HomeMy WebLinkAboutJoint RPAC mtg_DD notesNotes from the February 2, 2011
Joint Parks and Recreation Advisory Council and IPWG Meeting
Elements of Successful Partnerships in the Provision of Recreation Services
The group provided these elements: Communication, Trust, Inclusion, Access, Outreach, Win-
Win, and Measurable Outcomes
I. Model Partners: Non-Profits, Religious entities, Businesses, Sports Associations, Arts
and Artist Programs, Government Entities, State, Federal, and Local Rec and Parks groups
II. Re-Aligning the concept of Parks: Expanding the vision and interpretation of land and
community.
III. Examples of Successful Partnerships: Fiesta del Pueblo Road Race, Community
Gardens, Aquatics Center funding, Carrboro/Smith Soccer Field, Artificial Turf project, Special Events
(OC, Carrboro, Chapel Hill with others, Alternative energy opportunities (solar arrays in parks,
composting sites)
Next Steps: Continue exploring, discussing, sharing models of success.
Community Use of Schools
Where are we now?
2009 uniformity approach started form a 2008 Guiding Principles and Recommendations document
that was adopted by Orange County and Municipalities.
At end of year, usage is assessed between the CHCCS School Board, Carrboro and Chapel Hill.
Not enough facilities are available in CHCCS or in OCS. Many programs have waiting lists.
Often facilities are only available late in the evening. (too late for many kids)
Orange County has only one facility contracted for use by OC Parks and Rec
Staff needs to be present from the visiting entity
Consider use of Middle school or elementary school gyms.
Vision:
Astroturf
Identify unused buildings
Parks and Schools coordinate to maximize facility usage.
Strategy:
Astroturf to minimize maintenance
Get agreements from the top first
Bring “heads” together
Organize families and kids to hold “heads” accountable
Partner with the YMCA
Next Steps:
Advisory Boards take recommended next steps to the governing bodies for follow through with a
schools and jurisdictions facilities use agreement.
Governing Bodies request staffs to meet
Each entity knows its respective needs and develops agreements accordingly
Publicize availability of all facilities
Explore opportunities at the university and community college
Plan new schools to include facilities that can also cater to the community at large.
Community Outreach Programming
Attachment
Conduct surveys to find groups that we are missing
Take recreation to underserved communities (mobile)
Educate all population groups about available programs and services:
Send information to schools, churches, clinics, public housing, apartment complexes, hotels,
Orange Literacy Council, youth councils, after-school programs. Include them at major events.
Work on removing barriers:
Provide information in Spanish and other languages
Maximize use of the media
Inform people about available discounts
Provide Transportation
Work with social Services to find those in need.
Athletics Advocacy
Where are we now?
We are without adequate indoor recreation space. Current facility usage is at a maximum.
What is our vision?
The Orange County community is in need of a large gymnasium facility for county-wide use.
Activities in need of space include: basketball, volleyball, badminton, gymnastics, indoor soccer,
indoor walkers (walking track)
What is our Strategy and Next Steps?
Consider existing buildings for future use.
Think outside the box. e.g. Lowe’s, borders, former OC library
Work on the potential Millhouse Rd. multi-use facility
Consider use of outdoor courts
Develop private sponsorships for facilities
Focusing on Friends Groups
Where are we now?
Chapel Hill and Carrboro each have friends groups. Orange County is in the process of starting one.
Hillsborough is also interested in starting one. Bill Webster reported on the development and activities
of the Chapel Hill friends group and Anita Jones-McNair reported on the development and activities of
the Carrboro friends group.
Chapel Hill: Got 501 (c) 3 in the early 90s primarily because people wanted to donate to Parks
and Recreation but it was cumbersome to allocate funds and spend when donations went
straight to the town. Staff members have been very involved in fundraising and management of
the group. They receive about 5-10 K per year in donations, in addition to a large one-time
donation from the estate of Joe Herzenberg. It has been difficult to maintain a board of active
members, but having the 501 (c) 3 has been well worth it, even without an active board. The
group uses the opportunity to write grant applications. Some foundations prefer to give to non-
profits over government groups.
Carrboro: The Carrboro Parks Project has had an active group of 4-6 volunteers for the last
10-12 years. They also have a 501 (c) 3. They have raised funds for a dog park fence and a disc
golf course and are currently working on a community garden project. They work through the
town staff to purchase the needed equipment. While the group has a good relationship with
staff, it works independently. One staff member attends the meetings to stay informed.
Strategies/Next Steps:
Orange County and Hillsborough to continue to learn from other groups.
Allan Green has experience setting up 501(c) 3 and volunteered to help Orange County group
Mobilize interest in the community
Develop specific projects