Trends in the Financing and Staffing of Local Government Park and Recreation Services 1964/65-1990/91

Authors

  • John L. Crompton
  • Brian P. McGregor

Keywords:

Local government, parks and recreation, financing, employment, revenue generation, contracting-out.

Abstract

Census Bureau data were used to identify aggregate trends in financing and employment in local park and recreation agencies in the United States from 1964-65 to 1990-91. The data suggest the potential for future substantial increases in self-generated revenue has been exhausted. From 1984-1991, increases in real dollars of local park and recreation budgets as a whole were much larger than at any other time in the history of the field. Trends in per capita expenditures on recreation and parks in the U.S. as a whole, and in six major states are discussed. By 1990, full-time employment levels had almost recovered to their 1978levels. Part-time employment during this period increased substantially. An estimate of the number of jobs contracted out to the private sector is provided.

Published

1994-07-04

Issue

Section

Regular Papers