(Un)intended Consequences

1. (Un)intended Consequences Jane H. Adams, Executive Director California Park & Recreation Society www.cprs.orgjane@cprs.org

2. Disclaimer The opinions expressed in this presentation belong to the presenter after research (to identify the facts), asking others, and listening to many.

3. Californians Value Parks • 98% of California’s households visit a park at least once a year; 2/3rd visit at least once a month. • 50% of California’s households participate in an organized recreation or park program. • “Parks” are very different than “programs;” and each has many different components that describe what is a “park” or a “program.” • The benefits of parks are not the benefits of programs. • Users & elected officials easily identify benefits to them personally, their family & friends.

4. Nowin Parks & Recreation • Parks / Recreation receiving less general fund support • 53% in 2012 - 57% in 2010 • 40% cut park acquisition; 57% cut development • Parks / Recreation receiving less non general fund support • 37% in 2012 - 46% in 2010 • 40% non general fund $$ from fees/charges • Few agencies have autonomous taxing authority

5. Now in Parks & Recreation • Parks / Recreation experiences greater reductions than other departments • 37% in 2012; 33% in 2010 • Cost recovery range from 0% to 100%; mostly over 40% • Don’t expect budget situation to change until FY 15/16 “We have had our budget reduced by over ½ in past few years; in FY 11/12 council waived many athletic youth group and school district fees.”

6. Now in Parks & Recreation • Less FTE / PTE personnel • Fewer programs, special events, classes • Reduced operating hours; 64% reduced access to facilities • Little change to park access • No new staff in spite of new facilities / parks • Changed park maintenance standards

7. (Un)intended Consequences Declining quality of life of residents • Parks / air quality • Parks / physical health • Parks / youth development • Parks / mental health • Parks / social health

8. Where You Live is Important “The obesity epidemic is a multi-faceted issue that reflects changes in our social, economic, and built environments over many years. It is an issue that will require innovative actions, a shared vision, and a collaborative approach to resolve.” (CA Obesity Prevention Plan, 2010) 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9children 1 2 3 teens 1 2 adults West LA: 3 in 10 adults South LA: 7 in 10 adults Proportionally higher obesity rates are residents of Latino, American Indian, African American, & Pacific Islander descent, those from low income households and those with disabilities.

9. Impact of Obesity Children • Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, asthma • Vitamin D deficiency (reversed by 10-15 min of sun) • Predicts likelihood of obesity as an adult (70-80%) • Increased likelihood of emotional & social problems • Lack of friends / support networks • Behavior problems in schools / community • Feelings of depression / inadequacy Adults • Hypertension, Type 2 diabetes • Cancers, mobility due to osteoarthritis • Cardiovascular disease • Greater chance of institutional living due to health

10. What Green Does

11. (Un)intended Consequences • Increase neighborhood blight • Research links violence to reduced healthy eating & active living • Fear, neglect, graffiti • No one “cares” – why should I? • Residents detach from neighborhood / community / each other • Decrease in property values / property tax revenue • Degradation of natural environment • Decline of plants, soil, turf, trees, climate change • Decrease life span of facility • Roofs, irrigation, pools, restrooms, pavilions, tennis courts, trails

12. (Un)intended Consequences • Reduced supervision = opportunity for malfeasance, personnel conflicts, contract failure • Increased safety issues for personnel & residents • Accidents, claims, legal actions, insurance costs, equipment failure; reduce / close facilities • Increased time to get the work done / resident complaints • Less staff / increased time to repair, fix, replace, higher costs • Impact to children/youth • Morbidity / chronic disease • Crime / mischief between 3-6 pm / unsupervised • Childhood stress • Disassociation

13. What Californians Value Preservation of, and access to, outdoor spaces Minimal development / nearly natural state Spaces with facilities for play, exercise, and group sports

14. What Californians Value Activities & programs targeted to juveniles that are healthy, safe & fun Children are free to play & be active

15. What Californians Value Activities to facilitate social & community connections & advance human development

16. What Californians Value • * Outdoor spaces for play & exercise

17. What Californians Value Serenity and awe of nature now…and in the future

18. Insights • Break the silos! P/R, transit, planning, food advocates, public health, public works, health providers, CBOs, schools, business • Focus! Improve walkability, access to parks/open space, recreational facilities, joint use of schools and neighborhood safety • Fail! To succeed: encourage / reward creativity, trials, failures • Leverage: resources & people • Get a compelling vision • Research! Many promising practices • Remember! Parks / Recreation contributes to your resident’s social, mental, & physical health

20. It’s Not About US…it’s About THEM!