Recreation Director of Government & Public Sector Persona

Role of The Recreation Director

Job Title(s): Recreation Director, Parks and Recreation Manager, Community Recreation Supervisor
Department: Parks and Recreation
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Head or City Manager
Responsibilities:

• Planning, organizing, and overseeing recreational programs and activities for the community.
• Managing public parks, facilities, and recreational spaces to ensure accessibility and safety.
• Coordinating community events, sports leagues, and educational programs.
• Developing and managing budgets for recreational programs and facility maintenance.
• Collaborating with community organizations and stakeholders to enhance recreational offerings.
• Supervising staff and volunteers involved in recreational programs and events.
• Conducting needs assessments and surveys to gauge community interest and satisfaction.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Participation rates in recreational programs and events.
• Community satisfaction ratings through surveys and feedback.
• Budget adherence and financial performance of programs.
• Utilization rates of parks and recreational facilities.
• Number of partnerships established with local organizations.

Goals of A Recreation Director

Primary Goals:

• Enhance community participation in recreational programs.
• Improve the quality and accessibility of public parks and recreational facilities.
• Develop sustainable programs that promote health and wellness.

Secondary Goals:

• Increase partnerships with local organizations and businesses.
• Implement effective marketing strategies to promote recreational activities.
• Optimize budget management and resource allocation for recreational programs.

Success Metrics:

• 15% increase in community participation in recreational programs.
• 90% satisfaction rate from community surveys regarding parks and facilities.
• 25% growth in partnerships with local organizations.
• 20% increase in attendance at community events.
• 10% reduction in operational costs through efficient budgeting.

Primary Challenges:

• Limited funding for recreational programs and facilities.
• Difficulty in engaging the community and increasing participation in programs.
• Balancing diverse community needs and preferences in recreational offerings.

Secondary Challenges:

• Staffing shortages and high turnover rates among recreation staff.
• Compliance with government regulations and safety standards.
• Integration of technology for program management and community outreach.

Pain Points:

• Struggling to maximize the impact of limited budget on program quality.
• Managing public expectations while dealing with resource constraints.
• Finding effective ways to promote programs and reach underserved populations.

Primary Motivations:

• Enhancing community well-being through recreational opportunities.
• Promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles among residents.
• Fostering community engagement and social cohesion through events.

Secondary Motivations:

• Increasing access to recreational facilities for underserved populations.
• Attracting tourism and boosting local economy through events and programs.
• Advancing sustainability initiatives within parks and recreation.

Drivers:

• Passion for outdoor activities and community service.
• Desire to create inclusive and diverse recreational programs.
• Commitment to effective budget management and resource allocation.

Primary Objections:

• Budget constraints limiting new program implementations.
• Concerns about the return on investment for new recreational initiatives.
• Resistance from community members regarding changes to existing programs.

Secondary Objections:

• Uncertainty about the effectiveness of new recreational technologies or tools.
• Difficulty in measuring the impact of proposed changes on community engagement.
• Challenges in coordinating with other departments or agencies for program support.

Concerns:

• Ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all community members in recreational activities.
• Maintaining safety and security in public spaces and events.
• Balancing diverse community needs and preferences in program offerings.

Preferred Communication Channels:

• Email for official communications and updates.
• Social media platforms for community engagement and outreach.
• In-person meetings for collaboration with community stakeholders.
• Phone calls for urgent matters and quick decision-making.
• Webinars and virtual meetings for training and information sharing.

Information Sources:

• Government and public sector publications and reports.
• Industry-specific websites and blogs focused on recreation and community services.
• Networking events and conferences related to parks and recreation.
• Professional associations for recreation directors.
• Research studies on community health and wellness trends.

Influencers:

• Local government officials and city council members.
• Community leaders and advocates for recreational programs.
• National recreation organizations and their representatives.
• Consultants specializing in public sector recreation.
• Peers in other municipalities who share best practices.

Key Messages:

• Enhance community well-being through accessible recreational programs.
• Foster inclusivity and diversity in all recreational activities.
• Promote sustainable practices in park management and event planning.
• Engage the community through transparent communication and feedback.
• Utilize technology to streamline operations and improve service delivery.

Tone:

• Community-focused and approachable.
• Encouraging and motivating.
• Professional and reliable.

Style:

• Informative and straightforward.
• Inviting and conversational.
• Respectful and inclusive.

Online Sources:

• National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
• Recreation Management Magazine
• Community Recreation and Development Websites

Offline Sources:

• Local government meetings and town halls
• Conferences and workshops on recreation and community services
• Network meetings with other Recreation Directors

Industry Sources:

• State and local park and recreation associations
• Professional organizations such as the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
• Research studies from universities focusing on recreation and public health