There is a saying that “information is power.” While that phrase can be a cliché, there is much wisdom behind it. Gaining knowledge to better understand the current environment, define best practices and identify opportunities for improvement empowers decision makers to make informed choices for the future.
This is especially true in our field. Few things support park and recreation professionals and citizen advocates more in their leadership role to develop a future vision for parks, recreation services and conservation practices than sharing information and insights with peers. That is where NRPA’s research team is your partner.
The good news is that you are just a few mouse clicks away from accessing this information. NRPA is dedicated to collecting, analyzing and communicating data to identify emerging trends, critical insights and key standards to advance parks, recreation facilities and conservation in your communities. Research can span from the compiling and analysis of operational data and benchmarks to the development of findings that support advocacy efforts at the local, state and national level, as well as boost societal welfare.
Data
NRPA’s flagship research offering is the profession’s most thorough and respected source of critical operational and performance measures. PRORAGIS gives park and recreation agencies the information they need to improve processes, increase efficiencies and support operations. This data provides your agency the credibility it needs when it faces questions on budgeting, staffing and capital investment.
Through the simple investment of your time as you enter your organization’s data into PRORAGIS, you gain a wealth of information that allows you to compare and benchmark your organization to its peers across town or on the other side of the country. Whereas in the past, you were reliant on external resources to gain perspective on even the simplest questions about how your agency compares, you now are able to glean critical data on everything from operational and capital budgets and staffing to the scope of and resources needed for your agency’s current and future offerings. Whether answering a budget question from your city council or working with a consultant to develop a master plan, PRORAGIS has the critical data to make forward-looking decisions that are based on facts, not speculation.
Earlier this year, we launched PRORAGIS 2.0 to provide park and recreation professionals with an improved interface experience and more relevant reporting tools. But that is not the only enhancement that the system will see in 2015. Later this year, watch for the launch of geographic information system (GIS) capabilities using ESRI ArcGIS that will give your agency the ability to map and analyze its facilities and offerings in a geographic context. More about that soon.
Looking forward, NRPA will develop valuable insights from data collected with PRORAGIS and from topic-specific surveys that will inform best practices and support the mission of our profession. This includes updating and improving tools and calculators that help you evaluate the benefits parks and recreation has on our communities.
Economic Impact Study
One example of how NRPA is combining PRORAGIS data with other useful information is an upcoming study that will assess the economic impact park and recreation agencies have in the United States. The study will estimate the collective economic impacts of operational and capital spending on the economy. The measured impacts will not only include the direct effects (i.e., the actual expenses made by your agency), but also the indirect and induced effects. Indirect effects track spending by business throughout the supporting supply chain and vendors, while induced effects capture the portion of earnings spent on goods and services by park employees and related vendors.
At first glance, you may not think the findings of this study will have an impact on your agency and its future vision. But the report will demonstrate that spending on park and recreation operations, investments and activities not only enhances the welfare and standard of living in surrounding communities, but also makes a substantial positive contribution to economic activity. Imagine the power of that type of insight the next time you are challenged about your agency’s current operational budgets or when your agency makes a request for increased capital expenditures.
Looking Ahead
Research goes beyond just operational data to include detailed information that supports park and recreation professionals’ mission to improve their communities through conservation, health and wellness, and social equity. This includes future reports and tools on a variety of topics such as stormwater management and park prescriptions.
In all, the future of parks and recreation is here today with NRPA’s research offerings and analytical capabilities. In the coming months, we will share insights gleaned from NRPA research activities that can have a major impact on your agency as it looks toward the next 50 years. Let’s continue the conversation.
Learn more about Park Metrics.
Kevin Roth,Ph.D., is NRPA’s Vice President of Research.