Issue of the Month: Community Park Study Results

One year ago I reported the formation of a multi-governmental study of parks and recreational assets in Kent County. This study has just been completed. The report details 28 specific findings that describe the current state of Kent County parks and compares them with four nationally recognized parks and recreation systems. There are six key conclusions: (1) parks and recreation in Kent County can be described as ‘good’ but not ‘great’, (2) although all parties agree parks and recreation are vital to a high quality of life, there is no shared vision of what constitutes a ‘great’ park system, (3) over the past years all parks and recreation areas have suffered significant budget reductions — even though some communities have dedicated millages for parks, (4) Kent County parks and recreation agencies are relatively efficient, (5) there are some good examples of existing parks and recreation collaboration in Kent County, and (6) unless there is a better collaborative governance structure and new funding sources any attempts at improvements will only yield minor efficiencies or enhancements in quality of life. Thus, the report makes a strong recommendation for the formation of a Kent Communities Park and Recreation Authority and, recommends the first efforts of this Authority be implementation of some specific, high value improvement projects that benefit parks and recreation services in all jurisdictions in the County. Unless something bold and significant is accomplished, our county parks and recreation will continue to be only ‘good’ and not the ‘great’ that many in our area recommend in order for us to become a vibrant and economically growing community. This recommendation is being reviewed with all Kent County jurisdictions for feedback.