKS, RECREATION & FORESTRY STAFF
DATE: OCTOBER 25, 1995
SUBJECT: COMMUNITY PROFILE AS WE KNOW IT - INFORMATION THAT
IS RELATIVE TO US IN THE PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL
SERVICES
At the request of Councilmember Hankner, Parks, Recreation &
Forestry office staff has collected data regarding the profile
of youth recreation participants for the year 1995. While much
of this information is collected each year, and is documented in
the annual report which is distributed to the Mayor and City
Council , Department Heads and office staff, Councilmember
Hankner ' s request initiated the collection of additional
information that is a bit more specific. The data and
information has been very interesting and relative to programming
objectives. Please note that this information reflects January
through October data only, whereas our usual annual report
information reflects the entire 12 month year. An added feature
is the map (one display map only, this is not included in the
packet of information) showing distribution of recreation
• participation in the City of Mounds View.
The Mounds View Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department staff
keeps a perked ear and open eyes on a continual basis in regards
to changes in community make-up especially concerning its
relationship to recreation programming. Information that is
especially pertinent to youth community profile includes : where
they live, what schools they attend, what are their ages, the age
"bulges" , preschool age children, and new families moving to the
community. This information is easily accessible through the
schools.
More difficult information pertains to issues of low income
families and unfortunately is included in data privacy
restrictions. Information such as who needs assistance, who has
special needs, who needs transportation, who is experiencing
family crisis, and who needs services is not readily available
and in fact cannot be obtained through other agencies such as the
school (although we have tried) because of the restrictions of
data privacy. We do our best to find out about these needs
through mass publicity of services hoping that it will catch
their attention, and through referrals by school counselors,
principals or teachers. Once youth are registered in our
programs we have the information that is needed and can help
appropriately. It is those that have not come to us for services
• that are the unknown, those whom we have missed.
Low income families of the community come in two categories . One
category is those without jobs, typically families on AFDC and
i.l L- .A.11J as a...CS a t.a c.a iJ
at home with the children. The other category is the working
poor. These are the folks that seem to be in the most need.
They are struggling to survive. Both parents work, or in many
cases a single parent is working to make ends meet. The children
are home alone a great amount of the time with little or no
supervision, they have difficulty with transportation, and they
have very stressful home situations, trying to cope with low
income, often times single parenthood, and with the risks
generated with unsupervised youth at home alone.
There are many programs that are geared for the needs of the low
income families of Mounds View. Unfortunately, most require user
fees because of the shift to user fees versus subsidy of
recreation programs due to budgetary restrictions. User fees of
course are one of the most restricting reasons why children are
unable to participate in recreation programs. User fees often
times prevents the participation of youth in recreational
programs. Although the department offers scholarships, which is
fee assistance to youth, this is only available because of the
generous contributions of the Mounds View Lion' s Club. The pot
is not endless.
Programs such as after-school activities offer supervised
activities after school when youth typically may be home alone,
• unsupervised. Summer activities also offer supervised activities
at neighborhood parks during daytimes when parents are working.
Ice skating rinks offer supervised places to go during the winter
months when darkness comes early, evenings are long and boring
and children become antsy for physical activity. Self help
programs including "I 'm In Charge" , Babysitting and Safety Camp
offers children information, and skills in safety and wellness
issues needed in their situations of increasing responsibilities,
making good choices, and becoming caretakers of siblings.
While every recreation program is designed to provide a benefit
to youth whether it be skill development, social skills, physical
fitness and wellbeing, safety or emotional development through
competition, the opportunities are abundant if only youth are
able to pay. It is the dream of the Parks and Recreation staff
that all programs were offered to all children regardless of
economic status, but unfortunately it is not reality.
So, how do we serve the low income families of Mounds View?
Certainly the Council ' s thoughts on this issue will be of great
interest. It is staff' s opinion that through increased subsidy
of programs, continued partnerships whenever possible, and
continued solicitation of grants and subsidies through community
agencies such as the Mounds View Lion' s Club low income families
will have greater opportunity to reap the benefits of
411 recreational services.
pc Look at Parks and Recreation Proraitis and Services
ill Mous'to(5 Vtw
Now is parks and recreation in Mounds View preparing to mobilize financial resources for programs and services to
for the financial future in light of the continuing bud- improve quality of life for families. The agencies of Mounds
getar y concerns of local governments? View continue to focus together on strengthening families.
We al e identifying our core park and recreation programs, and What organizational design changes and changes in ser-
developing consistent and achievable delivery standards. We vice delivery systems are we exploring for the future?
are e;:amining how enterprise funds can become a larger part of
the b'idget, since the public and elected officials see them as an We are continuously working with other community groups,
alternative funding source. We predict we will continue to committees, commissions, agencies, volunteer civic groups,
manage our organization within our general fund budgets. nonprofit youth serving agencies, social service providers,
Ilia( ver, there is a philosophical concern to managing public school district, and parent and or neighborhood groups on
parks and recreation In this manner. As this shift in budgeting forming programming anti service delivery partnerships. We
00U S, it is 1111p01ant to consider the effects it may have. As are developing cooperative alliances with other agencies which
we become more businesslike by replacing enterprise funds with helps break clown barriers to communication and cooperation
in( re,ased general fund dollars we may transform park and within the community. Some futurists believe this will be one
re( re.ition programs to predominately white, middle-class users. of the most remarkable achievements associated with conimu-
The profession's core belief is that people, regardless of race, nity social problem solving of our time. Government agencies
trued, national origin, gender, ability or economic condition, working cooperatively to attack social concerns can focus and
have the right to pursue the wholesome leisure time pursuits enhance the latent power of government to act in the sole
allot ded through public parks anti recreation. It would be Interest of our community's quality of life. Staff goes to great
important to continue providing programs which are specifically lengths to link citizen clients to special service providers which
de,igmed for diverse and under-represented groups, such as will enhance their quality of life. We also display government's
youth, low-income, minorities, persons with disabilities and ability to be customer driven, by meeting needs of citizens;
senior citizens. preventative, so as to head off problems before they happen;
decentralized, by giving authority to solve problems to those
Le id( rship in the department has tried to present a balanced most knowledgeable about those problems, and catalytic, In
per to the community on the value and benefits of that we facilitate the public, private, and nonprofit sector
publi( parks and recreation. Groups and organizations value working together for the maximum benefit of the community.
the benefits as demonstrated with cooperative ventures and This will become government's new role and drive the way we
pal to Iships. make our programming and budgetary priorities decisions.
Cellahorative partnerships with a variety of agencies with differ-
inl funding mechanisms increases the entire comunity's ability 40
flow are we preparing for the demographic changes of to respond and implement critical programs within the annual
()lir customers in the future? budget. An approved procedure For reallocating financial
resources from various budget categories during the fiscal year
D innographers are predicting that euro-Americans will be in in order to respond in an effective and timely manner to corn-
the minority in the 2 I st century. Non-Caucasians, women, niunity issues and concerns provides flexibility in programming.
ai id immigrants will make up 86% of the work force by 2000.
Immigrants and indigenous peoples will be less willing to assimi- What philosophical management changes are we
la_e and give up their cultural heritage. We are just beginning grappling with?
to recognize this and preparing to program for diversity. We
ar
e making concerted efforts to hire people of color, rethink We are moving from a market management philosophy to a
our programming and service delivery systems to better facili- benefits-based approach which will cost out the benefits and
tate input and participation from our culturally diverse conmu- value of parks and recreation programs. This is being driven by
nity members. the shift in economic priorities and competition for local gov-
ernment funding resources for programs.
We have also agreed that a psychographic change is taking
pl ice in our community and cannot design programs by anal- We are assessing what social and psychological needs that
o};y, or assuming that everyone has the same social needs and specific target populations in our community want satisfied and
enjoys the same recreation experiences. We have recognized build our programs and services accordingly.
this and strive to gain citizen insight into program planning
through the program evaluation process. We can respond We have become more competitive in seeking the best service
el fectively and efficiently to changing needs in our community delivery method of our dollars, which will meet our target
because of our diversely skilled staff. Input from citizens population's needs.
through tasks forces, commissions, and user groups provide the
necessary feedback to programmers. Our staff members each We have also affirmed that programs cannot be designed with
serve as liaisons to various community groups, school-commu- the assumption that if a person benefits from a program, then
nity committees, commissions, boards, neighboring community all persons of the same gender, ethnic, and social background
partnerships and community events. This keeps us in touch will benefit from the same program. Our future sights need to
with the pulse of the community. Customer input survey look at the special needs of individuals with disabilities and their
forms are distributed to all recreation program participants and families.
to rental users of recreation facilities.
We need to continue to look towards grant funding to achieve
in the future, it will be imperative that we have the ability to benefits that are attainable without relying on general funding.
effectively respond to changing program needs in a punctual Grants require staff to be "on the cutting edge" and the corm-
th inner. Long range strategic planning will ensure that Finan- petitiveness of grant writing encourages staff to be futuristic,
tail resources are adequate for the anticipated growing needs, creative and innovative . . . because grant funding is only
yc t we need the flexibility to adjust program budgets in order awarded to those that are.
• • •
•
ThAT:
Pinewood, Sunnyside and Edgewooci Schools have a com-
bined enrollment of 1 , 849 students in 1995 .
Enrolllneint "bulges" -- Pinewood - 4thra
g de
Suimyside - 3rd grade
Edgewood - no bulge, even student enrollment
155 students attending Pinewood, Sunnyside and Edge-
wood Schools have disabilities requiring ig
qct�� special needs.
4) 242 students are on full lunch subsidy while 102 are on
partial subsidy -- suggesting 344 low-income students.
4) 280 families living in Mounds View participate in the WIC
program.
4 ► 142 children receive fee assistance for recreation •
p� og� ams
through recreation scholarship fund provided throughh con-
tributions by the MoundsView Lions Club.
• • •
This Information
is m ' ortant in Determinin . :
• Potential facility needs, i.e. gym space and building space.
• Potential youth sport legaue coaching, equipment and field
needs.
• Program planning to adequately serve these levels.
• Estimated participation levels in programs geared for certain
ages in orclQr to project personnel, material and supply
needs.
• • S
Obstacles
• Data Privacy unable to obtain addresses of those with economic
liardship and those with disabilities.
• Transportation -- youth are unable to get to neighboring teen facili-
r:ies, i.e. Shoreview Community Center and New Brighton Family Center•.
• Accessibility inability to access spaces and facilities, inability to get
from one park to another safely.
• JIncreasing participation fees --- increasing fees restrict participration.
• `►kills -- if youth do not have the money to pay for participation, they
fall behind in skill development, i.e. music, arts, athletics.
• Time — more youth ar•e working at younger ages in an attempt to earn
dollars to purchase things their families cannot afford.
•
TO: Samantha Orduno, and the Community Connections Committee
FROM: Suzy Kaiser, Focus Group Facilitator
DATE October 26,1995
I understand that the Mounds View City Council is still wrestling with the issue of the
pedestrian bridge across Highway 10. Although the Focus Group process is not
complete I thought you might be interested in knowing that the issue of transportation
for children and families to facilities and services within the city, as well as availability
of transportation to facilities and services outside the city, has been an issue raised in
every group so far. As a part of that discussion, the groups have raised the danger of
Highway 10 for citizens, especially children, in our community. The desire to work
toward solutions to this barrier have been expressed. People within the groups have
brought up the pedestrian bridge being a project that the City of Mounds View has
been working toward. Some members in each group have been unaware that such
411
plans are being looked at, and have express interest that the city continue efforts in the
area of a safe link across the highway. The bridge concept has been supported in
each group as a part of a solution to the transportation needs they see exist.
I am passing this information unto you at this time as I know budgetary decisions may
need to be made prior to the completion of the Focus Group project. It is an issue that
is not facilities as such, but it is an accessibility issue to existing facilities and facilities
that may be developed within the City of Mounds View in the future. If you believe this
is information that should be communicated to the council at this time, please feel free
to do so.
I am hopeful that this issue and others that have been and will be raised in the focus
groups, will be of use to the Community Connections Committee as they continue their
task.
411
• cutr.ach •
Low Income Families
✓ Referrals from school counselors.
✓ Meeting with school principals to discuss needed recreation
programs.
R Social service networking.
✓ Scholarships -- Assistance
R Resource referrals -- people to service provides.
• Transportationhooking people up with transportation via carpools,
Lion's bus, and programming in neighborhood parks.
• • •
Administration Challenges
• Data Privacy -- information that would allow us to contact special
needs persons directly, providing opportunities and assistance.
✓ Transportation Issues -- legistics and cost of transporting children to
places farther away, or in the evening to neighboring cities, etc.
A ACCe:SSibility Issues — crossing Highway 10, Silver Lake Road and
other high traffic roads.
✓ Facility shortage -- especially meeting rooms and gym spaces.
✓ High fees serving those who cannot pay when fee generated revenue
is the budget goal.
. 1990 BUDGET CUTS •
To Subsidized Recreation Programs
r Puppet. Wagon -- Community Outreach Program.
r Youth Athletic Association subsidy cuts -- initiated fees for
ruse.
✓ :►enior Citizen Program subsidy cuts for part-time senior co-
ordinator and activity funds.
✓ :hummer Playgound subsidy cut.
✓ F=estival cuts -- a community event.
✓ :subsidy cut for programs targeted at youth with disabilities.
✓ skating rink activity cuts.
✓ Lakeside Park - subsidy cuts included lifeguards for beach
operations.
RsuIt :
Increased hardship resulting
iin descreasing opportunities
for participation by low
iincome families .
O
. � o � o c
• . •
Budget
Recovery
As of 1995
• Summer Playground subsidy full funding.
• Youth Athletic Association facility subsidy -- 3/4 funding —
partial recovery.
• Skating. rink activities subsidy - lull funding
• Lakeside Park lifeguards - 1 /2 funding
4 OF 7 PROGRAMS
2 recovered fully
2 recovered partially
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• MV Lions Subsidizes ?
• Safety Camp -- summer program for youth.
• Turkey Shoot — family activity.
• Festival in the Park -- annual community event.
• SCholarShaipS — fee assistance for low-income families.
• Senior Activities --- senior wellness programs and Sr. Day in the Park
e Easter Party — annual community event.
• Holiday "Season of Lights" Contest --- annual community partially
funded and judged by Lions Club.
• Santa Toy Distribution --- toys distributed to needy children and
food gift certificates to family during holidays.
e CPR Equipment --- purchased CPR manikins and maintains equipment
pment
and supplies.
n �
• Other Community Needs -- provide glasses and hearing aids for
needy children, wheel chairs, and other needs to needy disabled people.
• • •
Volunteers
193
(Does not count individual
organization members)
• •
ProgramsAvaiIabIe
Because ofVolunteers
Turkey Shoot- Family activity offering games with turkey's as prizes to
families with highest accumlated scores
tkiItoween Party - a program for young children at low cost.
floppy Holidays Party - a program for young children at low cost.
Festival in the Park - a community event incorporating participation
from organizations of the community.
$alFety Camp - fire, police, medical and other safety personnel offer vol •
-
nnteer participation in safety education to the youth of our community.
J -Ball, 8-ball, Soccer, etc. - all city-sponsored youth athletic programs
are kept at a low cost due to volunteer coaches.
.*
ADI CL •
Many activities in our community would not happen if it weren't for the many, many
volunteers that give so freely of their time and energy to make our community a great
piace to live. Here is a list of those people who volunteered their time in 1995 — you
will note that many of these people volunteer over and over again for a variety of programs
and activities.
Festival in the Park Youth Sports Coaches Joe Schovanec - Elem. softball
Pat Michna Rick Brauer - Little Sluggers Dave Hawes - Elem. softball
Dru Dukart John Howait - Little Sluggers Don 8t Wendy Sries - Jr. Girls
Mark Malone Dave Vukson - Little Sluggers Pat Michna - Jr. Girls
Steve Schack Andrea Vaughn - T-ball Gary Rundle - Jr. Girls
Phil Ramola Melanie Grosslein - T-ball Dean McBride - Jr. Girls
Glenn Crooks Gary Fagerstrom - T-ball Beck' Ledo - Jr. Girls
Theresa Cermak David Isaacson - T-ball Shirley Klein - Jr. Girls
Kathy Harrer Steve Kahoun - T-ball Jeff Voss - Jr. Girls
Alice Frits Ken Stagg - T-ball Julie Moriarity - Jr. Girls
Nyle Zikmund Cal Lindstrom - T-ball Dave Long -
Jr. Girls
Jay Bohan Sandy Stutesman - T-ball Pam Schimanski - Sr. Girls
Debbie Miller Janet Willman - T-bail Mike Goldberg - Mites soccer
CC Schuldt Rebecca Delmore - T-ball Jennifer Guider - Mites soccer
Sherri Timmons-Grone Debra Oman - T-ball Linda Schneider - Mites soccer
Don Hodges John Flanders - 8-ball Scott Budzynski - Mites soccer •
Barb Haake Cal Lindstrom - 8-ball Dawn Sdmmler - Mites soccer
Jerry Johnson Roger Boil - 8-ball Don Proctor - Squirts soccer
Tom Baumgardt Michael Delmore - 8-ball Jan Truchan - Squirts soccer
Linda Haabala Michael Burns - 8-ball Paul Hailer - Squirts soccer
Diane Wuori Larry Gervais - 8-bail Pete Anderson - Squirts soccer
Charlie Hall Jim Schmidt - 8-ball Cindy Blood - Squirts soccer
Dan Hall Tom Gubash - 8-bail Walt Thorensen - Squirts soccer
Joyce Radtke Mary a Darwin Benz - 8-bail David Rachac - Squirts soccer
Brian Bieter Brian Starr - 8-ball Scott Drees - Squirts soccer
Mounds View Police Reserves Scott Dentz - 8-ball Scu Sinykin - Peewee soccer
Mounds View Lions Club . Tim Clancy - 8-ball Tom Kosel - Peewee soccer
Mounds View Lioness CIub Mark Pothen - 8-bail Daniel Ley - Peewee soccer
Fridley Police Reserves Scott Crandell - Superball Rick McKelvie - Peewee soccer
New Brighton Police Reserves Andrea Vaughn - Superball Dave Rademacher - Peewees
Ramsey Co. Emergency Services Cliff Adams - Superball Bob Bartlett - Peewee soccer
Ramsey Co. Lake 8t Trail Vince Saimela - Superball Nick Garcia - Peewee soccer
Maplewood Police Reserves Gene Gerdesmeier - Superball Aaron Kriz - Peewee soccer
St. Anthony Police Reserves Gary Engen - SuperbalI Jerry Ruhlan - Peewee soccer
SLP/MV/BL Fire Department Debbie Kukowski - Superball Cindi Todd - Beg. Basketball
lrondale Band Boosters Lee Trona - Superball Al Beitz - Beg. Basketball
Jerry Linke Ann Kirk - Beg. softball
Eileen Schneider David Isaacson - Beg. softball
Amelia Gisiasan Pam Starr - Beg. softball
Sunnyside PTA Mary Saarion - Beg. softball •
Pinewood PTA
Families of SMA
Minds View Matta -IG- Novewbediteee ther_I9'
O..!� D-.t..nllkdror..i.ar. Dnr�n-.• fir. (•ft;rn I/n1....4-nnr rn......re.. t-t
��lilliam Bostrom Di.lra 1H ori til r)nn Nnrivcc
Jim Perault George Carlson
Allan Johnson Adopt A Park Volunteers Kathy Bednar •
Robert Daniel Scout Pack 68, Den 2 - B.J. Johnston
Greg Fausone Jim Schmidt, Scout Leader Officer Dave Anderson
Scout Trcoo #953 Anoka Humane Society
Seniors Activity Volunteers Vicki Rothstein, Scout Leader SLP/MV/BL Fire Department
Maynard Sautter - 55 Alive National Guard
Diane Wuori Tree Donation Mounds View Police Dept.
Ruth Groberg Gary Quick - 5 trees trans- HealthSpan
Gretchen Walbridge planted to Goff Course & Mounds View Lions Cub
Alice Frits Greenfield Park
Amy Hodges Cable TV Committee
lone Carlson MV Community Theatre Jerry Skelly, Sr.
Helen Hamilton Diane Wuori Barbara Haake
Hank Ruggles Jaci Gugliefmi Peg Meier
Sally 8t Bruce Cameron Dale Irving
Mounds View Garden Club Naeomi Ault Don Hodges
Sharon Moenkhaus Frank Silvis
Diane Wuori Lee Trotta MV Police Reserves
Natalie Chapman Pat Long Mark Yates
Kay Reisner Richard Cary Jason Meron
Mark Klimek 1995 "Anything Goes" Anita Sortor
Debbie Rielley Production cast, crew 8t Brandon Thyen
Joyce Radtke orchestra Rick Schmidlin •
Linda Knutson Jeff Ramacher
Kelly Easton
Park Buildings Available for Commumity Groups Use
Through a Community Development Block Grant, the park building at Hillview and Groveland
Parks now have indoor restroom facilities. New, natural gas furnances were also installed for
more efficient and cost effective heating. New durable carpet has been installed for a cozy
atmosphere. The buildings will continue to be equipped and revised to meet the needs of user
groups. Cupboards will be installed so that regular user groups can leave supplies and materials in
the buildings. This has bean done a Random Park Building, serving its users well.
To reserve the park buildings, call the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department at 784-0618.
The scheduling system has been integrated to accommodate for the scheduling of building use. A
permit and user form will be mailed to your group. A $25.00 key deposit is required from ail
groups using the buildings. Keys will be distributed to the responsible group leader. Building use
rules and regulations and responsibilities of the users are printed on the user form. it is important
that each and every user group clean up after their use and keep the building damage free so
that the buildings can remain in excellent condition for the community.
Focus 2000 Neighborhoods and Housing Team recommended providing this opportunity for
community groups to use the park building for meetings and other neighborhood activities.
Establishing this use provides focal points at the neighborhood parks, encouraging communication •
I with neighbors and forstering community spirit and participation. Please call 784-06 8 for
more information.
Munk View Matters -1L— Nmte> 6e liemiti rim
• • •
Number of Students
Employed by
Parks & Recreation Dept.
13�3S F AI S� RECREATION, AND FIonESTay EPART TENT
AFTER RECREATION •
SCHOOL PROGRAMS AL ACTIVITIES/CLASSES
Mark Blau Vernon Ness, Beginners Hockey
yti Stc. rson Erik Kavanau`,h. K-Power, Punt-Pass & K;ck.
Dana Willis Open Gym,Grasshoppers
Amanda from Metro Dance Mark Blau,Grasshoppers, Rollerblade Hockey
Alison from Metro Dance Ryan Kavanaugh, K-Power,Punt-Pass&Kick
Katie Stevenson,Flag Football Leader
Tim Thumborg, Grasshoppers Leader, Head Gymnastics
A T1 a TIO ?':OrAMS - Tom ..,,:nzc, Gymnastics T..-,.:ace.
LAKESIDE PARK LIFEGUARDS Jill Thunborg, Gymnastics Leader
Melissa Boron Dana Willis, School Days Out Leader
Nicole Boron Jim Ringold,Soccer Pictures Leader
Tanya Downing Jake Sauve,Youth Softball Umpire
K a; Koroschetz Katie Stevenson. Youth Softball Umpire
Matt Taylor Angie Winkel, Youth Softball Umpire
Angela Younge Mark Blau,Youth Softball Umpire
Todd Philip Weast,Soccer Referee
Wendy Zak Chris Richter, Soccer Referee
JamesSchuth Garrett Olson, Soccer Referee
AlesiaJake Engel, Soccer Referee
Janeile Hail Jason Maim,Adult Softball Umpire
Amy Setsvold
Philip Kagel SUMMER PLAYGROUND LEMERS
Carrie Merryman •
Eric Johanson
Erik Kavanaugh
ICE RINK ATTENDANTS Ryan Kavanaugh
Melissa Peterson
Shannon Beggin Lisa Yates
Amanda Dazenski Katie Stevenson
Erik Johnson Angie Winkel
Erik Kavanaugh Amy Basterash
Nick Johnson . Tim Thunborg
Joe Quick Josh Stevenson
Jason Raiche Kwame Mensah
Katie Stevenson
Josh Stevenson CLINICS CAMPS, AND LESSONS
Jim Ringoid
Batt Severance Kwame Mensah,Soccer Clinic,T Wolf Training
Angie Winkel Paul Favre,Soccer CIinic
Mike P inkel g Ryan Kavanaugh,T Wolf Training
Michelle Knabe, Ice Skate Lessons
GOLF COURSE Stephanie Janes, Cheerleading Clinic
Scott Ranfranz PAM MAINTENANCE
Jeff Kucera
Katie O'Phelan Joe Quick
Robert Pearson Brad Engen
Kelly Taylor Biil Norman
Duane Johnson Chad Everson
Chad Heggestad •
Shawn Betts
• •
ra sServing P
• Senior Day in the Park
• Mounds View Garden Club
• 55 Alive Mature Driving Courses
Snack 'n' Skate
• After School Activities
• School Days Out Trips
• Safety Awareness and Self Defense
Volunteers for Adapted Programs
Volunteer Bus Drivers
• Senior Exercise
ncou l'�ogranras Er�ing Family Activfty
• Holiday Caroling
• Turkey Shoot
• Punt, Pass, and Kick
• When I 'm in Charge
• Santa's Mailbox
• Pumpkin Patch
• Mounds View Community Theatre
• Holiday Season of Lights Contest
• Ice Skating
• Cross Country Skiing
• Cribbage Tournaments
• Family Excursions
• •
Programs Free or
Low Cost
. Ilalloweemi B000-naiaza Pumpkin Patch
Turkey Shoot , Tennis Directory
(Teams and Adults)
Punt, Pass ex Kick
MV Community Theatre
Lakeside Park Beach
. Ice Skating
Tootling Tots
. Sunrise Seniors Club
. Festival Parade
. Senior Day in the Park
. When I 'm in Charge
. Sommer Playgrounds
. Santa's Mailbox
. Kids Garage Sale
• safety Camp
`;enior Exercise
• • •
We Coffer
These Assets toYouth
4 Opportunity for social interaction.
4 Opportunity to make new friends.
4 Opportunity to learn new skills and interests.
. Supervised activity during times when youth may be other-
wise home alone.
4 Opportunity to have older persons serving as mentors.
4 Opportunity to enhance value system.
4 Opportunity to help others.
•
Intergenerational
• Cribbage Tournaments --- young and old alike competing.
• Holiday Caroling ---- a family activity.
• Mounds View Community Theatre -- teens to retirees
working together in many positions from crew to cast.
• Turkey Shoot --- parents and grandparents with children par-
ticipate.
• Festival in the Park -- many generations not only attend
this event but help plan it as well.
• Tennis Directory -- this program introduces people of differ-
ent ages to other tennis players.
• Trips (Grandparents/paleflts/clljldrel)) -- several outings
a year give parents, grandparents and children opportunities to
attend plays and activities at a low "group" cost.
• • •
Non -Traditional Recreation
• Red Cross Babysitting • First Aid/CPR Instruction
.:lasses
• Pre-school Programs and
• INhen I 'm in Charge Trips
• Safety Camp • Snowmobile Safety
• Kids Garage Sale • Self Defense and Safety
Awareness
• WIC Program Participation
• Senior Exercise
• • •
Opportunities to
Others
• Community Service Projects -- provides opportunities for individu-
als to complete their court ordered service to the public.
• Eagle Scout Projects -- provides opportunities for youth to achieve
Eagle Scout status by completing a community project.
• Adopt-A-Park -- helping to maintain neighborhood parks.
• junior Leader Program --- assisting with youth leadership.
p
• Adaptive Bowling --- assisting with special needs bowlers.
P Youth Sports Coaching -- providing role models fory outh in
athletics.
11 Park Patrol --- providing a security presence in the parks.
Loperative/Coflaboratjve Vr
Afterscliool Track with district recre-
5.111)winQbile Safety -- DNR volunteers
atioir departments and school district
Lakeside Park Beach — joint venture
A terSCllOoi AllVg0ins. — School Dis- with City of Spring Lake Park
trict waives school coordinator wages
Festival in the Paric in cooperation
with Mounds View businesses, non-profit orga-
$ jack 'n' Skate School District bus nizations, schools and residents.
ti inn.►portation
Youth Parties —~ volunteers from MV Li-
oness Club help provide supervision.
$diNty Cani — in cooperation with local
service organizations, fire department, and lawMVCT volunteer board coordinates pro-
en fo[cement agencies.
duction with actors and crew provided by com-
munity volunteers.
Adaptive Bowling in cooperation with
Nhw Brighton Recreation Department and spon- Lenior Day in the Park -- Funding pro-
sor eel by MV Lions Club vided by businesses and Lions, Lioness club and
resident volunteers serving.
• Adaptive Rec. Clubs '-- administered by
N'kw Brighton Recreation Dept., bus transporta- WIC provide bus transportation for moth-
ton providedby Mounds View RecreationDept. ers and children to grocery stores.
and with partial funding from School District.
• • •
Lessons Learned front aActiveh Lifestyle
by air Ems l, F'resioknl
llnte,riean 4ssoaioclion for /►e dive, Li fe,s-alks and ri{ne,»
Just what does it mean to live an active lifestyle? Does it mean lifestyle are focused on maximizing their quality (and probably
tint you like to get in 18 holes of golf once a week so that you quantity) of life by conserving their physical being. External
can unwind and knock back a few brewskies; does it mean that conservancy means a caring for the environment.
you i eligiously run that three miles every day at lunch, forsak-
ins; Porkey's Apex so you can keep up your miles? I don't The lesson of persistence is learned through the trials of physical
think so. I believe living an active lifestyle is more than simply activity. As you embark upon an active lifestyle, you begin to
being active; It is more a state of being and doing. learn about your physiological and psychological limits. As you
move from trial to trial, in "victory" and "defeat", you learn
How do you know when you meet someone who lives an active that most limits are self imposed, and that through persistence
lifestyle? Can you tell from the Nikes they are wearing, or by you cin achieve goals you thought unachievable.
their Prince racquet? I suppose you might get a clue from these
external indicators, however living an active lifestyle is much The lesson of tolerance is a lesson hard learned. Those who
more elemental. subscribe to active lifestyles grow into a tolerance for nature,
for others and for themselves. Two benefits of a tolerant
People who live an active lifestyle learn important lessons from attitude are lower levels of personal stress and the ability to
their community with nature, with others and with themselves. build coalitions to accomplish tasks.
Tliese are the lessons of conservancy, persistence and tolerance.
Cuns,Tvancy has both an internal and external focus. Internal An active lifestyle involves a-commitment to a quality way of
cons(rvancy means a caring for the physical self through diet, life. Although the road is challenging, the benefits are great.
exercise and lifestyle management. People who live an active
•
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the Participation Map
. Participation throughout the City is uniform.
. Low income housing areas have amazing participation levels
when you consider their disadvantages including lack of
unds, transportation.
. Their is a relativity regarding participation of adults and par-
ticipation by youth. Youth are much more apt to partici-
pate in recreation of their parents do — family participation
As key.
RECREATION PROGRAMMING AS A CRIME
PREVENTION STRATEGY
Ramsey County has seen the demands on the criminal justice system
increase dramatically in recent years. Of particular concern is
the overcrowding that is taking place in our adult and juvenile
detention centers. To address the immediate issue of
overcrowding and to look at long-term alternatives, the Ramsey
county Board of Commissioners established an ad hoc committee to
discuss current needs and alternatives to incarceration.
The committee consists of staff, community representatives and
other interested parties having diverse backgrounds in the
criminal justice system and crime prevention. One of the
committee members, Dr. Ellen Dickson, is an assistant professor
at Hamline University. She encouraged committee members to
submit proposals for graduate student' s literature research on
public issues.
A team of seven graduate students from the Hamline Master' s of
Public Administration Program enthusiastically took on the
project during the summer session of 1995. The students included
the following:
• Pierrick Ardouin
Nohn Kidau
Laurie Mezera-Kerr
Keith Niemi
Anna Petefish
Patricia Peterson
Robert Rys
Their finding were presented to the Ramsey County Ad Hoc
Alternatives to Incarceration/Major Capital Projects Committee on
September 18 , 1995 . The following is an executive summary.
Please take the time to read through the summary. It is fairly
short and easy reading. It does touch upon recreation needs for
youth at risk and those that are disadvantaged - including
economic hardships.
•
• RECREATION PROGRAMMING AS A CRIME
PREVENTION STRATEGY
Ramsey County has seen the demands on the criminal justice system
increase dramatically in recent years. Of particular concern is
the overcrowding that is taking place in our adult and juvenile
detention centers. To address the immediate issue of
overcrowding and to look at long-term alternatives, the Ramsey
county Board of Commissioners established an ad hoc committee to
discuss current needs and alternatives to incarceration.
The committee consists of staff, community representatives and
other interested parties having diverse backgrounds in the
criminal justice system and crime prevention. One of the
committee members, Dr. Ellen Dickson, is an assistant professor
at Hamline University. She encouraged committee members to
submit proposals for graduate student 's literature research on
public issues.
A team of seven graduate students from the Hamline Master' s of
Public Administration Program enthusiastically took on the
project during the summer session of 1995. The students included
the following:
411
Pierrick Ardouin
Nohn Kidau
Laurie Mezera-Kerr
Keith Niemi
Anna Petefish
Patricia Peterson
Robert Rys
Their finding were presented to the Ramsey County Ad Hoc
Alternatives to Incarceration/Major Capital Projects Committee on
September 18 , 1995 . The following is an executive summary.
Please take the time to read through the summary. It is fairly
short and easy reading. It does touch upon recreation needs for
youth at risk and those that are disadvantaged - including
economic hardships.
•
Recreational Programming
As A Crime Prevention Strategy:
An Analysis of Alternative Approaches
Presented To:
Greg Mack
Vince Gillespie
Jon Gurban
Kevin Finley
• Presented By:
Pierrick Ardouin
Nohn Kidau
Laurie Mezera-Kerr
Keith Niemi
Anna Petefish
Patricia Peterson
Robert Rys
Graduate Students,
Master's of Public Administration Program,
Hamline University
August, 1995
•
•
Contents
Executive Summary
The Issue 1
Problem Context 1
The Minnesota Experience 2
The Value of Recreational Programming 4
Review of Promising Programs 8
Table: Promising Public Initiatives 10
Table: Promising Private Initiatives 11
Program Evaluation 14
Develop Diverse Strategies 15
0 Clarify and Operationalize Goals 16
Create Healthy Communities 17
Case Studies: Successful Recreational Programs 18
Winton Hills Teen Violence Prevention 18
City Streets: At Risk Youth Division, Phoenix 20
STARS Program, Ft. Meyers, Florida 21
The Recreation Professional 22
Educational Needs 23
Accreditation 23
Policy Alternatives 24
Additional Recommendations 25
References i
•
•
Executive Summary
The Issue
The issue addressed in this analysis is, "Can constructive recreational
programming be an effective crime prevention strategy for Ramsey County?"
Problem Context
The primary concern of most Americans is not unemployment or economic well-
being, but crime (The Trust for Public Land, 1994). Of particular concern is the rising
level of juvenile crime, a trend that is projected to worsen as the number of young
people between the ages 14 and 17 continues to increase over the next decade
(Wilson, 1994).
The traditional approach to controlling crime--incarceration--has not stemmed
burgeoning juvenile crime rates. The enormous cost of imprisoning juvenile offenders
has renewed interest in alternative approaches. One promising approach is the use of •
recreational programming to deter criminal behavior by providing organized
recreational opportunities. Although it has not yet been conclusively demonstrated
that participation in recreational activities prevents juvenile delinquency, it is generally
accepted that involvement in wholesome recreational programs can serve as a
primary element of prevention (Smith, 1991).
This analysis examines the use of recreational programming to deter juvenile
crime. In addition to identification of 30 promising public and private recreation-based
programs throughout the country, the analysis highlights three highly successful
programs in Phoenix, Cincinnati, and Fort Meyers. A recurring theme throughout the
analysis, however, is that.the "greatest potential for prevention lies not in any single
program... but in a comprehensive, community-driven continuum of programs"
(Mendel, 1995).
Policy Alternatives
The cost of doing nothing is already clear. According to James Sharpe, mayor
of Newark, New Jersey and president of the National League of Cities, "We are going
to recreate or we are going to incarcerate. The choice is ours. We cannot afford to
put a cop on every corner and we can't build a jail cell for every youthful offender'
(The Trust for Public Land, 1994). •
0
2
There are several policy approaches for increasing the use of recreational
programming to prevent or decrease juvenile crime in Ramsey County. These
initiatives are not mutually exclusive and include:
• Incrementally increasing available recreational opportunities in Ramsey
County.
• Surveying the target population to determine its programming preferences.
• Developing an administrative structure that involves youth in programming
decisions in metropolitan parks and recreation departments.
• Defining and evaluating existing programs to determine their effectiveness;
. then, replicating the most successful programs at a variety of sites.
• Developing a comprehensive plan for recreational programming that
acknowledges the developmental, social, and educational needs of Ramsey
County's preadolescent and adolescent population.
• Developing collaborative initiatives with other organizations serving this
population. Metropolitan parks and recreation departments could be the lead
agencies coordinating a variety of programs.
•
The Issue
The issue to be addressed in this analysis is, "Is constructive recreational
programming an effective crime prevention strategy for Ramsey County?"
In examining this issue, the project team reviewed 30 promising recreational programs
targeting at-risk youth in cities and towns throughout the country. Additionally, three
model programs in Phoenix, Cincinnati, and Fort Meyers are highlighted. After
analyzing case studies, reviewing research findings, and examining relevant articles
and books, we concur with Smith's observation that, although it has not yet been
conclusively demonstrated that participation in recreational activities prevents juvenile •
delinquency, it is generally accepted that recreational programming can serve as a
primary element of prevention (Smith, 1991).
Problem Context
The primary concern of most Americans is not unemployment or economic well
being, but crime (The Trust for Public Land, 1994). Many politicians have responded
to this concern by increasing expenditures for additional police officers, more jails and
more prisons. Increasingly, the approach to crime has been concentrated on
incarceration with limits on parole and probation (Mendel, 1995). The result? The
prison population has doubled since 1980 and crime has not gone away (Mendel,
1995).
•
2.
Of particular concern is the level of youth violence. Between 1983 and 1992,
the number of juveniles arrested for murder increased 128% (Majority Staff, Senate
Judiciary Committee, 1994). Additionally, the number of children arrested for carrying
or possessing weapons increased by 66% in the five-year period between 1988 and
1992.
The reality of juvenile crime is that relatively few young people are responsible
for the majority of the crimes committed. According to a recent report from the U.S.
Department of Justice (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention), 6
percent of adolescents are responsible for two-thirds of juvenile crime (Mendel, 1995).
The report also noted that persons between the ages of 10 and 20 years old
accounted for 40 percent of the arrests for serious crimes (Mendel, 1995).
Because violent criminal activity occurs "disproportionately among the young ... and
the major threat to public safety is posed by a tiny minority of individuals", Mendel
(1995) concluded that a successful crime prevention strategy would include both the
incapacitation of serious offenders and the development of programs that would
prevent juveniles from lapsing into criminal activity.
The Minnesota Experience
According to a recent poll taken by the Pioneer Press and KARE 11,
Minnesotans share this national concern about crime (Coffman, 1994). Moreover,
tougher sentencing guidelines and massive increases in corrections spending have not
• allayed these fears. Although Minnesota continues to have the third-lowest prison
•
3.
operating costs of any state in the country, the Department of Corrections budget
increased 23 percent between 1983 and 1991.
Juvenile crime is also a major concern in Minnesota. In 1993, 15 to 19 year
olds had the highest arrest rate; while 10 to 14 year olds and 20 to 24 year olds had
the second and third highest arrest rates (Storkamp, 1993). In that year, there were
207 arrests for homicides in the state; 56 percent of those arrested for homicide were
in the 10 to 24 year age category (Storkamp, 1993). Because the number of persons
in the 10 to 24 year age range is projected to increase in the next decade,
Minnesotans will likely be faced with a growing juvenile crime rate within the next
ill
decade (Storkamp, 1993).
Minnesota's top corrections professionals support a broad approach to crime
prevention. Frank Jordon, Commissioner of Public Safety, noted that "we need to
incarcerate the people who have proven to be a menace to society, but we also need
to be careful about getting into the situation where we're just using prisons ...to avoid
more significant problems': (Thomma, 1994). Frank Wood, Commissioner of
Corrections has also questioned the wisdom of the get-tough approach to crime and
has stated his preference for spending on preventive programs, rather than on
expensive jail cells (Thomma, 1994). St. Paul police officers demonstrated their
support for recreational programming by volunteering to assist with that city's midnight
basketball program (Bonner, 1990).
411
4.
Minnesota's elected officials, however, continue to debate the value of
preventive programs such as recreational programming. Representative Bruce Vento
is a strong supporter of preventive initiatives focusing on recreation. According to
Vento, "Urban recreation and sports programs are a proven, common sense, and cost-
effective means of preventing crime and delinquency" (Trust for Public Land, 1994).
In contrast, Senator Rod Grams has called recreational programming "political pork
barrel...and wasteful spending" (Guthrie, 1994).
The Value of Recreational Proaramminq
Community recreation services provide enjoyable, interesting and challenging
• recreation opportunities that "enhance the well-being and healthy development of
participants and enrich community life" (Smith, 1991, p. 21). According to a 1991
Office of Technology Assessment Report on Adolescent Health, the participatory value
of organized recreation includes:
Appropriate use of discretionary time; potential for adult guidance;
possible reduction of subjective distress; opportunities for learning life skills and
social competence;.opportunities to work; and possible reduction in substance
abuse, especially among disadvantaged youth (Smith, 1991, p. 23).
Although it has not been conclusively demonstrated that participation in
recreational programs prevents juvenile delinquency, it is generally accepted that
involvement in wholesome recreational programs can serve as a primary element of
• prevention (Smith, 1991). Smith also noted that adolescent needs for thrills,
5.
1
excitement, and high-risk adventure can either be met by antisocial activities or
participation in recreational activities that require strenuous physical involvement and
mental challenge.
Home Alone. One of the problems facing today's adolescent is the result of the
growing number of single-parent and dual-income households. Simply put,
adolescents have too much unstructured and unsupervised time. According to the
Carnegie Corporation (1992), 40 percent of an adolescent's waking hours are
discretionary; much of this time is spent without companionship or supervision. In a
recent study, Smith (1991) found that, when adult supervision was not present, levels
of teen violence, depression, and pregnancy increased. Additionally, unsupervised
•
adolescents were more susceptible to peer pressure and anti-social behaviors. The
author also noted that children who are left alone for two or three hours each day
experience more fear, worry, boredom and loneliness and had a diminished level of
performance in school. Recreational programming can provide structured, supervised
activities, thereby reducing the negative impacts of too much time alone.
Recreational Programming and At-risk Youth. Recreational programming for
at-risk youth (defined as those having some degree of contact with the juvenile justice
system or social services related to juvenile delinquency) can play an important role in
the prevention of marginally deviant behavior. Recreational programming can provide
constructive alternatives to gang activities and other destructive behaviors by providing
a place to go, a place to belong, and supportive adult role models (Trust for the Public
•
6.
Land, 1994). Recreation programs can also provide the initial contact for other
social services, including training and education programs, counseling services, and
drug and alcohol abuse programs.
Role of Recreational Programming. Constructive recreational programming is
not a panacea, however. According to Mendel,
"The most successful of prevention programs do not fit neatly into a
single program category. In fact, many experts believe that the greatest
potential for prevention lies not in any single program, multidimensional or
otherwise, but in a comprehensive, community-driven continuum of programs."
• (Mendel, 1995, p. 17).
Constructive recreational programming will not succeed in preventing juvenile crime if
it works alone. Particularly when working with at-risk youth, the two most critical
components that have been identified are the presence of an attentive adult and a
multi-agency approach to providing services (Smith, 1991). What is needed is a
system of coherent long-term youth development opportunities. (Mendel, 1995).
Recreational programs based on the philosophy "that youth are a resource to
be developed, rather than a problem to be managed" are most likely to be successful
(Smith, 1991, p. 11). Treanor (1988) decried what he called the "theory of youth
deviance"; the idea that youth, particularly those from low-income households, "are
either deviant or potentially deviant" (Treanor, 1988, p. 9). According to Treanor, this
• has resulted in a local government focus on programs that promise to combat some
•
7.
deviancy (for example, drug use, vandalism or crime) rather than on programs that
help teens meet a broad range of needs. Providing a range of coordinated services
for today's youth certainly lacks the "sizzle" of the latest youth crisis, but it does mean
"building a range of formal and informal structures that surround, encourage, and
protect young individuals and their families" (Carnegie Corporation, 1992, p.36).
These structures offer participation in organized groups and teams, interaction with
adult and youth mentors, opportunities to apply academic skills and interests, and
development of potential work roles (Carnegie Corporation, 1992).
•
•
•
8.
Review of Promising Programs
This section provides an overview of 30 recreation-based programs selected
from among 270 youth programs implemented to address the youth crime issue
throughout the country and considered as "promising" by the National Crime and
Justice Reference Service.( A complete listing of programs is included in Appendices
1. 1 and 1.2). These crime prevention initiatives are broken into subcategories: Table
1 lists 24 promising public initiatives and Table 2 lists 6 privately-sponsored programs.
Types of Programs
The promising public initiatives (Table 1) are primarily sponsored by the U.S.
•
government through programs sponsored by a variety of Departments, including of
Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, Health and Human Services, and
Justice. Lower levels of governments tend to collaborate in these programs, rather
than to initiate them. In fact, whether public or private, promising initiatives usually
involve cooperation between a primary sponsor and a secondary sponsor, as shown
by Tables 1 and 2.
According to Roth (1995), controlling violence through prevention requires
"sustained, integrated efforts by criminal justice, social service, [and] community-based
organizations" (p.1) as well as evaluation researchers. Roth (1995) further noted that
existing program evaluations are not yet conclusive enough to warrant a commitment
• to any single violence control strategy. The author concluded that cooperation
•
9.
between justice agencies, schools, and public health, emergency medicine, social
service agencies, and community based organizations is definitely "needed in specific
problem solving initiatives to systematically test and refine promising violence
prevention tactics" (Roth, 1995, p.16).
Given the complexity of the problems facing American society, crime prevention
is no longer an primarily a law enforcement responsibility; rather, it is a community
accomplishment requiring the collaboration of many agencies, groups, and individuals,
including the police (Working as Partners, 1994). This crucial partnership between law
enforcement agencies and other governments or private organizations can be
beneficial to both groups . On one hand, "law enforcement expertise can be especially
useful to groups concerned with problems of personal safety, residential security, or
crime in the neighborhood" (Working as Partners, 1994, p.2). On the other hand,
participating in recreational activities enables police officers to know, and be known
by, young people before they get into trouble with the law (Partnerships to Prevent
Youth Violence, 1994) .
Tables 1 and 2 show that recreation-based programs use a variety of strategies
to meet a number of objectives. In addition to addressing the problem of violence in
general, these programs focus on objectives relative to the prevention of substance
abuse, conflict resolution, gang involvement, sexual activity, and school dropouts.
Goals in these areas tend to be reached through a combination of activities, including
sports, arts, recreation, mentoring, academic, and life skills training.
,ble 1 : Promis Public Initiatives , •
ee appendix 1 for program details)
Govt. Program's Name Program Target Population Setting Collabo-
Level Sponsor Type Age Average Characteristics ration
US Department of Housing The Albany Housing Authority Sports/Recreation 5- 18 Public housing facilities and Yes I
and Urban Development Youth Sports and Education Boys and Girls Clubs
Program
F US Department of health and Broader Urban Involvement and Alternatives to gang involvement through:-mentoring At-risk youth Streets and schools in Chicago Nu
Human Services Leaderships Development(Build) -sports/recreation
E US Department of Agriculture Coalition fur After School Care Drug,sexual activity,school dropout prevention 9-13 N a t i v e Northeastern Oklahoma Yes
for High Risk Indian Youth through: Americans
-education
-recreation
[) US D eparunent of Housing Comprehensive Youth Sports Drug deterrence through: 5-17 Youths living in Public housing in Dade No
and Urbarl Development Prograrn -arts public housing County(Florida)
-spans/recreation
E US Department of Agriculture Camden Youth at-risk Growlab Violence prevention through: 5-14 At-risk youth Classrooms and community Ycs
Program -sports/recreation youth organizations in
-activities:gardening Camden
it Federal grants Gang Prevention and Intervention Prevention of gang development through: - Al-risk youth Nationwide No
Program activities(singing,rap groups) -Gang members
A US Department of Housing Hoops against Drugs Drug abuse education through: 10-18 Public housing project in Nu
and Urban Development spurts/recreation Elgin,Illinois
L US Department of Agriculture Kid Connection Child care emphasizing: 7-I I At-risk youths Lincoln County,Oregon Yes
sports/re:rcation/arts
US Department of Agriculture Knox County 4-Il School Age Child care with: 5-12 At-risk youths Elementary school in Mount Ycs
Prograrn -elementary school education and their family Vernon,Ohio
-sports/recreation
US Devilment nlent of Agriculture Kids'leant Alter school child care emphasizing: 5-12 At-risk youth 3rd Congressional District, Ycs
-community involvement Nebraska
-mentoring
-recreation activity
F US Department of Apiculture ON'1'll 4.11 Challenge Program Youth sports recreation Program 10-19
Youth Camps Nu
E US Dcpanment of Noosing Opportunity for Youth Spurts/recreation
10-19 Low-income SpittlehousingckARevclupments Yes
and Urbao Development Enriehnient'Ihruugh Spurn
youth in Little Ruck,AR
D US Department of(lousing Rocky Boy Youth Spurts Substance abuse prevention through: 5.21 N a I i v e -Rocky Boy reservation Ycs
and Urban Development Program recreation/spurts/arts
Americans Schools
E US Department of Noosing Spirit of the Eagle Drug education and prevention through: 5- 10 N a i i v e - Silea,Oregon No
and Urban Development sports/recreation
Americans
R US Department of Housing Summer Alternatives and Back- Substance abuse and gang prevention through: 10-16 At-risk male Boys Clubs in Little Rock, Yes
and Urban Development to-school Fun Fest summer activities AR
r
A US Dcpanment of Justice Trenton Weed and Seed/Sale Violence prevention through: all ages g Community meetings yes
Heaven Program cuuuuunity based academic and life-skills training
L US Department of Health and The Waukegan Housing Sports/Recreation/Arts 7•I8 At-risk youth in Sports clubs
H4ntan Services Authority Youth Sports Club Yes
public housing
Program
r
US Department of Housing Youth in Action against Drugs Drug abuse prevention through: 4-17 Youth Various locations
and Urban Development Yes
P sports/recreation/arts
US Department of Housing Youth Sports and Culture Drug abuse prevention through: 6-25 Low income Public housing in Tanipa Yes
and Urban Development Program sports/recreation/arts activities youth
Stale Alabama Depanment of Alternatives for all Seasons -Sports/Recreation 5-21 At-risk youth Public Housing project in Ycs
education -Mentoring
Auburn
i
State and City Vision Quest National •Spurts/Recreation 12-18 At-risk youth Centers located in AZ,CA,
Yes
Experimental learning FL,PA,TX
Local City The Mayor's Youth Initiative Violence prevention through recreational activities Youths and their Multiple location sand their No
Office
family family in Washington,DC
Muscogcen County Drug Free Music:Learning about Ourselves Substance abuse prevention and conflict resolution Youth, health Multiple locations in Yes
Schools through the Arts c a r e Washington,DC
professional,
teachers
Police Department Bowling with Badges Police-community enhancement through: 9-13 At-risk youth Various locations in Midwest n/a
sports/recreation City,Oklahoma
ible 2: Promii' r Private Initiatives • •
ee appendix 1.z. for program details)
Primary Program's Program Target Population Setting
Sponsor Name Type Age Characteristis
Average (s)
Individuals Boys and Girls of America Drug, alcohol abuse, and teen Disadvantaged Nationwide
n cooperation with: pregnancy prevention through: at-risk youth
• foundations - sports /recreation
• businesses - life skills training
Federal Agencies
W. K. Kellogg Foundation + Challengers Boys and Girls Club Self help, educational/career 6 -17 - At-risk youth Community center clubs in 1.( m
public grants development and employment -Juvenile Angeles, CA
private donations through: offenders
- sports/ recreation
- health/hygiene, outdoor, and
• environmental education
_oundation Grants + Illusion Theater Sexual Abuse, violence and Young Schools and community settings
Federal Grants sexual harassment prevention children, nationwide
Fees for performance through: adolescents,
arts program adults
:alifornia Wellness The Indochinese Mutual Violence prevention through : Asian youth, The Indochinese communities of
7oundation Violence Prevention Assistance Association of San arts parents, and East San Diego, CA
nitiative Diego (1MAA) other adults
'alifornia Wellness Pomona Valley Center for - Mentoring High school At-risk youths Various locations in Pomona,
'oundation Violence Prevention Community Development - Sports/ Recreation youths CA
nitiative (PVCCD) - Other community services
n cooperation with:
local government agencies
religious organizations
community organizations
Jnited Way of Chicago + Youth guidance School dropouts At-risk inner Schools in Chicago, Illinois
government contracts city youths and
foundations their families
13.
Few of the programs examined target the population at large; rather,
they generally focus on youths between the ages of 5 and 21. Some of them
are even restricted to children between 5 and 10 while target adolescents
between 10 and 18, even though "youth tend to stop attending organized
recreation programs between the ages of 13 and 16" (Smith, 1991, p.4).
Indeed, such programs are often considered by teenagers as being "too tame,"
"over organized" and "structured too much like school" (Smith, 1991, p.41).
According to Smith (1991), typical programs included before school, after
school, holiday, and summer day camp programs. Whereas most of these •
programs are directed at at-risk youths in general, some of them especially aim
at minorities or low income youth.
Very few programs are implemented nationwide; they are often
administered at the state level, or even more commonly, at the local level in
specific city or county public housing facilities, schools, youth clubs, and other
centers. Smith (1991) pointed out that successful programs are usually
developed by a local initiative to serve unique needs and to utilize resources e
available in the community, with programs evolving as the needs and the
interests of the participants change.
•
14.
Program Evaluation
Almost no information about the measurement of success appears in the
description of the initiatives described in Tables 1.1.,1.2 and the appendices. In
the literature, the question of evaluation is very often just skimmed over or not
mentioned at all (Witt, Compton, and Baker,1995).
There are several reasons for the lack of solid outcomes information.
Cyndi Hansel, Legislative Associate and Children's Policy Coordinator at the
National Parks and Recreation Association, recently pointed out that "many
recreation-based programs targeting crime tend to be recent. Therefore, very
40often their evaluation hasn't started yet or is in process" (Hansel, personal
communication, 1995). Secondly, research in the area of community
recreation services for at-risk youth has been very limited (Smith, 1991). As
Smith (1991) noted, even when some research is carried out, study findings are
sometimes not reported. Jones' 1991 study of the effects of teenagers'
participation in a summer day camp program on youth living in two public
housing projects-- which demonstrated the positive benefits of programs in
terms of increased self-esteem, physical self-image improvement, and
decreased anxiety--was not published (Smith, 1991).
Even when measures of effectiveness seemo
t statistically link positive
results, such as a change of behavior of the participants in a Nashville.
• Tennessee program (Grant and Bufford, 1994), a substantial reduction in
15. 0
juvenile crime in a Phoenix program (Recreation Fights Crime, 1994), or
decreases in the number of kids on the streets during the programs take place
(Smith, 1991), only short-term positive results are taken into account. Thus,
these programs' long-term impacts on the crime rate are not known.
Develop Diverse Strategies
The knowledge base for formulating crime prevention strategies at the
social and community level is still limited. As Roth (1995) noted, many
important policy questions cannot be answered today because of certain basic
limitations in systems for gathering information on crime and prevention.
Proving that recreation-based programs have a direct positive impact on the
•
crime rate, for instance, remains difficult, or even impossible. Nevertheless, it is
reasonable to assume that some intervention might prevent some crimes. Roth
(1995) pointed out that, not only were evaluations of interventions at the social
and community level scarce, but also that existing program evaluations were
not conclusive enough to warrant a national commitment to any single strategy.
Consequently, Roth (1995) recommended that crime prevention policy
should be diversified through small investments in testing many strategies,
rather than a major commitment to nationwide implementation of one or two
programs. Roth also maintained that
interventions that succeed in one setting sometimes fail in another
because of the unintended consequences of interactions that are poorly
•
16.
understood... While some strategies will doubtless prove more effective
than others, the diversity of violent events guarantees that no single
strategy will prevent more than a small fraction of them. For these
reasons, 'diversified' investments in many small-scale but sustained
problem-solving initiatives are needed (Roth, 1995, p.11).
Regarding this need for diverse programming, Roth argued that each problem-
solving initiative should focus on a specific source of violence or crime and be
tested, evaluated, and refined.
Clarify and Operationalize Goals
• In view of the growing emphasis on accountability, Witt, Compton, and
Baker (1995) counselled caution in the use of past evaluations which use
measures such as head counts of participants, anecdotal evidence or solicited
testimonials from participants, and statements by police indicating that crime
declined after program initiation. The authors suggested that Parks and
Recreation Departments focus on:
(a). establishing clear program goals;
(b). designing programs aimed at achieving these goals; and
(c) formulating qualitative and quantitative evaluation plans to assess
how the goals have been met.
These evaluations should include outcome evaluations to determine changes in
• specific behaviors, abilities or attitudes as well as process evaluations of
•
program goals, content, leadership, mana17.gement, and facilities to determine the
match between desired program characteristics and actual program operation.
Create Healthy Communities
The value of recreational programming for children and adolescents is
supported by the findings of the Search Institute, a non-profit research and
education group. Blyth and Roehlkepartain (1993) analyzed the nation's
healthiest communities (defined as those communities where only a small
minority of youth engage in high-risk behaviors) and concluded that the level of
youth involvement in community organizations had the greatest impact on
community health. The authors found that communities where a majority of
youth were involved in structured recreational activities were considerably •
healthier than communities where few young persons were involved in
organized activities, or where few recreational activities were available.
Peter Benson (1993), a researcher at the Search Institute, concluded
that the development of healthy adolescents requires the support, involvement,
and cooperation of family, school, and community organizations. Benson
(1993) identified certain attributes --which he termed "assets"-- that protect
youth from at-risk behaviors and are strongly correlated with healthy
communities. Based on Benson's model, parks and recreation programs can
provide the following assets needed to develop healthy youth: support, control,
structured time use, educational commitment, positive values, and social
•
18.
competence. These asset types provide a set of criteria that can be used to
evaluate successful parks and recreation programs.
Case Studies: Successful Recreational Programs
Although a multitude of programs designed for at risk youth are in
operation throughout the country, it is extremely difficult to find programs that
can provide conclusive date demonstrating successful results. This analysis,
however, identified three cities that have a reputation for successful parks and
• recreations programs: Cincinnati, Ohio; Phoenix, Arizona; and Fort Meyers,
Florida. These cities have programs that have received national attention for
successfully helping at-risk youth.
The programs were evaluated for this analysis using criteria developed
by the Search Institute and previously described in this report. Each of the
three programs provided the opportunity for participating youth to develop the
following assets: structured time use, control, support, and social competency.
Winton Hills Teen Violence Prevention Program
According to Mr. Wayne Bain, director of the Cincinnati Recreation
Commission, the Winton Hills community in Cincinnati, Ohio has experienced
serious problems with drug related violence (Bain, personal communication,
• 1995). About 69.5% of the Winton Hills population has an income below the
19. •
poverty line and 88% of the residents belong to minority groups. Within the
community, there are numerous subsidized housing units which are managed
by the metropolitan housing authority. Poor living conditions along with poverty
and a general loss of hope are prevalent among its residents.
As a result of a number of violent incidents in Winton Hills, the Mayor of
Cincinnati and the city council appropriated $ 50,000 in emergency aid to
establish recreational programming in the community as a remedy against the
growing violence. Groups involved in the effort included a variety of public and
nonprofit agencies as well as the police department, churches, volunteers, and
teenagers.
The local community center was the focal point for the programs, which
targeted youth and young adults age 13 - 21. The center's hours were
expanded, a girls' basketball and skills development camp were funded; and
other activities such as football, a community reunion, block party, midnight
basketball, and girls' drill team were established. Additionally, field trips,
sewing, boxing, skating parties, drug awareness and tutoring programs were
instituted. Social service agencies and the Health Department provided staff
for a number of the programs. The Housing Authority helped by operating a
midnight basketball program where 350 youth participated, and the Cincinnati
Police Department assisted by having more officers walking beats and visiting
the community center. According to the National Parks and Recreation .
•
20.
Administration (1994), these efforts resulted in a 24% reduction in criminal
incidents in the thirteen week period following the initiation of programs.
City Streets/ At-risk Youth Division, Phoenix. Arizona
The City Streets/At-risk Youth Division of Phoenix centralized
department youth programming into one entity in order to provide for better
coordination among a multitude of programs. Phoenix recreational programs
have had a measurable effect on youth crime. According to the Phoenix
Police Department, the number of telephone complaints reporting juvenile
criminal behavior decreased by 52% when evening recreational programs were
• implemented (St. Paul City Council Research, 1995). With over 170,000
participants and an average cost of 60 cents per participant, the program is
also considered a bargain (Trust for the Public Land, 1994).
According to Cynthia Peters, administrator for the At-risk Youth Division
(interview, 1995), one unique and effective program initiated by the division--the
X Tattoo Program--grew out of a serious gang problem in the city. A 1990
study estimated that 3,800 children in the Phoenix area belonged to one of
more than 140 gangs. The X Tattoo Program, a pilot project of the Phoenix
Parks, Recreation and Library department, provides for laser removal of gang-
oriented tattoos, which can pose a problem with employers and put former gang
members at risk for reprisals from enemy gangs. The program also provides
gang refusal training and career counselling to participants. So far, 75 youth
have entered the program, and 60 are on a waiting list.
•
STARS Program, Ft. Meyers, Florida 21.
In response to burgeoning crime and violence, the city of Ft. Meyers
used city and HUD funding to develop a comprehensive program aimed at
amelioration of the problem by providing assistance to at-risk youth. The
program, Success Through Academic and Recreational Support (STARS),
targets youth ages 11 - 14 as well as their families.
Supported by numerous area organizations and based around a new,
$4.5 million recreation center in the minority neighborhood, the STARS program
features a wide variety of programs ranging from Little League and athletic
activities, to instruction in the arts and computers, to tutoring in basic skills, to
drug treatment. One feature of the program is the Youth Enrichment Corps •
initiated by the city Police Department to employ and train youths 16 - 20 while
working on community projects. According to Nancy Campbell, director of the
Ft. Meyers Parks and Recreation department (personal communication, 1995),
since starting the program in 1991, the city has experienced nearly a 27
percent decrease in violent crimes caused by youth. Campbell estimated that
programming costs for the STARS program averaged $158.00 per participant,
per year.
The foregoing examples demonstrate that it is possible to make headway
against the rising tide of youth crime and violence. Creativity, sensitivity, and a
broad base of involvement seem to be key to success in these programs. •
• 22.
The Recreation Professional
Successful recreational programs also need adequately trained
professional staff to deal with the diverse needs and characteristics of the
populations they serve. McLaughlin and Irby (1994) described recreation
professionals as:
...individuals who make the system work despite itself. They are
not careerist in the conventional sense of the word, but they are
passionate advocates for young people. They are not bureaucrats
guided by routines, for they lead and manage simultaneously, guided by
•
the needs, interests, and ever changing realities that face theoun
Y 9
people they serve.
Ringer (1994) further noted that the recreation professional must be a skilled
outdoor practitioner, limit setter/safety supervisor, enthusiastic adventurer,
instructor/coach, group facilitator and expert communicator. Smith (1991)
identified five areas that the recreation provider must be knowledgeable about:
"the cognitive, social, physical, and developmental characteristics of youth; the
design and implementation of age-appropriate activities; age-appropriate
discipline practices, before and after school care needs, and the influences of
peers and the media on the values and behaviors of youth (p. 61)".
•
23.
Educational Needs. The wide range of competencies required by the
recreational provider has led to a trend toward preparing adaptable generalists
rather than specialists. Because the field is changing rapidly, recreation
professionals must engage in continuing education throughout their careers.
Accreditation. The recreation profession has implemented credential
standards to ensure that practitioners are competent. In 1974, the National
Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) and the American Association for
Leisure and Recreation (AALR) initiated the Council on Accreditation, which
sets the standards for college curricula specializing in the field of recreation.
Colleges may seek accreditation for programs in the following areas: leisure
services management, natural resources recreation management,
leisure/recreation program delivery, and therapeutic recreation. According to
Henderson (1993), 88 programs in the nation's colleges and universities have
received accreditation from the NRPA/AALR Council. Universities with
accredited programs located in or near the Minneapolis/St.Paul metropolitan
area include: the University of Minnesota; Mankato State University; the
University of Northern Iowa; the University of Iowa; and the University of
4111/
Wisconsin, LaCrosse. The Certified Leisure Professional (CLP) examination,
implemented in 1991, requires initial testing and recertification every two years •
•
.0
24.
Policy Alternatives
This analysis identified several policy approaches for increasing the use
of recreational programming to prevent or decrease juvenile crime in Ramsey
County. These initiatives are not mutually exclusive and include:
• Incrementally increasing available recreational opportunities in Ramsey
County.
• Surveying target populations to determine programming preferences.
• Developing an administrative structure that involves youth in
programming decisions in metropolitan parks and recreation
• departments.
• Defining and evaluating existing programs to determine their
effectiveness; then, replicating the most successful programs at a variety
of sites.
• Developing a comprehensive plan for recreational programming that
acknowledges the developmental, social, and education needs of
Ramsey County's preadolescent and adolescent population.
• Developing collaborative initiatives with other organizations serving this
population. Metropolitan parks and recreation programs could be the
lead agencies coordinating a variety of programs.
•
25. •
Additional Recommendations
Education is at the heart of the debate over the merits of recreational
programming. Leading experts in the field of recreational programming suggest
that public officials must be educated about the developmental needs of
children and adolescents to enable them to understand the benefits of a
comprehensive, seamless approach to the whole child. Treanor (1988) also
noted that administrators of federal programs need to focus on long-term
objectives, rather than objectives that simply respond to the short-term crisis of
the day.
Smith (1991) further noted that public officials must be shown that
recreational programming is a good investment and that recreational services
can prevent other expenditures in the management and control of negative
behaviors. While Smith acknowledged that the reality of financial cut-backs at
the local level might require fee-based services, the author also pointed out that
local governments must subsidize those who are economically disadvantaged
to ensure access to services. Smith recommended the implementation of
collaborative efforts between federal, state and local entities and suggested that
•
county and state governments be encouraged to locate recreational facilities in
the proximity of other programs and service deliverers.
•
• References
Albany Youth Sports and Education Program [on-line] (1-2). (1994, October 27).
gopher://cyfer.esusda.gov:70/77/index/pavprog?recreation programs
Alternatives for All Seasons [on-line] (1-2). (1994, October 27). go-
pher://cyfer.esusda.gov:70/77/index/pavprog?recreation programs
Baccalaureate programs accredited by the NRPA/AALR Council of Accredition.
(1994). Parks and Recreation. 90-93.
Barfield, D. (February 6, 1994). Mid-size cities confront growing youth violence:
problem not confined to big urban areas. Pioneer Press, 9A.
Benson, P. (1993). The troubled journey: A portrait of 6th-12th grade youth
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