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Public-Private-Partnerships for Municipal Recreational Facilities

Public recreational facilities & programs provide opportunities for all ages to be physically active and are typically more affordable than private recreational facilities. However, in the last few years, cutting funding for municipal public recreation facilities or reducing hours at these facilities have become more common.

Recreation may be considered more elective than essential when it comes to balancing a city or county budget, but the public still wants these services. Increasingly, municipalities are looking to partnerships with private, nonprofit entities in order to meet that demand.

This webinar will highlight 2 communities that have partnered with private, non-profit organizations to meet the demand for recreational facilities and programs for their community

In Towanda Borough, the Borough has contracted with the YMCA for the use of a building in Towanda to provide indoor recreational activities as well as the operation of a public swimming pool and athletic fields. The YMCA is responsible for keeping the building in good functioning order while the Borough is in charge of major capital improvements as well as maintain the swimming pool.

Overall, the situation is equally beneficial to both the Borough and the YMCA.   They have a space rent free and the community receives the benefits of having a YMCA in town. 

The Centre Region Parks & Recreation Authority provides a public-private partnership in the development of the Whitehall Road Regional Park:  this partnership is actually between a public university and a public quasi-governmental agency with a third-party developer in the mix. Other facilities include the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center leased to the Authority by Penn State University and the William L. Welch community pool in partnership with the State College School District.

Approved for  1.25 CM credit

More information contact Peter Wulfhorst, 570-296-3400.