2. Recreation Programs
The way in which recreation programs are planned and supported has a profound effect on the capacity of the organization to deliver services. Improving recreation program development and delivery through a focused service delivery strategy is integral to the strategic plan. Below are Key Performance Measures we are using to measure our progress in achieving goals within this area. A summary table is provided along with more detailed interactive charts below.
Recreation Theme Goals
- Connect more youth to the outdoors, physical activity, and their communities.
- Improve the recreation service delivery model through coordinated programming, integrated marketing, and supporting services.
The following table provides a summary of progress towards Recreation goals.
Progress Towards Target | Performance Measures | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | Target | |
Progress made | Total cost recovery | 38% | N/A | 41% | N/A | N/A | 39% | |
No statistically significant change | Percentage of residents satisfied or very satisfied with the affordability of recreation programs | 68% | 69% | 68% | 68% | 69% | 65% | |
Decline in progress | Percentage of residents who rate overall quality of recreation centers and activities as good or very good | 72% | 75% | 74% | 75% | 72% | 80% | |
Undefined | Total value of scholarships granted | S486,191 | S524,500 | $624,425 | $630,674 | $627,402 | Undefined | |
Decline in progress | Quality of instruction, coaching, and leadership within recreation programs | 63% | 61% | 63% | 65% | 61% | 70% | |
Progress made | Percentage of residents participating in a PP&R recreation activity | 30% | 32% | 32% | 31% | 34% | 35% |
Cost Recovery
PP&R’s cost recovery policy was approved by City Council in 2005 and establishes a cost recovery target of 39% for all fee-supported programs. Every two years PP&R completes a cost of service study showing how much of PP&R’s costs are paid for by taxpayer dollars versus how much are paid by other resources, such as program and rental fees, grant and donations. In 2014 (latest year available) cost recovery was at 41%, above the defined target of 39%. Within specific age categories, PP&R is exceeding its goal for youth programs and below the target established for adult programs.
Affordability
The percentage of Portland residents satisfied or very satisfied with the affordability of Recreation programs has remained steady in recent years at 69%. Because of expected pressures to raise revenue through price increases, the bureau’s target forecasts an expected decline in the satisfaction with affordability. It is possible that the data presented here from the City Auditor’s survey does not accurately capture perceptions of the city’s most vulnerable and underserved populations. Recent focus group research with Portland’s Latino population suggest that the cost of programs is a barrier to participation.
Quality of Recreation Programs
72% of Portland residents rate the overall quality of recreation centers and activities as good or very good. With improvements made as part of the bureau’s Recreation Revolution efforts, the bureau has established a future target of 80%.
Scholarships
Scholarships are a tool used by PP&R to ensure access to program for those that are not able to pay full price. In FY 2016 the total value of scholarship awarded stayed steady at $627,402.
Quality of Instruction
61% of Portland residents rate the overall quality of instruction, coaching and leadership within recreation programs as good or very good. With improvements made as part of the bureau’s Recreation Revolution effort, the bureau has established a future target of 70%.
Participation in Recreation Programs
After remaining virtually unchanged over the past four years, the percentage of residents participating in a Portland Parks and Recreation activity has increased to 34% The bureau has made it a goal to increase participation to 35% of the City’s population.
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