Management of Recreation Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Management of Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services

• This chapter focuses on management in recreation, parks, and leisure services.
• Learning objectives include defining management, understanding manager characteristics, identifying recreation park, and leisure service manager skills, and differentiating public, non-profit, and commercial organizations.

What is Management?

• Management involves guiding individuals to achieve organizational goals.
• It's how businesses structure workflow, operations, and employee tasks to meet company objectives.
• The key goal of management is creating an environment where employees can work productively and efficiently.

Who are Managers?

• Managers are directly responsible for the success or failure of an organization.
• Their expertise, skills, knowledge, and ability to meet the needs of those they serve are crucial.
• Leisure service managers have the authority and responsibility to guide recreation, park, and leisure service organizations towards their goals and objectives.

Characteristics of Managers

• Optimism: A positive attitude.
• People skills: Ability to understand people's needs.
• Clear Communication: Effective and concise communication methods.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
• Self-control: Maintaining composure under pressure.
• Listening skills: Active listening and responding appropriately.
• Self-awareness: Understanding one's own strengths and weaknesses.
• Reliability Dependability and consistency.
• Knowledge: Thorough understanding of the field.

Skills of the Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Service Manager

• Leadership: Involves building trust, sharing a vision, and inspiring team motivation.
• Organization: Essential for managing multiple projects simultaneously and avoiding confusion.
• Working well with others: Collaboration and teamwork are crucial for project success, social equity, and environmental goals.
• Communication: Essential for internal and external relations, including proposals, new projects, and community programs.
• Foresight: Having a vision for the future is necessary for the well-being of the community.

Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Organizations

• Public Governmental Organizations: Federal, state, provincial agencies, and local departments providing leisure services, like libraries, parks, and recreation centers. Services may be free, subsidized, or at full cost.
• Non-profit Organizations (NGOs): Non-governmental organizations that often offer recreational opportunities (e.g., Boy Scouts, YMCA).
• Commercial/Private Enterprises: Companies offering recreational facilities (e.g., swimming pools, sports complexes) often for their members, in some cases also serving the community.

Group Activity

• Groups will analyze and present on the crucial skill(s) of a recreation, park, and leisure manager.
• Presentation includes presentation skills, organization, content, collaboration, and creativity.