Recreation in Georgia [Vol. 5, no. 2 (Dec. 1971)]

Vol. 5, No.2

Published by the Georgia Recreation Commission

December 1971

GEORGIA'S

RECREATION

AND

-

PARK

NEEDS ARE GREAT

f COMING EVENTS

CONSOLIDATION/REORGANIZATION : A FACT FOR RECREATION & PARKS

February 28-29 , 1972 Recreation & Park Directors Seminar, Atlanta, Georgia
April9-12, 1972 Sou thern Recreation & Park Conference, Mobile, Alabama
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" Recreat ion in Georgia" p ublication of the Georg ia Recreati on Comm ission , Trin ity-Washingt on Bu ilding, 270 Washington Street, S.W., Roo m 703, A t lanta, Georgia 30334 - Telephone: 656-2790
JOHN H. DAVIS-Executi ve Director JAMES A . COLL EY -Deputy Executive Director
LON IC E BARRETT-A ssistant Director T HAD STUDSTI LL-Assi st ant D irecto r DR . HAROLD D . MEYER -Consul ta nt
Comm ission Members LUKE L. RUSHTON , Chairman
Young Harris JAMES E. BROWN , V ice Chairman
Dalt on M RS. CICERO A . JOHNST ON
A tla nta ROBER T K. BROWN
East Point H. ALAN FRAZER
Co l umbus ROBER T T . BAGGOTT, JR .
NEWNAN MRS. W. A . BOWEN
Statesboro VERNE J. PICKREN
Fo lk sto n ANTON HUBER
Moultrie GEORG E McELVEEN
Richmond County
Cover Cartoon Credit: Nancie O'Sullivan Staff Artist, Bureau of Business and Economic Research, Georgia State University.
THE AUTHOR James A. Colley Deputy Executive Director Georgia Recreation Commission

Local, State and Fede ral governments are undergoing significant changes in their governmental structures. These changes are referred to by many individuals as CONSOLIDATION or REORGANIZATION . Regardless of the phraseology used in describing these changes, it is readily apparent that recreation , parks and conserva tion agencies will be involved. The consolidation and reorganization of these services is predicated upon the concept that the people can better be served, at Jess cost, through a homogenous grouping of related services. In most instances, only time will prove the t ruth or fallacy of this assumption.
The Fede ral and State governments have perhaps been the moving force in initiating various degrees of governmental restructuring. President Nixon , earlier in the Congressional session, proposed far-reaching reorganization of the Federal Governme nt and the consolidation of several cabinet level departments. Governor Jimmy Carter has proposed reorganization of Georgia's state government whereby some thirty-six (36) recreation, park and conservation agencies would be merged into one agency.
The effect of the Federal and State reorganization proposals will be profound on local government officials. They will serve as a "stimuli" for local officers to take a long hard look into the reorganization or consolidation of their own recreation, park and conservation agencies. The impact can already be see n in the action of local governments. Columbus and Muscogee County has taken the most far-reaching action of any Georgia County when the voters approved the total consolidation of city and county governments .into the consolidated "City of Columbus." This mandate by the voters gave approval for consolidation of the entire recreation and park functions of the previous city and county departments. This meant not only reorganization of the administrative framework of the department but also the consolidation of budgets, personnel and facil ities.
The City of Augusta and Richmond County has approached the consolidation issue from a differe nt standpoint. The voters disapproved consolidation of the two governmental units so the elected officials moved forth to consolidate the city and county recreation and park departments into a county-wide system. Plans call for the county to assume full fmancial responsibility of the operation over a period of two years.
The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has reorganized their separate recreation and park functions into one major department of county government, under a single administrator. This is in keeping with a trend recognized throughout the country.
Macon and Bibb County has a joint financial arrangement for the provision of recreation and park services with perhaps an eye to future consolidation of gover nm ents .
In the days and months ahead , there is every indication that more of Georgia 's local government will pursue consolidation/reorganization of their recreation and park services. The methods may range from total consolidation of two separate governments to simply reorganization/consolidation of recreation and park services with one or two uni ts of government.
The demand for comprehensive recreation and park services has become so extensive and the cost so great that city and county governments cannot afford to adequately support fragmented efforts and duplication of these services.
Add itionally, a factor in reorganization and consolidation has been that the "average" taxpayer is no longer concerned with which governmental unit provides the service or under what title it operates but simply that he receive quality recreation and park services for the least cost.
The challenge to the recreation and park profession is to view each reorganization / consolidation proposal on its own merit. If the proposal is to eliminate du plication and insure greater econonomy and efficiency to the taxpayer without diluting recreation and park service, then such a reorganization/consolidation proposal is worthy of the " pros" support. If the proposal , however, is simply a "money saving" device with little or no regard to the enhancement of services to the people, the proposal should be
(continued on page 6)

MODEL CITIES AND RECREATION

There presently are 11 Recreation majors attending Kennesaw Junior College. This photo shows several of the students (L-R) Jan Brown, Polly Couey, Janet Lowe, Eddie Coppola, David Wooten and Debbie Day.
DR . E. TOBY HOPPER has assumed the position of Assistant Professor at Kennesaw Junior College and is heading up the recreation curriculum there. She holds a doctorate degree from the University of Alabama and has taught at Judson College, Marion, Alabama.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACHIEVES RESULTS. Green acres playground located in LaGrange and Troup County is the culmination of efforts by numerous groups to provide recreation opportunities for residents of this community. Involved in the project was the Lindsey Street Civic Club, the City of LaGrange, C & S Bank of LaGrange, the Callaway Foundation, Inc., and Troup County Recreation Department. Present for the dedication ceremony of the fine facility were: (LR) Bill Ottinger, C & S Bank of Atlanta; Edwin Gore of the LaGrange City Council; Fuller E. Callaway, Jr. and Mrs. Callaway of the Fuller E. Callaway Foundation; George Harris, Troup County Parks and Recreation Director and Tommy Morgan, Vice President of the C & S Bank of LaGrange, Georgia.

When Athens was selected to be one of the nation's Model Cities, many ideas crossed the minds of local officials of situations that would benefit the community.
Residents of particular areas of the city were to be able to experience accelerated programs which would improve or establish opportunities for employment, education, welfare , physical improvements, and recreation.
There were to be the usual long lists of regulations and limitations, as with most funding programs, but once the hurdles are cleared , defmite benefits will have come forth.
The area of recreation has already begun to experience some of the genuine benefits through job opportunities for some citizens ; some additional recreational facilities, which the entire city is badly in need of; and some programs which provide new , increased or unusual opportunities, for the Model Neighborhood resident. In addition to the eight regular recreation leaders working exclusively in the designated Model Neighborhood Area , nineteen additional staff members are currently employed with Model Cities funds. Their various positions include an Assistant Director in charge of the Model Neighborhood Area ; supervisors; center leaders; specialists; and recreation leader aides.
The magnitude of this contribution can be realized when it is considered that :there were only two other paid recreation activities leaders serving the rest of the City during September. Since then two other part-time employees have been added.
Some facilities which have already been developed included two recreation buildings, at Riverside and Hillside Parks; a swimming pool at Rocksprings ; land fill at Riverside to improve the athletic field ; and playground apparatus at several sites for the younger children. However, the largest contribution is currently in the hands of architects. This, of course, is the two community centers which have been approved and are in the works. These two complete facilities will be the first of their kind for the City of Athens. They will have gymnasium/auditoriums, meeting rooms, special activities rooms, offices , the whole works.
(Continued on page 8)

RICHMOND COUNTY, GEORGIA SAYS YES

GEORG E S. McE LVEEN D irector of Recreation Richmond County
RECREATION/PARK CURRICULAR
South Geo rgia College- The 2 year recreation leadership curriculum at South Georgia Junior College has an enrollment of 35 students. The new recreation and park program was initiated in September, 1971. Steve Coe heads the curriculum. Kennesaw Junior College-Kennesaw College's Recreation curriculum has 11 students enrolled in the program. The program is directed by Dr. E. Toby Hopper. Geo rg ia Sou t hern College- Georgia Southern College reports an enrollment of 142 graduate and undergraduate students in the recreation administration program. This enrollment represents the largest recreation and park curriculum in Georgia. Dr. H. Douglas Leavitt heads the Division of Recreation and Physical Education. Uni versity of Georgia-Georgia' s recreation and park program has 85 undergraduates, 16 graduate students and eight doctoral students. The University is the only institution in Georgia to offer a doctoral degree in recreation and park administration.
The Department of Parks and Recrea-
tion at Georgia is headed by James R.
Champlin.

On September 1, 19 71 , City Council of Augus ta and the Board of Commissioners o f Richmond County merged their separa te Recrea tion Departments into one county-wide Recreation and Parks Department.
After earlier efforts to consolidate the departments fai led , and an attempt to consilidate the two local governments was defeated in a referendum held on May 25, 19 71 , responsible city and county officia ls met and began nego tiating the terms of an agreement which would combine the park and recreation function and hopefully tend to prove that consolidation can work.
Under terms of the agreement, Richmond County leased for one dollar per year all properties and facilities owned and previously used by the City of Augusta fo r recreation purposes.
This includes all parks, swimming pools, tennis courts, and the Municipal Auditorium.
Excluded from the agreement is the city-owned golf course that is operated by a private individual through a lease agreement with the City .
According to the contract, the City will contribute to Richmond County all fund s budgeted to the city recreation department and the auditorium but unexpended at the end of the this fiscal year.
In 1972, the City of Augusta's contribution to recreation will be two-thirds of its 1971 recreation and auditorium budget, and in 1973, one-third of its 1971 budget.
In 1974, Richmond County will assume all fmancial responsibility for the department.
Mr. GeorgeS . McElveen , Director of Richmond County Recreation and Parks since it was established in 1966 , was appointed to head the new department. Mrs. Myrtis Deas, previously Director of City Recreation , is serving as Administrative Assistant.
The Georgia Recreation Commission has played a major role in the reorganization o f the new agency as has the National Recreation and Park Association.
Mr. John Davis, Executive Director of the Georgia Commission, and Mr. Roge r Brown, Director, Southern Region Service Center, National Recreation and Park Association, have been very active in the organization of the newly created department. Both Mr. Davis and Mr. Brown have provided enthusiastic support and assistance t o Richmond County in the development of comprehensive recreation programs.
A Master Plan for recreation is currently being drawn by J . Thomas Swinea and Associates, a consultant firm under contract to the Richmond County Board of Commissioners.
Mr. Swinea perfo rmed the study upon which consolidation of the departments wa s based and prepared the agreement adopted by the City and County Governments, which merged the two departments.
Complete organizational plans have not been fmalized , but new service programs have been initiated and an extensive preventive maintenance program is underway.
The Director of the department is currently evaluating personnel, facilities, and programs, as well as job descriptions, wage scales, and personnel assignments.
The entire County has been divided into three General Service Districts and District Supervisors have been appointed.
Existing staff members are being utilized for all assignments and a comprehensive in-service training program is planned to begin in January of 1972.
We believe that this is a positive step and one which required courage on the part o f local officials. It demonstrates the necessity to minimize vested interests and t o implement changes which are thought to be in the best interest of the public.

Do not condemn the judgment of another because it differs from your own. You may both be wrong.
Dandemis.

The Recreation & Park
Convention Camera

Two outstanding leaders in Georgia - one a pro and the other a layman - were honored for their contributions to the park, recreation, and conservation movement, and, in particular, the Chattahoochee River, at the Annual Conference in Macon. Lou Greathouse, left, and State Senator Robert Walling of DeKalb County were cited for the ir dynam ic leadership in fostering an awareness for the scenic rivers system of, Georgia.

GRPS Lay Awards were presented to these outstanding Lay Leaders at the Lay Awards Banquet which officially opened the 27th Annual GRPS Conference. (L -R) Mayor Julius Bishop, Athens; Virgil Whitaker, Warner Robins; Harold T. Hudgins, Decatur; Mrs. Amalie C. Graves, Clarksville; William A. Bowen, Statesboro; Edward Chaney, Douglas; Ed. R. Seay, Cobb County; Lawson Yow, Cobb County; Senator Bob Walling, DeKalb County, and Bob Wade, Macon.

Richard B. Jones, Director of the Community Development Corporation of the Citizens and Southern National Bank of Georgia, is shown commenting on the Community Service Award which was presented to his corporation at the 27th Annual Georgia Recreation and Park Society Conference in Macon. (L-R) Richard Dimingos, Macon C & S Bank; William F. Ottinger, Public Affairs Department, C & S Bank; Fred Morgan, Administrative Assistant, Atlanta Park and Recreation Department and Mr. Jones, Citizens and Southern Bank ; were honored for their support of recreation and park development through their "Spring Swing to Playgrounds" program.

THE PROFESSIONAL AWARD of the Geor9ia Recreation and Park Society was presented to Charles C. Clegg, Assistant Professor of Recreation and Parks for the University of Georgia. Jim Colley (left) Chairman of the Awards Committee, made the presentation to the Recipient, Clegg (right), at the 1971 Recreation and Park Conference Banquet.

f

ATHENS The City of Athens and the Athens
Recreation Department named a 32 acre park in honor of Ben W. Burton, Athens Division Vice President for Georgia Power Company. The land was donated to the city by Georgia Power Company to be used for park purposes. The park area stretches almost a half-mile along the Oconee River.
WARNER ROBINS The Warner Robins Recreation Depart-
ment's winter schedule appears as a Who's Who of Activities for the citizens of the City. Activities are availab le for all age groups and range from sewing classes, needle work, boxing, drill teams competition to full scale athletic competition.

DALE BARNES, a 1971 graduate of the University of Georgia, has been employed as Program Director of the Hall County Parks and Recreation Department.

ROCKDALE COUNTY The newly established Recreation and
Park Department of Rockdale has submitted with approval of Commissioner Bobby Brisendine, an application to the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation for development of the County's first park . The park plan calls for development of the area into a multi-use ou tdoor complex.

CLAYTON COUNTY The Master Plan for Parks and Recrea-
tion for Clayton County has been officially adopted by the Clayton County Commissioners. The extensive recreation and park plan is presently being discussed with various citizen and civic groups within the county for the purpose of receiving reaction, input and support from Clayton County taxpayers. It is expected that a bond referendum will be held during the coming months for the purpose of obtaining fmancial means with which to implement the plan.

DUGAN RECEIVES DOCTORAL DEGR EE. David l. Dugan, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Athens received his doctoral degree in Recreation Education from the University of Georgia in August. Dr. Dugan is one of the first students to receive the degree from the University. Dr. Dugan is a native of Stanford, Connecticut and has been a resident of Georgia since 1952. His professional experiences span eighteen years in the field where he has held positions from Recreation Center leader to his present posi tion as Director of the Athens Department. Congratulations to Dr. David l. Dugan.

Individuals desiring to apply for positions in the Job Mart should apply directly to the Agency which has the opening. The Georgia Recreation Commission maintains a personnel service ftle for reference to prospective employers. The Commission will be happy to keep your credentials on ftle upon request.
RE CREATION SPECIALIST (Salary $8,500) Qualifications : Preferably a BS Degree in
Recreation, Park or Conservation. Practical experience may be substituted for degree. Contact: Vernon Martin, Ex. Dir.
Coastal APDC P.O . Box 1316 Brunswick, Ga. 31520
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"TRENDS" A DUMP!!
THE CITY DUMP of today may become the recreation area of tomorrow. lt has already happened in Decatur, Alabama, where a 40 acre dumpsite was converted into a facility with an enclosed swimming pool, six tennis courts, four baseball diamonds plus parking area.
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CORRECTION The September 1971 Issue of Recrea-
tion in Georgia incorrectly listed the title of the Sylvania-Screven County Recreatioll Department as the Sylvania Department. The department is jointly sponsored by the City of Sylvania and the County of Screven.

(continued from page 2)
opposed. This means that the recreation and park professional in Georgia must assume a leading role in any proposal that affects the provision of recreation, park and conservation service. He must approach consolidation and reorganization with an open mind and work to insure a plan that will achieve a better and more efficient operation. With the professional input of recreation and park "pros" working cooperatively with the political structure for the public good , the result can be a better delivery system of recreation and park services for all Georgians.

J CEDERAL AID

.

[

PERSONNEL CHANGES

Bureau of Outdoor Recreation LWCF Grants
BARTOW COUNTY A BOR grant of $204 ,026 has been
approved for Bartow County to develop !47 acres of land leased from the U.S. Corps of Engineers. Development will inc Iu de camping, picnicking, tennis courts, tot lots, beach improvement, boat ramp, nature trails and other outdoor recreation developments.
DEKALB COUNTY DeKalb County Recreation and Parks
Department has been approved for a grant of $342,500 for the purchase of 500 acres of land for Outdoor Recreation. The project consists of an area known as "Arabia Mountain" which is a geologic formation similar to Stone Mountain . The area will be used for hiking, picnicking and camping.
CITY OF MACON The City of Macon has been approved
for a grant of $58 ,240 to acquire 34.6 acres of land to be used for general purpose outdoor recreation. A second grant of $31,980 was approved to purchase an additional 18 acres of land.
CONSOLIDATED CITY OF COLUMBUS A grant of $66 ,300 to acquire 22.3
acres of land including facilities for neighborhood and community type recreation land, par 3 golf course, softball field , fencing and parking.
WAYCROSS A $5 I ,850 grant to develop 5 acres of
City property for outdoor recreation use. Proposed facilities will include playground equipment , picnic area with shelters, footbridge , and landscaping.
JESUP-WAYNE COUNTY The Recreation Department has re-
ceived a BOR grant of $64,047 for development of a 25 acre sports complex, Development will include five (5) miniparks for Jesup, Screven, Odum, and Gardi.

GERALD BLACKBURN is the new Director of Recreation for the City of Cumming, Georgia .

SUSAN KRAUSE has resigned as Service Club Director at Fort Stewart Georgia.

BILL FITE, Recreation Director for Douglasville-Douglas County was recently featured in an Atlanta Journal article concerning his baseball accomplishments in 1968 as Italy 's top baseball star.

Tom Boyles has been appointed by the Augusta-Richmond County Parks and Recreation Department as District Two Supervisor of the newly merged City and County Departments.

GE E CAMP has taken military leave from the Clayton Co. Parks and Recreation Department to complete his military obligation with the U.S. Army.
GORDO DELO has resigned as Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Ha peville.

FRANK SPE CE , Athletic Director for the DeKalb County Parks and Recreation Department has resigned to accept a position of Direc tor of Camp Development with the Atlanta Braves.
OLIN CREDLE has been appointed Activities Director for the Statesboro Recreation Department. He is a 1971 graduate of Georgia Sou them College.

Fred Morgan was recently promoted to the position of Adm inistrative Assistant for the Atlanta Parks and Recreation Department. He is a graduate of Clarke College and has been employed in the Atlanta Departmen t for the past ten years. His most recent position with the department was that of Supervisor.
ARE YOUR PROFESSIO AL PERSONEL CERTIFIED BY THE BOARD OF
RECREATION EXAMINERS? If not apply today. Write : Boa rd of Recre ation Examiners, 166 Pryor Street, S.W. , Atl anta .

ALLE R. COGG I S has been appointed by the Georgia Department of State Parks to the position of aturalist. He will spend most of his time at the newly acquired Panola Mountain State Park and Providence Canyon .
EMMETT SCOTT, a graduate of Georgia Sou them College has assumed the position of Athletic Director for the Marietta Parks and Recreation Department.
MICKEY LITTLEF IELD has assumed the position of Athletic Director at the College Park Recreation and Parks Department.

ATHENS INITIATES DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER Athens Recreation and Park Department has begun the publi cation of a monthly newsletter fo r the department. The newsletter, Living During Leisure, is an effort by the department to in fo rm the citizens of Athens of the programs and activities of the department. Copies o f this excellent newsletter may be secured by writing to Dr. David Dugan , Director, Athens Recrea tion and Park Department, Memoria l Park , Athens, Georgia 3060 I .

EX ECUTIVE DEVELOPME NT INSTITUTE FOR RECREATION AND PARK ADMINISTRATORS SET FOR GEORGIA

The Department of Recreation and Park Administration of the University of Georgia and the School of Business are co-sponsoring with the National Recreation and Park Association a two year course for recreation and park administrators. The course will be held Jan. 20 - Feb. 4, 1972. The institute is Limited to fifty participants and the fee has been established at $225 per administrator.
The purpose of the institute is to provide experienced administrators an opportunity fo r intensive study of management technology and practice under the direction of outstanding authorities in the management field. Further information concerning the institute may be secured by writing to Professor Charles C. Clegg, Recreation Consultant, Recreation and Park Administration , 203 Dudley Hall, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30601.
USE FAILURE Failure should be our teacher, not our
undertaker. It should chaUenge us to new heights
of accomplishments, not pull us to new depths of despair.
Failure is delay, but not defeat. 1t is a temporary detour, not a deadend street.
William Arthur Ward
(Continued from page 3)
One of the facilities will be constructed near Lyndon House in a central location, while the other will adjoin the East Athens School.
A total of $759,598.00 was committed to recreation during the first year of Model Cities. This is money considered to be well invested, with results already being seen. Credit:
Living During Leisure Volume 1, umber 1 Athens Parks and Recreation De-
partment

Southern Railroad representative, Jerry L. Townsend, left, is shown presenting a plat to the 20 acre tract of land in Gwinnett County Commissioner Ray Gunnin. Gunnin resides in the Pinkneyvill e District which, last year, approved a referendum calling for Georgia's first taxing district for recreation.
A gift from Southern Railway of 20 acres of land in the Norcross area will be developed into Gwinnett County's first county park, County Commissioner Ray W. Gunnin said recently. The land is valued at over $120,000.
Gunnin said he will file application with tl1e Bureau of Outdoor Recreation fo r federal funds to construct immediately a family park and playground with a swimming pool, baseball and football fields , tennis courts and other playground facilities on the property.
The new park will be located on Old Rockbridge Road near the Norcross city limit. It was a part of Southern Railway' s Norcross-Southern Industrial Park and will border the Industrial Park on the north.
In announcing the donation of the land , Sou them President W. Graham Clayton, Jr. , said: "The proudest moments for Sou them Railway are those when the railroad participates in the total development of the communities it serves. In that tradition , Southern is pleased to donate this property to Gwinnett County and thereby become a part of its recreational development."
Gunnin said the people of Gwinnett County "are indeed grateful to Mr. Clayton and Southern Railway for making it possible for us to develop a park in this area for the some 12,000 citizens who reside near it."
He added : "It will be the first of wha t we hope will be many such recreation areas throughout Gwinnett County , and we will always remember that Southern Railway made the first one possible.
Gunnin said a name honoring Southern will ultimately be chosen for the park.
FED ERA L AID INSTITUTE AND WORK SHOP SCHEDU LED
The ational Recreation and Park Association, through its Southeastern Regional Service Center, will conduct a Federal Aid Institute and Workshop in Atlanta January 5-7 , 1972 , at the Quality Hotel Central. The program is co-sponsored by the Atlanta Federal Executive Board , University of Georgia , and the Georgia Recreation Commission.
Fourteen federal agencies will participate in the 2}-2 day program to discuss the existing programs available for financial assistance and technical assistance in the area of parks, recreation, and conservation. Representatives of the agencies will be available to provide basic information on the programs and relate the changes that are planned or have already taken place in the program. Time will also be available for the delegates to have individual interviews with the agency representatives about their own local problems or concerns.
All delegates will be given a workbook on the federal programs that is written in th e language of a layman. This will provide a ready reference after the delegates retu rn home.
The registration fee for the In sti tute and Workshop will be $20.00, and includes two meals, coffee breaks, and notebook. Advance registration is requested and forms fo r registration and hotel reservation may be obtained by writing the ational Recreation and Park Association , Southeastern Service Center, 557 First ational Bank Building, Decatur, Georgia 30030, or caUing area code 404/378-1556.