Vol. 3, No.2 Published by The Georgia Recreation Commission January-February 1969 Edition RETROSPECT KEYS FUTURE Those of us who are engaged professionally in the recreation, park and conservation field often find ourselves trying to ponder the future in terms of recreation's role in the community, growth of the field , and our potential in personal opportunities. While it's true that none of us are as gifted as Jean Dixon in predicting future events, it is a fact that historical review provides us with a fairly accurate gauge as to what we might expect in 1969 and subsequent years. An open eyed about face reveals a multiplicity of significant accomplishments and occurrences to us. Notable among these are: * State Parks, by tradition , are ve- sponsored by local governments. To ords with those of 1966-67, it was noted hicles for conservation of sites embracing illuminate the ever increasing demand by that over two million dollars more were historical or geological significance. The tremendous pressures exerted by increas- the public for this service in recent years , let me point out that 28 of these new appropriated for the latter period. * Salaries at all levels of recreation ed leisure , more money , faster and more departments have been created since service have increased sizeably since comfortable travel has now modified this 1960. Only two cities in Georgia today 1960. As far as can be determined, the role dramatically. Today , state parks are with more than 15 ,000 population are average salary for a director in local offering varieties of recreation oppor- without a year round program. Both of government in 1957 averaged $5,700. tunities . A recent report released by the these are presently comtemplating such The average today is approximately Georgia State Parks Department reflects phenomenal gains, both in attendance programs. * While city government has spear- $8,700. * Recreation professionals are now and revenue receipts over the past ten headed the majority of community rec- employed at major institutions and agen- years . In order to maintain pace with the reation thrusts throughout the years, cies such as the youth development needs of hiking, swimming, picnicking, county involvement is now at an all time schools , state mental hospital and schools sight seeing and camping as outlined in the Outdoor Recreation Resources Re- high and most inquiries to the Commission office now come from county gov- for the retarded. * The 17 Area Planning and Develop- view Comrni sion report, even .more attention must be directed toward the development of state parks in the future. * By virtue of public demand and obvious need, the Georgia Recreation Commission was established by the General Assembly in 1962 for the purpose of ernment. * Local government now spends more tax dollars for recreation purposes although Georgia's average per capita expenditure for local government of $3 .5 2 is far behind the $6.00 recommended by the National Recreation and Park As- ment Commissions in Georgia are heavily engaged in recreation development and several have employed recreation professionals , as has the Institute of Community and Area Development at the University of Georgia and the State Planning Bureau. providing consultant recreation and park sociation. It is encouraging to note that Not only do these prominent advances services. * In 1968 the General Assembly many are spending in excess of that amount. In comparing tl1e 1965-66 rec- in our state indicate future growth, but (Continued next page) established the Board of Recreation Ex- aminers, a body designed to up-gra de recreation leadership in the state by initiating certain standards related to recreation work. * Since 1958 two institutions of high- er learning in Georgia have begun profes- sional curriculum development for the training of competent recreation and park leadership. * As opposed to approximately 15 in 1945 , there are now 64 full-time year round recreation and park departments ABOUT THE AUTHOR JOHN H. DAVIS is Executive Director of the Georgia Recreation Commission. He has served in this position since the Commission was established by the General Assembly of Georgia in 1962. He holds a B.S. Degree from Furman University and a Master's Degree from the Teachers College of Columbia University. His professional experience includes serving as Freshman Baseball Coach at City College of New York, Assistant Professor at the same institution, Director of the Darlington, South Carolina Recreation Department and the Dalton, Georgia Recreation Department. Mr. Davis received the Professional Award of the year in 1963, is listed in Who's Who in American Education and is presently serving as Vice President of the American Recreation and Park Society, a branch of the National Recreation and Park Assn. l COMING EVENTS February 5, 6, 7, 1969 Recreation Development Institute Presidents Assembly Albert Pick Motel Atlanta, Georgia March 31 -April 2 Southern Recreation & Park Conference Robert Meyer Hotel Jacksonville, Florida April 18- 20 Georgia Association for Health, Physical Education & Recreation Annual Conference Stuckey's Carriage Inn Jekyll Island, Georgia November 16- 19 State Conference on Recreation & Parks Desoto Hilton Hotel Savannah, Georgia "Recreation in Georgia " A publication of the Georgia Recreation Com- mission, Many Building- Room 801, 1655 Peachtree Street, N .E., Atlanta , Georgia 30309. Te lephone 873-1607, 1608 JO H N H. DA V IS- Executive Director JAM ES A . CO LLEY - Deputy Executive Director T OM DRUMMOND- Assistant Director THAD STUDSTI LL- Assistant Director Commission Members LUKE L. RUSHTON, Chairman Young Harris JAMES E. BROWN , Vice Chairman Dalton MRS. CICERO A . JOHNSTON Atlanta ROBERT K. BROWN East Po int JAMES W. KEY Columbus ROBERT T. BAGGOTT, JR. Newnan MRS. W. A . BOWEN Statesboro VERNE J. PICKREN Folkst on WILLIAM A. TILLER Evans ANTON HUBER Moultrie Information in this publication may be used with or without credit (except items where credit is given herein) in the preparation of news stories, radio talks, etc. NATIONAL RECOGNITION OF RECREATION national events point to reasons for optimi sm also . For Example : * The last two sessions of United States Congress passed more legislation rela ting directly to recreation , parks and conservation than all previous congresses combined. * Four years ago the National As- sociation of County Officials adopted a policy statement which gave recreation and park services high priority in county government. * Studies indicate that expenditures for recreation , park and conservation will quadruple by 1980. * It is expected that the recreation and park curriculums will increase from 183 to 343 by 1980. Even at this level of growth , the colleges and universities will not be able to meet the demand for quality leadership. * Poor recreation facilities and pro- grams ranked fifth among the grievances of the people living in the inner-city according to the ational Advisory Commi sion on Civil Disorders. All of these developments are almost overwhelming in terms of what they say to us about the role of recreation in society today , an d it's future. The role is a changing an d dynamic one , an d the futu re is frighteningly bright. Frightening because of the many seemingly insurmountable problems which the e developments convey to us. This is to say that we cannot be satisfied with this newly found recognition of our worth ... and our role in the community an d its people. All of these developments are accompanied by voluminous problems which we in the field must identify and attempt to solve. Several challenges are inherent in all tltis. These are not intended to be an exhaustive list but only some of the noteworthy hurdles. * OPE SPACE (usa ble land for re- creation) is dintini hing in an d round urban areas. Steps must be taken to secure land now for present an d future recreation consumption. Under the current tax structure it is difficult for local government to acquire needed property. We must encourage the General Assembly of Georgia to provide funds to assist cities an d counties in purchasing and perhaps even developin g parks. * R ECREATIO CURRICULUMS must be continually revise d and adjusted to satisfy the present and future professional needs. Our graduates must be proficient in the art of professional analysis in order to modify programs to meet the needs of a changing socie ty. * RECRUITM ENT of capable young people is immeasurably important. Very little has been done and new techniques are es en tial. * PLAN I G on all levels of govern- ment must give the proper attention and consideration for the recreation needs of people. * A GREATER RECOG lTIO of recreation as a tool for social change is imperative . Recreation , it is generally accepted , is far more effective as a preven tive rather than a cure ; therefore , our employment of it in terms of inner city problems, deliquency is a must. Additionally , we should " push " for more federal recreation dollars to be utilized in the core city without restrictions of the so-called "outdoor application '. * !MAGI ATIVE AND CREATIVE programs must be increased to meet the demand by a more sophisticated public. We must Jearn to utilize all community resources. The recreator must understand the positive and beneficial products of commercial an d private recreation as they contribute to the total recreation program for a community. In SUMMATIO , the future is in deed bright for the fiel d an d those of us who choo e to be a part of it. The extent of its success, an d ours depends upon us. It is incumbent upon us all to strive for QUALITY in whatever we do. ********** " Leisure with dignity is the supremely desirable object of all sane an d goo d men. (Cicero) S. REBECCA HOLUNGSWORT, Community Planner for the Charles M. Graves Organization of Atlanta received the Professional Award from the Georgia Recreation and Park Society. The Society recognizes outstanding professional and lay leadership through its awards program. HOOD ELECTED TO BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF NAPA Frank A. Hood, Manager of Georgia Power Company's Community Development Division was elected recently to the Board of Trustees of the National Recreation and Park Association at its national meeting in Seattle, Washington. Mr. Hood is the first Georgian to hold this honor. As a trustee, Mr. Hood will serve with national leaders in the recreation, park and conservation movement of the nation charting a course of positive action for the national organization. Mr. Hood has been an active supporter of the recreation and park movement in Georgia and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Georgia Recreation and Park Association. f NEWS BRIEFS LAFAYETTE The LaFayette Recreation Department has received a 1969 air conditioned Ford Station Wagon to be used in the city recreation program . This is the fourth year that the local Ford dealer has made available a new vehicle for the department. ********** INSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SET! ! Prominent figures from the recreation and recreation related field representing Georgia and other parts of the nation will appear on the program of the Institute for Professional Development at the Albert Pick Motor Inn in Atlanta on February 6th and 7th, 1969. This seventh annual training conference is conducted by the Leadership Training and Recruitment Committee of the Georgia Recreation and Park Society for executives, supervisors and staff members. Some of the participants appearing on the program will be Robert Artz, Director of Programs and Services for the National Recreation and Park Association and Executive Secretary for the Board- Commissioner Branch of the same organization , Robert Hanie , Executive Director of the Georgia Natural Resources Council , Harold B. Parker, Executive Director of the Georgia Commission on Aging, George Beattie , Executive Director, Georgia Art Commission , Mrs . Beth Yates, Superintendent of Recreation , Sylacauga, Alabama and a noted authority on recreation for senior citizens, Gary S. Cutini, Assistant Vice President, Life Insurance Company of Georgia, Mrs. Peggie V. Stox, Public Relations Supervisor, Atlanta Division , Southern Bell Telephone Company and others. Registration fee for the entire institute is $10 .00 an d includes two meal functions. Persons who prefer to attend any portion of the meeting, exclusive of the luncheons, will be admitted for $3.00 registration fee per day. Wives and students will be admitted .at no charge except for meal tickets. Daily registration including one meal function has been set for $5.00 per day. Registration will open at 11 A.M. on February 5th, the day prior to the Institute . According to GRPS President Bruce R. Prosser committee meetings are scheduled for 1:00 P.M. to 5 :00P.M. on that day. A general assembly will be held at 5:00P.M. in order for Committee Chairman to present their plans for 1969 to the Board of Trustees. ********** ANNOUNCING: The Ninth Southern Regional Institute on Therapeutic Recreation University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill May 21,22, & 23 , 1969 Program Emphasis: Recreation Programming of the Physically Disabled and the Chronically ill (Aging) For Information and Regiatration forms please contact: D. Miller Putnam Ill Pettigrew Recreation Curriculum University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, N.C. 27514 FOLKSTON Charlton County's recently created legal Recreation Commission has submitted its first budget request to the MayorCouncil and County Commissioners. The initial request for $4,000 will provide a supervised summer program for the residents of the county. SMYRNA The City Council of Smyrna recently voted to re-name the Smyrna Youth Center in honor of the late Mrs . Aline Wolf. The dedicating address was given by former judge Conley Ingram who stated, " She was the canteen and she lives through her children and the thousands of teenagers she worked with ." WINDER Jake Zodrow, Chairman of the Barrow County Recreation Commission reports that 7 ,000 citizens participated in the newly created full time recreation department. The program under the direction of George Chambliss was initiated in September 1968 and offers to the citizens of Barrow County a variety of recreation opportunities. Mr . Zodrow and Mr. Chambliss report that many additional programs are planned for the new year. NEWNAN Help Police!! This may be the cry around the Newnan-Coweta YMCA lately. The City of Newnan Police Department working with Kermit Perry, Executive Director has initiated a physical fitness program for all members of the police department. Chief Jimmy Griffies and Mr. Perry have planne d an interesting and helpful program which will benefit every policeman. The program includes volleyball, basketball, running, weight lifting, ping pong, isometrics, billards and walking. The program is geared to improve the policemen physically as to do a better job in performing their duty. (Continued on page 6) MONEY FOR RECREATION. Mrs. Norman Fletcher (L), President of the LaFayette Woman's Club, presents a check for $3,000 to Harry Harrington, City Recreation Director, as the club's contribution to the recreation program. Looking on are Mrs. R. A. Wardlaw, Jr., Public Affairs Chairman of the Club and a member of the City Recreation Commission and Joe Stock, Commission Chairman. ********** " Recreation has become in its own right a giant- a giant not in size, not in numbers, but in innate strength and in the contribution it is making and going to make to the world in the next hundred years. " Howard Braucher THE MUNICIPAL PARK RECREATION CENTER, a 16,165 square feet community center is the center of most department indoor activities. Features of this building include a health club, steam room, an intercom, musical system and a simple combination of round and square design that separates various activities. Lafayette, Georgia THE CINDERELLA STORY OF RECREATION The success of the LaFayette Recreation Department has been marked with significant growth patterns over the past four years. In 1964 the mayor and council took action that set the pace. The first steps were approving a full time program, formation of a legal Recreation Commission, and finally the employment of a full time Director of Parks and Recreation. The budget for the department's first full year of operation was $!"2,000. In 1965 action was taken by the mayor and council which resulted in the construction of a 3,000 square foot community center with matching funds from the LaFayette Housing Authority. The services of a park and recreation planner were acquired to develop a master plan for the City of LaFayette . Twenty-five acres of previously owned city property were designated for recreation development, and one hundred additional acres were acquired, with fifty acres tor be used for expansion of the golf course and further increases of park areas. The budget for 1965-66 saw I 00% increase with expenditures of $24,000. The year 1966 saw completion of LaFayette's master plan , a tremendous growth in the program and another increase of the budget to $35 ,000. The year 1967 also was a great year for the recreation movement in LaFayette. A bond referendum for recreation of $500,000 was voted on and approved by the citizens of LaFayette and an application for matching funds of $100,000 was submitted to the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. Construction started immediately on two new community center buildings totaling over 23,000 square feet. During this year the operating budget was increased to $41,000, and the city was the recipient of the Georgia Recreation and Park Society's Public Recreation Agency Award. In the year 1968 LaFayette's two new centers were completed. The city's application for federal assistance was re-submitted and increased to $182,000 and was approved. Industrial and organizational contributions totaling $30,000 will mean over $750,000 for capital improvement over the past two years. A budget for fiscal year 1968-69 was requested and approved for $116,000. This year has also shown a staff increase from two full time positions to five full time personnel and two regular part time positions. The year 1969 will see the completion of LaFayette's outdoor development totaling $300,000, an increase of three addtional personnel; a plan on the drawing board for picnic and playground development; and already underway , a consistent means of meeting operational expenses of program increases. Truly this Northwest Georgia community of 7,000 citizens will have facilities comparable to any community in the nation, with over 60 acres of high density recreation areas and over 26,000 square feet of floor space. The true test of "Was it worth it?" can only be proven through the years to come, through the program provided, and through values received. In essence the hardest part is yet to come. MAX STOKER COMMUNITY CENTER, 3,000 square feet facility, once the center of all recreation activities for the department is now being utilized as a neighborhood community center and meeting area for various organizations of the community. LOWELL GREEN PARK COMMUNITY CENTER, 6,886 square feet facility includes areas for athletic programming as well as social recreation activities. Marland Boyer, Plant Manager for Ely & Walker Mills of LaFayette presents a color T.V. set, a refrigerator and a ref"D'gerator-freezer to Sue Harrington, Program Director for the department. The f"U11ls donation of equipment to the Recreation Department will be used to equip LaFayette's two new community recreation centers. "MINI-GOLF" constructed in early 1968 and operated by the Recreation Department provides hours of fun for the miniature golf enthusiasts of LaFayette. RUSHTON ELECTED TO NATIONAL RECREATION BOARD-COMMISSIONERS BRANCH Luke L. Rushton, Chairman of the Georgia Recreation Commission was elected to a three year term on the Board-Commissioner branch of the National Recreation and Park Association at the National Recreation Meeting in Seattle Washington . Mr. Rush ton succeeds James E. Brown of Dalton on the Board . Mr. Rushton is known throughout Georgia as the mentor of the fine cage team from Young Harris College. He is also serving his second term as Mayor of Young Harris Mr . Rushton's responsiblity as a member of this important branch of NRPA will be to help establish effective boardcommission relationships on the national level an d to interpret to the national organization the needs and desires of this lay group. ********** LOCKWOOD NAMED TO HEAD THE MACON RECREATION DEPARTMENT Max Lockwood has been named by the City of Macon to head their Recreation Department. He formerly served as Director of the fine program in Statesboro , Georgia for 18 years. Prior to assuming his new duties with Macon he held the position of Director of Industrial Relations with the Georgia Southern Area Planning and Development Commission. Mr. Lockwood is a graduate of Georgia Southern college where he received a B.S. Degree in Education. He has been active in church, civic and professional organizations and has held major postions with each. He was named the Recreation Professional of the year in 1958, Jaycee Man of the Year in Bullock County in 1954 and a number of other outstanding awards. AUSTIN HONORED UPON RETIREMENT. "Pop" Austin , Director of Recreation and Parks for the City of Columbus was honored by the Georgia Recreation and Park Society upon his recent retirement from this position. Mr. Austin had served the City in this position for years . He was a charter member of the state professional organization in 1945. GEORGIA STATE PARKS GAIN IN REVENUE AND ATTENDANCE Phenomenal gains, both in attendance and revenue receipts, are reflected in a State Parks consolidated report concerning the past 10 years release by State Parks Director, John L. Gordon. For example, during the 10 year period (1959-1968) total attendance throughout the far-flung parks system increased by 114 per cent, while revenues recorded a whopping gain of 871 per cent in receipts. Here 's what happened from the beginning to the end of the decade: Attendance increased by 3,605,241 going from 3,172,095 in 1959 to 6,777,336 in 1968. Receipts rose from $92,630 in 1959 to $898,746 in 1968. (News Briefs Cont'd) GRIFF IN The Griffin Recreation Department received recognition at the State Conference on Parks and Recreation for the outstanding recreation program in the population category of 25 -50,000. CEDARTOWN The recreation program at Cedartown was recognized by the Georgia Recreation and Park Society as being the outstanding program in the population category of 10-20 ,0 0 0 . PERSONNEL CHANGES MARCUS P. SMITH , a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a B.S. Degree in Recreation and a Masters Degree from the ew Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary has joined the staff of the Southwestern State Hospital in Thomasville. DENNIS CHANDLER has assumed the du ties of Director of Recreation for the Dougla sville Recreation Department. MARION O'NEAL has been employed as Sports Director by the Warner Robins Recreation Department. GEORGE HAGINS has resigned as Director of Recreation for the Swain boro Recreation Department. BOBBY SCRUGGS has joined the Warner Robins Recreation Department as a Youth Center Director. He previously served in a volunteer capacity with the department. FRED EDMONDSON has resigned as Director of Recreation for the City of Hapeville . R. G. JONES has assumed the position of Director of Recreation and Parks for the City of Columbus succeeding Pop Austin who retired. ********** SKALLA ELECTED TO BOARD Ernst Skalla, member of the Board of Trustees of the Georgia Recreation and Park Society has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Chapter of the National Swimming Pool Institute. The Southeastern Chapter is composed of the States of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia . Mr. Skalla is President of the S & S Company of Georgia . COMMISSION ACTIVITIES The Georgia Recreation Commission is presently conducting Recreation Ap- prrusals for the City Ellijay-Gilmer County , oRf osTshviolmlea, svHilalre~ ralson County , LaGrange Berrien County and the City of Millen. The Appraisals are done upon request and at no cost to the requesting agency. Upon completion, the Appraisal presents a plan of action to assist the local community in meeting their recreation needs. _ln addition to the Recreation Ap- prrusals bemg conducted , the Commission is sponsoring an Administrative Seminar for new recreation and park directors in Georgia. The Seminar will attempt to provide administrative techniques to bet- ter prepare the administrator in hi local position. On th e pl anning schedule is a new publication designed primarily for the smaller cities an d counties of Georgia who sponsor only a summer recreation program. The publication will inclu de chapters on administration , finance , per- sonn el an d programming. Publication has been tenatively set for April !. RECREATION SCHOLARSHI PS AVAILABLE The _Board of Trustees of the Georgia Recreation and Park Society has re-instated its scholarship program with some major changes from the previous program . ln re-instating the program, the Trustees stated that it is the responsibility of the professional organization to exert leadership in encouraging qualified an d c_a~able young people to enter the practJcmg field and that it is a further ~e ponsibility to assist these young people 111 properly preparing themselves to enter the profession. The Trustees, therefore, established a Scholarship Loan Program to provide an incentive and assistance for qualified persons to train themselves to embark upon a career in recreation. The Scholarship Committee will also work with students to assist them in securing other loans, grants or combination . of grants/loans so that it might be ~oss1ble to enter the recreation professwn. The Trustees initially approved two schola_rships, one for the University of Georya an d one for Georgia Southern College to cover the matriculation fee for one year. A one year loan would be repaid by one year of service in Georgia or by cash. The Trustees have under consideration the granting of additional scholarships. Request for application forms should be directe d to: Schola rship Committee , Georgia Recreation and Park Society , 801 Mony Building, 1655 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta , Georgia 30309. THE VALUES AND NEEDS OF CAMPING Activities of family camping are wide in scope. This includes enjoyment of outdoor and outdoor related hobbies by individual family members, visiting natural scientific and historic sites, engaging in favorite sports activities , cro s-country visiting and vacationing, developing and enjoying skills of outdoor living, an d learning more about our heritage through mterpretive programs. Family camping experiences and skills developed can also be vital to the country 's civil defense effort. These are pertinent to a fitne s program, to a concern for conservation, and to an appreciation of our natural resources. Family camping temporarily transfers th_e family activities to an outdoor setting with family living in a tent, trailer, tent trailer, or other mobile unit. Leadership is indigenous within the family unit. Today's family camper represents a crosssection of people living in the United States an d is predominantly , but not exclu sively, an urban dweller. With a res~rgence of interest in family camping, It IS becoming increasingly evident that publicly operated campgrounds alone can no longer meet the needs of the increased number of families desiring to camp. Here lies one of the vital areas of activity for rural families. There is a great need to provide family camping education for camping families an~ campgroun d operators, particularly as tt relates to the wise use of our natural resources . The American Camping Association's Family Camping Federation shows great potential on consolidating resource information from those groups already active in family camping and relate d outdoor education-recreation programs. Mr. Don Mendonsa, Administrative Assistant for DeKalb County has announced the employ- "?ent of James D. Cone as Director of Recrea- tion for DeKalb ~unty, effective February 17, 1969. Mr: Cone ts a graduate of the University of Geo~g~a where he received a B.S. Degree in R:ecreation Administration. Mr. Cone was pre- VIOusly employed as Assistant Superintendent of Recreation and Parks in Birmingham Alabama. ' COMMUNITIES ASKED TO KEEP FACILITIES OPEN . The President's Council on Physical Fitness has added a new dimension to its program by including sports as a priority Item. This is based on the fact that the health and physical fitness of most Americans benefit by increased participation in sports. Conseq u ently they have added "sports" to the official name and are asking communities to make their sports an d recreation facilities available to the public after hours , on weeken ds, holidays ~d summers. America currently has an mvestment of nearly $100 billion in schools which are only use d seven or eight hours a day for 180 days a year. 100 YEARS AGO , ONE FARMER PRODUCED ENOUGH FOOD FOR HIMSELF AND ABOUT FIVE OT HERS. TODAY 'S FARMER PRODUCES ENOUGH FOR MORE T HAN 39. HELP RETARDED CHILDREN PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY INITIATES MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN The Georgia Recreation and Park Society Membership Committee reports a massive membership drive for 1969 will be initiated in January with a goal of 600 members . More that 400 membership applications will be mailed to those persons who held 1968 membership. ln addition , a joint effort will be made by the Membership Committee and the Publicity and Public Relations Committee to conduct a state wide campaign in an effort to reach all recreation related agencies and individuals who have not been members of the Society in previous years. For additional information concerning memberships contact: Thad Studstill Chairman , Membership committee, 1655 Peachtree Street, N.E. , Atlanta, Georgia. STATESBORO RECREATION DEPARTMENT RECEIVES CONTRIBUTION. The Women of Georgia Power Club in Statesboro Iecently contributed $1,000 to the Statesboro Recreation Department. Mrs. Wanda Gilliam (3-R), President of the Club makes the presentation to Mrs. W.A. Bowen (2-R), Chairman of the Statesboro Recreation Board. Mrs. Evelyn Alderman (R) and Lonice Banett (L), Director of Recreation Look on as the presentation is made. NEW PUBLICATION The Bureau of Outdoor Recreation publishes a newsletter titled , " Shorts ." You may be placed upon the mailing list by sending your request to : Bureau of Out-door Recreation Southeast Region 81 0 Walton Building Atlanta, Georgia 30303 Earnest Banett, Chairman, Cobb County Commissioners, joins in the fun and gains first hand experience of the benefits of recreation for the mentally retarded. (Photo used by permission.) PUT ON A BIKE HOLIDAY Summer bike events are popular, re- quire no special budget and a minimum of staff. A free kit on how to prepare a Bicycle Holiday is available from Robert Clecker, Field Director, Bicycle Institute of America, 38 12 orth Lowell Avenue , Chicago, Illinois 60641. Park and Recreation staff should plan summer 1969 now . NEW PROGRAM HINT!! The Quaker Oats company is cooper- ating with recreation departments all over the country in con ducting an Amateur Athletic Union Physical Fitne s Pentatluon program. At the invitation of a local director, a representative of the Company will assist in planning and con ducting a program of activities including push-ups, pull-ups, standing broad jumps for boys an d girls ages 6 to 18. The Company furnishes all promotional materials, certificates of participation and valuable prizes. Full details can be obtained from Thomas P. Feeney, Sales Promotion Representative, 325 Hayward Street, Bridgewater, Mass. CAN RETARDED ENJOY AND BENEFIT FROM RECREATION? COBB COUNTY P&R DEPARTMENT SAYS YES!! Mentally retarded children at Banberry and Happiness schools of Cobb County are learning group games , team sports and other forms of recreation in a unique program sponsored by the Cobb County Parks and Recreation Department. The program , now in its second year, is con ducted by Rachel Henry, Recreation Supervisor. Once a week Miss Henry plans and conducts activities at the two schools . Favorites of the boys and girls are singing an d musical games , group games, relays and team sports. Sunny days fmd tl1e students participating in outdoor games, with plenty of exercise, while rainy days are spiced with music, marches and ballon burst. Miss Henry saw need for such a program in 1967 when she participate d in a workshop on physical education and recreation for the mentally retarded. She presented the idea of implementing a program such as this to Jim Oates, Director of Parks and Recreation for Cobb County. With his full support, the program was initiated in the fall . Mrs. Shirley Camp and Mrs. Sybil Turner, Directors at Ban berry and Happiness Hill respectively , have been very encouraging and helpful in organizing the program and arranging their schedules to include the recreation activities. The program serves about 70 students at Banberry and more than 40 stu dents at Happiness Hill. The aim of the department in sponsoring this program is not to make talented athletes and performers but to use the fullest potential of recreation to enable each individual to become better prepared physically, mentally and socially. ********** In the main , planning has been the advocate of the business community and the middle and upper class. We really know very little about how to reach and represent the groups who now desire, need and use our services. - Henry Fagin, Professor, Adrninistra tion, University of California