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Local government officials consider parks and recreation to be important to their community, but so too are many other community services that compete for limited resources. When funds are tight, park and recreation agencies often face the most drastic budget cuts. However, when there is a budgetary surplus, these funds are typically re-established. Communicating how services address community priorities is important, so what are effective ways to advocate officials for investing in parks and recreation?
A recent study conducted by the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society (PRPS) and the Pennsylvania State University surveyed park directors’ opinions regarding funding and effective advocacy strategies. This study examined the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on agencies’ operations and their effective advocacy on behalf of their parks. Researchers also polled local officials to assess what factors corresponded to the importance they placed upon parks and recreation. Findings from the director survey suggested strong support for a two-pronged approach:
- Having one-on-one conversations with officials and providing them with tours of facilities or programs
- Providing compelling evidence with data on use, resident opinions, economic impact and facility quality
Any time you can get an official in to see your facilities, services and constituent use is worthwhile, especially in partnership with compelling data that augment the case for investing further to support community need. Local officials perceive park and recreation services as more important when they address community priorities, when constituents are vocal in their support, when officials have a good working relationship with park staff, and when they or their family personally use local park and recreation facilities and services.
State and local park and recreation agencies have generated support using these strategies. In Pennsylvania, PRPS successfully utilized this research to secure funding on both the statewide and local levels. Pennsylvania’s 2022-2023 budget contains the largest investment for Pennsylvania’s conservation, parks and recreation systems in the past 20 years — nearly $700 million. An additional $100 million in federal American Rescue Plan funding will create a new Outdoor Recreation Program for investments in state park and state forest infrastructure, community parks and recreation centers, trails and greenways, riparian buffers, and other purposes.
“We’re always glad for the opportunity to work with Dr. Mowen and his colleagues [at Pennsylvania State University] to identify valuable new insights into industry trends and perceptions,” says Tim Herd, CEO of PRPS. “The fresh data helps our recreation and park providers become more adept community leaders in the issues that enrich the lives of all Pennsylvanians.”
As you are planning ways to generate support for your agencies, remember that you are not alone, and there are valuable resources at your disposal. These tactics, when employed in advocating for funding support, have tangible benefits. Put these valuable insights to work for you and the communities you serve, and don’t forget to share the strategies that work for you with NRPA and others.
Dr. Andrew Mowen is a Professor in the Recreation, Park and Tourism Management Department at The Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Sammie Powers is an Assistant Professor of Recreation Management at George Mason University. Dr. Nicholas Pitas is an Assistant Professor in the Recreation, Sport and Tourism Department at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Asia Simms is the Park Champions Specialist Intern at NRPA.