Water-play parks, a relatively new recreational concept, represent an excellent and highly lucrative development opportunity for public parks and recreation departments. Location, site requirements, construction costs, expected revenue return, and activities and facilities appropriate for these parks are discussed. (PP)

Playgrounds should be diverse and flexible so that children have many different opportunities for natural, creative play. Equipment should encourage group activities, challenge children at different levels of development, and enhance physical fitness. Such playgrounds could receive enthusiastic public support. (PP)

The Sport Foundation, Inc. presented awards to municipal park and recreation management for extraordinary service to their respective communities." (AN)

Described are several approaches, used by park and recreation departments, to incorporating the use of computers for administrative purposes. Cost-cutting measures for program implementation and computer maintenance are also described. (CJ)

The budget-cutting implications of Proposition 13 in California make it important that parks and recreation professionals be committed to providing what the public needs through fine management, sensitive programming, and citizen participation in policy formation. (JD)

The growth of the Dalton, Georgia, park and recreation system is attributable to a continuing spirit of harmony among elected officials, lay contributors, community groups, and professional recreation and park personnel. (SK)

Indoor recreational facilities in Fairfax County, Virginia, owe their success to (1) development of comprehensive plans, which take into account site location, community needs, area trends, and financing possibilities, and (2) use of continuous marketing strategies. The centers are self-supporting. Each offers a variety of recreation/sports…

Community advisory committees can enhance park and recreation departments that are determined to remain flexible and keep pace with constituents' needs. Nine guidelines for using these committees are given concerning selection of members, defining the committee role, conducting meetings, and preparing department staff to deal with committees. (PP)

The concept of Adventure Playgrounds, adult-supervised spaces with raw materials which children can use to design their own play areas, is explained. California Adventure Playgrounds at Huntington Beach and Irvine are described. Costs, equipment requirements, and the need for community participation are discussed. (PP)

The park and recreation department of Kettering, Ohio has begun to promote volunteerism both as a way to involve citizens and as an effective way to make money. Benefits include positive attitudes toward programs, cost reductions, and the availability of persons with special, unique skills. (JN)

New recreation forms characterized by controllable danger, excitement, or thrills are increasingly being propelled from the status of rare offerings to mainstream recreation programs. (JD)

Public recreation administrators have often created bland recreational settings because of legislation, policies, and lawsuits. It is time to reintroduce the opportunity for adventurous, professionally managed risk experiences. Safe activities which give children a sense of risk are discussed, and points to be considered when organizing such…

Over 200 county park agencies were surveyed to determine: (1) what kinds of recreational services they provided; (2) the age and origin of visitors; (3) park acreage and its relationship to county population; and (4) the number and type of employees. Implications for the future role of county parks are discussed. (PP)

When community groups assume stewardship of underused properties and turn them into recreational spaces, park agencies can save money on overhead and construction. Three stewardship projects in New York State, involving a playing field, gardening areas, and a historical restoration, are described. Criteria for successful projects are included. (PP)