A major problem in today's parks and recreation departments is the selection of qualified leaders. The magnitude and quality of recreation programs is apparently directly related to leadership. Information pertaining to present qualifications of recreation leadership is important in selecting or utilizing future recreational leaders.

Thesis (Ed.M.)--Boston University / This study will be conducted 1n order to gain a more comprehensive picture of municipal recreation in the City of Providence. Its purpose is to show the amount of growth over the last nine years by means of the National Recreation Association "Schedule for Appraisal of Community Recreation", in the following areas: I. Land and Water Areas II. Buildings and Indoor Facilities III. Leadership and Personnel IV. Program Service V. Participation and Use VI. Current Expenditures VII. Administration Based on these findings recommendations are to be made.

This study investigated the background and experience of municipal recreation directors in the Southwest District of the United States and compared these qualifications with standards recommended by the National Recreation and Park Association.

With an increased focus on health promotion and chronic disease prevention, municipal recreation centres are becoming predominant places for community members to become physically engaged in a diversity of pursuits (Barnes, Maclean, & Cousens, 2010). Recreation Organizations are increasingly searching for flexibility in programming and staffing (Connelly, Gallagher, & Gilley, 2007; Coyle-Shapiro & Morrow, 2006; Lepak, Takeuchi, & Snell, 2003) and new forms of employee-employer relationships are evolving. One of the most common trends in the provision of recreation services is the use of third parties (contractors) who place their employees with client organizations (municipal recreation centres) on a long-term basis. This study explores the perspectives of four contract recreation service provider employees and their experiences delivering recreation programs at municipal recreation centres. Transcripts were used to illustrate each individual’s perspectives using their own words wherever possible and the four interviews were compared to identify similarities and differences. Three themes emerged from the interviews: focus of commitment, impact of perceived organizational support (POS) and the dynamic with the recreation centre. It was found that contractor’s employees in this type role were generally affectively committed to a variety of aspects of their jobs (the participants in the program, their career and the program/activity itself). Incidents were also identified that influenced POS (organizational policies and procedures and those perceived by the employee). It was also found that interactions with municipal recreation centre staff impacted the employee significantly. Future studies should explore this topic further and specific attention could be given to the working relationship between the contractor employee and the recreation centre. Research should also be conducted from the perspectives of the two other key players in this study: the recreation centre (recreation programmer) and the recreation contract service provider. / Graduate / 0680 / 0523 / 0575

This study investigated the perceptions of administrators of the YMCA and municipal recreation departments in the state of Texas concerning their cooperative relationship in the use of areas and facilities, personnel management, and program planning. A questionnaire was used to obtain their perceptions. Of the 140 questionnaires mailed, ninety-two were returned that were able to be utilized in the study. Their responses were analyzed using the Chi-Square test. The findings revealed a general agreement concerning the lack of cooperation between them. This wat evidenced in that they "never" or "seldom" communicated, consulted with the other, initiated joint sponsorship of programs, or cooperated in the three specified areas of recreational programming.