THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, December 7, 1995 TAG: 9512060221
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: Opinion
SOURCE: BY THOMAS H. COUNCILL JR.
LENGTH: Medium: 72 lines
Franklin's future population growth, increased housing development and the annexation of Hunterdale will magnify the need for a thorough examination of Franklin's recreational needs.
In order to properly meet its mission, the city's recreation department will need to develop long-term plans, prioritize goals, obtain an increase in the department's operation budget and generate community support.
I recommend specifically the following:
1. The development of a comprehensive plan for city recreation.
This plan should have a three-year, five-year and 10-year itinerary, facility requirements and implementation schedule. It should address the recreational needs of children, teenagers, adults, elderly and handicapped.
2. The director should submit for community review a list of proposed recreational activities for 1996-1997. This list should note whether the activity is year-round or seasonal, available to which age groups, sex and income bracket.
It should have at least one activity for each of the following areas: drama, dance, music, nature or gardening, outings or recreation department-sponsored trips, club and hobby, and martial arts.
3. The director should submit to The Sun, by the end of December 1995, a complete list of the current programs, with a statement of attendance, age participation, cost and revenue analysis.
4. The director should contact and establish future joint meetings with the following municipal boards, commissions and authorities that have an impact on city recreation and solicit their input and support in the planning and execution of a city recreation comprehensive plan:
City Planning Commission - To determine best uses and development of future parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities.
Economic Development - To determine ways to coordinate activities.
Downtown Development - To determine ways to coordinate activities.
Library Advisory Board - To determine ways to promote and coordinate activities.
Police Department - To determine recreational needs in relation to delinquency rates in the community.
Redevelopment and Housing Authority - To determine ways to coordinate activities.
School Board - To determine ways to coordinate activities.
Zoning Board - To determine best use and future parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities.
5. The City Council should grant more authority and responsibility to the Recreation Advisory Board to plan policy, procedure and supervise staff.
6. The City Council should grant the Recreation Advisory Board the authority to evaluate the director's job performance and grant the board the authority to terminate the director for cause or poor job performance. The City Council should also grant the authority to establish policy objectives and schedules and the authority to establish personnel performance standards.
7. The director should contact and establish future joint meetings with the YMCA Board of Directors in order to jointly plan activities, exchange use of facilities, services and other matters of mutual advantage in providing a complete service in community recreation.
8. The director should submit a plan on federal and private grant possibilities.
9. The city should purchase for the recreation department a van, and the director should submit a proposed policy on its use to the Advisory Board for review by February 1996.
10. The City Council should establish a Recreation Authority with the responsibility of managing city recreation. MEMO: Mr. Councill is a resident of Bracy Street, Franklin. by CNB