ABSTRACT
A public recreational service system must routinely plan to satisfy present and future needs by recognizing what is to be done, when certain steps must be undertaken, where such action should be performed, and by arranging priorities for the completion of the work. Planning is essential if future outcomes are to be anticipated, thereby avoiding difficulties. It includes the identification of techniques necessary for efficient performance and an understanding of the logical steps that will produce optimized results for the department. The necessity for establishing an operating structure through which the department may be coordinated and made to serve the community requires development of a central office to facilitate the work of the system. A central office permits the establishment of the base of operations so that
specific assignments can be apportioned among the various units and divisions of the system.1 It is in the central office that primary decisions typically affecting the total system are made. All office work is a service or facilitating function – the main medium through which the widespread efforts of the public recreational system are coordinated. All administrative functions depend on the convenience-producing assets of the office.2 A tremendous volume of factual data is required for intelligently planning and coordinating the recreational service program, personnel, infrastructure, equipment, and financial resources. Such information involves report writing, record keeping, and filing procedures for retrieval purposes, which in turn necessitate office work. Even with today’s computer technology available, hard copy materials still require filing and eventual retrieval. Whether a department is large or small, the need for a central office to channel requests, disseminate information, and maintain the records so vital in terms of public accountability remains.3 Additionally, management requires appraisal and evaluation practices so that a determination may be made as to how closely predetermined objectives have been approximated. Furthermore, the technical function of each division within the department is implemented, integrated, and kept informed by communication processes necessitating office work.
