Developing Leisure Services

COMMUNITIES, churches, businesses, and agencies interested in providing leisure services often go about the developmental process in the wrong way, and the "cart gets placed before the horse." Consider the suggested model below as a proper order of development.

• 1. Philosophy - this answers the question of WHY
• 2. Leadership - this answers the question of WHO
• 3. Program - this answers the questions of WHAT and WHEN
• 4. Facilities - this answers the question of WHERE

Any group of people contemplating the development of leisure services should think about these things. The following questions need to be asked and answered.

First, and foremost, "Why do we need to provide for leisure activities?" "Do we have a reason or purpose?"

Next, "Who will provide the necessary leadership?" Most organizations will need to consider both professional and volunteer leaders.

Thirdly, "What will be the program ingredients, and when will they be calendared and scheduled?" Emphasis here should be placed on "something for everyone." Leisure activities should be made available for all ages, both sexes, and for people with wide spans of interest.

Lastly, "Where will we put the program?" "Where will our leisure activities take place?" Here the consideration must be on available facilities and space where leisure activities may occur. Both indoor and outdoor space should be considered.

The construction of a recreation building is not really the first step, nor the priority, in developing leisure and recreation opportunities for people to enjoy. Civic, church, business, and agency leaders should guide their communities, companies, and organizations to "keep the horse before the cart," and give attention to the proper order of development suggested above.