Factors leading to the implementation of strategic plans for parks and recreation

Abstract

Strategic planning for parks and recreation (P & R) in municipalities occurs worldwide, but evaluation of the process and content of such planning is scarce. This study evaluated those factors that lead to success in P & R planning in a case study area, the Province of Ontario in Canada. Research revealed the factors required for successful implementation of P & R plans, including 23 factors in planning process; 26 in plan content, 10 in human/implementation, and 13 obstacles to implementation. The research concluded that some of the planning deficiencies found were due to the absence of a coherent provincial policy toward plan development and content. In addition, the research found weakness in the capability of many P & R agencies, and especially those of smaller municipalities to undertake and implement strategic planning. The 71 identified planning factors that play a role in improving plan implementation should be applicable wherever strategic planning for P & R is undertaken.

Keywords:

• parks
• recreation
• strategic planning
• municipal
• evaluation
• tourism

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The support of Larry Ketcheson and many other members of Parks and Recreation Ontario who encouraged municipalities to participate in this study is appreciated. Thanks are due to the many municipal staff who provided information and advice. Thanks are extended to the planning experts who participated: Wendy Donovan (dmA Planning and Management Services), Robert Lockhart (Rethink Group), Jack Harper (Retired Academic and Consultant, University of Manitoba), Fred Galloway (F.J. Galloway Associates Inc.), Mark Inglis (MMM), Shannon Baker (MMM/Ecoplans), Andy Goldie (Recreation Director), Paul Wilkinson (Academic, York University), and Clem Pelot (Clem Pelot Consulting). Anonymous referees provide excellent comments that considerably improved the paper. Will van Hemessen provided comment on an earlier version.