Current trends in park maintenance are overviewed, including maintenance impact statements, avoidance of cost through efficient use and national resource conservation, horticultural accomplishments that influence maintenance management, and vandalism prevention. (CB)

The Parcourse Fitness Circuit is a walking, jogging, or running course with 18 exercise stations. The course's popularity stems from its diversity and its ability to be used by people at various levels of physical fitness. Physically disabled persons can use various exercise stations, depending on the specific disability. (CJ)

Designed for the handicapped, Will-A-Way Recreation Area in Fort Yargo State Park at Winder (Georgia) contains a day use area, cottages, and a group camp. Accessibility features were incorporated in 17 design aspects, including flooring, windows, toilets, showers, walks, lighting, games, equipment, and the beach area and fishing bridge. (RW)

Describes the concept behind the rail-to-trails movement; the history, process and problems of converting abandoned railroad beds to bike and walking paths. Introduces the concept and trend of ergo, or linear parks, corridors, and greenways to meet the increasing need for public access to land for recreational purposes. (MCO)

Recognizing the need for a nationally coordinated effort to reduce playground injuries, the National Program for Playground Safety was created in 1995. This package of materials contains a booklet describing the national action plan for the prevention of playground injuries and accompanying supporting materials. The program booklet, designed for…

This article describes a number of privately operated theme parks, explains why the parks have been successful, and looks at career opportunities for leisure professionals in this expanding area. Implications for recreation education are pointed out, and names and addresses of major companies in the theme park business are provided. (PP)

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)

Summaries of papers given at a regional training institute on parks and recreation facilities, programs, amd objectives are presented. The purposes of the institute were to encourage professionalism among those who work in parks and recreation, to foster interagency cooperation, and to support colleges that train parks and recreation…

Presents Rotary Park in Mesa (Arizona), designed to be accessible to the disabled and developed by the Mesa Rotary Club, the city parks and recreation department, and county and federal agencies. Describes the park's origins, development, and special recreational equipment, including a physical fitness trail and multipurpose playing areas. (RW)

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)

A description is given of design plans for a park to be used by handicapped as well as nonhandicapped children. (JD)

Characteristics of a safe and attractive bike trail are described. (JD)

The "Success Garden" in central Harlem, New York, is an outdoor learning center sponsored by city agencies and civic organizations. School children helped clear the ground and design and build the park. Offers tips for starting a school garden. (MLF)

Summaries are given on conference workshops and sessions on the topics of: (1) computers and their use in parks and leisure service agencies; (2) maintenance; (3) private initiatives in county park systems; (4) community education workshops; (5) trees and shrubs for the urban environment; (6) adjustments to severe fiscal constraints; (7) improving…

This document provides a set of generalized guidelines for the design of units in large family campgrounds. Managers of recreational lands have two responsibilities and goals: to protect the natural resources, and to provide an enjoyable experience for users. With these goals in mind, unique variables to each unit such as shade, site aesthetics,…