Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 04/10/1997

Home

in special areas (e.g. bituminous maintenance, road signage, em.). Seek ways to optimize use of available resources by eliminating redundant or non-essential maintenance practices such as plowing uademsed parking areas or moving non-used tuff areas. 1.13 INTERPRIgTIVE AND RECREATION PROGRAMS The Anoka County Pm-ks and Recreation Department should provide quality interpretive and recreational programming focusing on natural resources, cultural history, geology, art, and archaeology of Anoka County and related areas. Such programs should be offered at various locations and in differing formats to best meet the needs of participants. STRATEGIES Promote positive public exposure for the Anoka County Parks and Recreation Deparmaent through the delivery of quality interpretive and recreation pmgram.q. Promote the participation of the public, school districts, and other community groups in program development and implementation. Pursue expanded services and program~ to meet a diverse population. Work to expand awareness of and participation in both environmental education and recreational programs. Examine way*a to move programq into underserved geographic areas (e.g. consider a multi-use program hc~y at Rm River Central Regional Park). Incorporate a collaborative evaluation process of current proglanm, services, and staff; as well as, future needs and expectations. Pursue alternative and additional funding sources. Continue to develop a successful and active volunteer program. 1.14 LIABILITY AND LOSS CONTROL GOAL The Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department should ensure the development and implementation of a liability/risk management plan for all park facilities and features. STRATEGIES In conjunction with the Risk Management Department, perform a thorough risk liability inventory of all park facilities and features. Prioritize identified risks and begin implementing corrective measures using available resources and personnel. Identify financial needs for priority risk liability issues and incorporate those needs into the Parks and Recreation Capital Improvements Program. Provide training and education to department personnel regarding appropriate safety procedures, operational policies, and responses to emergency situations. Train and educate park maintenance personnel on the identification of risks and hazards in parks and recreation and appropriate corrective measures to be Develop an emergency preparedness plan for the parks and recreation system. Develop and implement routine maintenance inspection programs for all park and recreation fac'titles. 1.15 MARKETING AND PUBLICITY The Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department should develop and implement aggressive and constructive marketing plans for program.~ and services. STRATEGIES RecoLmiTe the overall system values and goals. Emphasize the unique qualifies, features and opportunities of the individual system elements. IdentifT the strengths and weakness of Anoka County Parks and Recreation as it relates to the existing facilities offered at other metropolitan park agencies. Util/ze various promotional methods, including public service announcements, print media, radio, television, internal communications, and special events. Target market user groups, such as, families, mature head-of-households, etc. Review and revise marketing programs to determine effectiveness, geographic coverage, and impact. Expand awareness through merchandizing program~, Continually utilize market research and on-going opinion surveys of users.