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Current Organizational Structure

The Parks & Open Space and Recreation Services divisions each report directly to the Deputy City Manager/Chief of Police. Additionally, there is a Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission consisting of ten citizen members who serve three-year terms. The Commission is responsible for making policy recommendations to City Council and staff regarding parks, recreation, open/green space and cultural arts.

An organization chart representing the primary service delivery areas within each of the two divisions can be found at the end of this chapter.

Excellent Park System Characteristics

Eighteen characteristics of Excellent Park Systems have been identified by the Trust for Public Lands:

• Planning documents are developed and implemented to give decision makers the information required to make informed decisions. Typical planning documents include strategic

plans, master plans, business plans, revenue plans, marketing plans, resource management plans, organizational audits and feasibility studies.

• There is consistent communication with elected officials and recognized leaders.

• The agency understands its mandates.

• The agency is managed by standards and performance measures.

• The agency moves away from entitlements of facilities, designated spaces, fees, partnerships, memberships and staff.

• The agency understands its costs.

• Infrastructure is managed to operational budgets, not capital budgets.

• Things that aren't used are abandoned.

• Staff has a balanced workload.

• Core services are developed; non-core services are provided by others.

• Earned income is developed to offset operational costs.

• Services are priced correctly.

• Partnerships are equitable.