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THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES OFFICE OF PLANNING AND RESEARCH RECREATION PLANNING SECTION

JUNE, 1977

OPEN LETTER FROM ROBIN JACKSON
(Ed. Robin Jackson assumed the position of Chief, Recreation Planning Section, DNR in February of this year.)
The deadline is fast approaching for an update of Georgia's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) and the Recreation Planning Section is gearing up with every resource at our ommand to meet his end-of-year deadline. In case you've forgotten how important SCORP is to recreation in Georgia, let me remind you that accomplishment of a satisfactory SCORP establishes eligibility for states to receive their share of Land and Water Conservation Fund monies. We anticipate that the Fund will bring $6.8 million into Georgia in FY 1978 and $8.5 million in 1979 Compare that with $3,350,000 in 1976 and $3,350,000 in 1977
Commissioner Tanner has put the timely completion of SCORP in the highest possible priority for the Department and we are gearing up in every way we can to make our end-of-year deadline. In order to accomplish the task, we have borrowed positions and people from other DNR sections and units,

including the Technical Assistance Unit with which you are most familiar Wayne Escoe, who has been on that staff since September 1972, has transferred to the SCORP Unit through December of this year And Tom Martin's Technical Assistance staff is contributing in other ways to SCORP through special assignments.
In addition to hardships being imposed by SCORP, I remind you of the budget action taken by the '77 Legislature. They increased the amount of federal dollars which the Department anticipated receiving during FY 78 and decreased the state dollar appropriations accordingly While this gave the appearance of providing the same amount of money, it has the net effect of a reduction unless new sources or increased amounts can be found to pay for existing staff efforts. That prospect is unlikely This reduction in state funds which was added to the Office of Planning and Research is having to be absorbed in part by the Technical Assistance Unit staff (whose advisory sources are not federally funded) assuming some of the responsibility for project inspections of Land and Water Conservation Fund grants in order that portions of their salaries can be offset by federal funds. This is not a totally new undertaking for the T.A. staff in that they have performed some of these functions in the past. In addition to the reduction in state funds the Legislature has placed a ceiling on the addition of any more planning staff positions for DNR.
I felt you needed to be aware of the impact SCORP and the budget appropriations will have on the Technical Assistance Unit in coming months in order that you might better understand that staff's increased difficulty in responding readily to the many requests from city and county recreation departments and government officials. The next seven (7) months in particular will not be an easy time for any of us. Your patience and understanding are heeded.
Meanwhile, there are happier things to think about related to SCORP Despite its importance
(continued on page 2)

JACKSON (continued from page 1)
to Georgia for fmancial reasons, SCORP is far more than just an avenue to federal dollars. The '77 SCORP starts Georgia in an important new direction toward viable planning for recreation in the state. Let's look at some of the things SCORP will do.
First, it will continue to provide information to decision-makers, but the information will be improved both in reliability, scope and in ease of use. For example, traditional methods of determining recreation need are being changed in favor of methods which will produce more reliable information on where needs really exist. Special studies will provide information on specific topics such as construction costs and the needs of special populations. And light will be shed on how recreation choices are made within the economic arena. Information on these and other subjects will enable you to function more effectively as a decision-maker.
Second, the '77 SCORP and those in the future will clearly be a joint planning effort by all groups providing or receiving services. Together we will identify recreation problems in Georgia and set directions for resolving those problems. It will be a plan for Georgia prepared with you, not for you. We already have a SCORP Review Group that has been actively representing you for several months. As the summer progresses, you will hear more about how you can participate directly I hope you will take seriously that opportunity
Finally, this SCORP which was started in November 1973 launched Georgia on a continuing planning process. This contrasts with planning done in some other states which gears up in time to gain eligibility, produces a document and then becomes latent until there is a need to earn new eligibility In the future, you will see us coming back to you more regularly for further direction, seeking your help in defming issues, furnishing you with updated information and concluding studies prior to any five-year eligibility cycle.
We think you will respond positively to this type of planning which involves you and the public at large as active participants.
Other healthy things are happening in the Recreation Planning Section. We are re-assessing our services to you, as has periodically been done in the past, to be sure our efforts are applied to areas of greatest need. If you have some thoughts and suggestions on types or levels of assistance that you would like to see implemented, both Tom Martin and I invite your response by phone or letter.
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The therapeutic position as you've already heard has been ftlled by an enthusiastic Nancy Seekins. And a pilot camping program for the developmentally disabled is being funded in 15 communities, with Nancy at the helm. You will hear more about these and other activities as they progress.
Finally, let me urge you to help me establish open lines of communication with you. Your candid comments are felt to be an important factor in the effectiveness of this office.
COBB PASSES BOND ISSUE
Cobb County voters over-whelmingly approved a $26.5 million bond issue on May 24 with 13,199 voters casting ballots.
There were five issues on the ballot: roads and drainage improvements for $19.25 million, new courthouse building and park deck to cost $3.65 million, new park facilities costing $3 million, library system improvements for $400,000, and a new rabies control center to cost $200,000.
The vote approving new park facilities was 8,173 to 4,656.
1976-77 GEORGIA CITY/COUNTY RECREATION
STUDY IS COMPLETED
The 1976-77 Georgia City/County Recreation Study has been completed and is available upon request from the Recreation Planning Section.
With 97 local recreation and parks agencies responding the operating budgets totaled $36,186,497 for an average per capita expenditure of $7.49
The average director salary was found to be $13,869 with a high of $29,068 and alow of $3,600.

TANNER ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS
Joe D. Tanner, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, has announced two major personnel changes within the Parks and Historic Sites Division.
B.F. Young, Superintendent at Fort Yargo State Park near Winder, has been promoted to the position of Superintendent, Hard Labor Creek Park, near Rutledge. He succeeds Dodson Carter, who retired April I, following 31 years of service to the State of Georgia.
Young has served the Parks and Historic Site~ System for 7 years and during that time he has served as Superintendent at Fort Yargo State Park for 5 years. He holds a B.S. Degree in Business Management from East Tennessee State University
He is a native of Columbus, Georgia, is married to the former Anita Brown and they have two children.
It was also announced that Siothia Longmire has been promoted to the position of Superintendent, Fort Yargo State Park.
Ms. Longmire has served as Recreation Administrator at Will-A-Way Recreation Area for the Handicapped for the past 6 years. She is a native of Jefferson City, Tennessee. Tanner stated that to his knowledge, Ms. Longmire was probably the first lady state park superintendent in the entire southeast. He further stated that she was an outstanding recreation professional who was recognized throughout the nation for her outstanding contributions and effective management of recreation programs and services to the ill and handicapped.

NATIONAL RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION 1977 CONGRESS FOR
RECREATION & PARKS
The 1977 Congress for Recreation and Parks is scheduled for October 2-6 in Las Vegas.
The comprehensive program will touch on all. areas of interest from administrative concerns such as budgets, insurance, unionization and maintenance to legislative matters.
There will be sessions on programming for special populations and innovative programs for all groups.
Women and minorities will get special attention in the programming as will such issues as energythe role of federal agencies, consultants and urban recreation.
The field of recreation, parks and leisure activitie$ is growing at a rapid rate and this comprehensive Congress offers a broad spectrum of programs whiCh are valuable to all in the field so that they may keep abreast of the latest developments.
NRPA is an independent, nonprofit, public interest organization which nationally represents citizen and professional leadership from the park and recreation movement across the country
It provides community services to all facets of the field and continuing education and research through meetings and workshops and publications.
The Metropolitan Washington (Arlington, Virginia) based organization :has some 16,341 membersindividuals and institutions.

DAISY - JAYCEE AIR RIFLE PROGRAM
Sponsored by Daisy and the U.S. Jaycee's. This program trains boys and girls in the basics of markmanship and the correct handling of guns. The 10 hour instruction course includes instruction manuals. A department can either buy a complete kit including spring operated air rifles or rent a kit on a three month basis. Contact Daisy Company, Director of Training, P 0. Box 220, Rogers, Arkansas 72756.

AWARDS GIVEN FOR UNIQUE AUDIO VISUAL PROGRAMS
Do you have a unique Audio Visual Program on your Department or Program? If so, enter it in the 2nd annual NRPA Wes Francis Audio Visual Excellence Awards (WAVE) Contest, open to aU interested persons including students, practitioners, educators and professional media personnel. For further information on applications, contact the National Recreation and Park Association (WAVE Program), Southeast Region Service Center, Freeway Office Park, 1677 Tullie Circle, Suite 114, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
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TENNIS INSTRUCTION UNITED STATES LAWN TENNIS ASSOCIATION
The USLTA assists local communities and recreation departments in establishing tennis programs which encompass a wide range of activities from group instruction to tournament competition. The USTLA will provide a free kit "National Tennis Development Program" to any recreation department which wishes to start a program. In addition, there's an excellent and very inexpensive new program "Starter Tennis" which is designed to help local recreation departments with or without access to tennis facilities to begin a tennis program on an elementary level. This program will provide instructional materials for the instructor; and each youth participating will receive a copy of the "Starter Tennis" a self instruction book, and the skill test program, plus a beauti;. fully done framble award certificate, and patch. The
cost per student for program material is only 8t each.
For complete information, contact the USLTA Education and Research Center, Starter Tennis, 71 University Place, Princeton, New Jersey 08540. Request both the "State Tennis Information Kit" and the "National Tennis Development Program Kit."
PHOTOGRAPHY AND MOVIE MAKING PROGRAMS
"The Young Photographers' League" This instructional program provided by Kodak offers a complete and very detailed instructional kit to departments interested in starting a photography or movie making program. This can prove to be a great summer activity for teenagers. In writing, request the free Kit Outlines for "Teaching a Course in Basic Photography," "Movie Making," "Darkroom Work" and "Advanced Photography " The kit is designed to aid adult advisors in the development of a program and one set is available to each department per instructor The kit should include the following numbered resource booklets, but better ask for them by above names and by number just in case: AT-106, AT-105, AT-108 and. AT-107 and the pamphlet "Help for Camera Club Advisors." In addition, your participants may receive laminated wallet size identification cards as symbols of their achievements after completion of the course. For your free kit, contact Youth Services, Eastman Kodak Company, Department 841, 343 State Street, Rochester, New York 14650.
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PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION EQUIPMENT RATE HIGH ON HAZARD LIST
According to the annual study of injuries prepared by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), accidents involving bicycles remain the number one cause of injuries. Fifth on the 1976 "Hazard Index" is playground equipment, moving up from sixth in 1975 and eighth in 1973.
The Index is prepared annually by CPSC based on injury reports from 119 participating hospital emergency rooms and based on frequency of injury adjusted by factors of serverity of injury, age and nationaFestimates.
Of the top ten most hazardous products as determined. by CPSC, five are recreation-related (ranking in parentheses):
Bicycles (1) Football & Equipment (3) Baseball & Equipment (4) Playground Equipment (5) Swimming Pools (7)
Fourteen recreational products are found among the top 50 "hazards"
In May of 1976, NRPA submitted to CPSC proposed safety standards for park and recreation outdoor playground equipment. Since that time, the standards have undergone extensive evaluation and testing by appropriate federal agencies. There is some question as to whether regulations will, in fact, be forthcoming by the Commission. It is expected that if regulations are promulgated, further development and testing will be necessary, either prior to or concurrent with the publication of regulations. Several alternative courses of action are being considered by the Commission: (1) "a selfexecuting banning regulation" under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act of 1960 (PL86-610), (2) technical guidelines against which certain pieces of equipment could be banned, (3) an independent information and education program in the form of a technical handbook which would include guidelines for public playground selection, installation and usage. Further information on the playgroup guidelines is available from Robert Buechner, NRPA.

FlLM ON COASTAL FISHING IS RELEASED
The Department of Natural Resources has released a new film which explores the rich variety of exciting saltwater sportfishing in Georgia. A WORLD APART, a 25-minute film, lets interested anglers discover for themselves the delights of fishing in coastal waters.
For too long only a handful of anglers appreciated what Georgia offers. Now, A WORLD APART shares the excitement of sportfishing in coastal waters. Offshore fishermen battle with king mackerel, dolphin, barracuda, Spanish mackerel, sharks, amberjack, and blue marlin. Bottom fishermen pull in a variety of species, including black sea bass, gr~uper, sheepshead, and red snapper. And inshore. anglers tangle with channel bass, sheepshead, black drum, and spotted seatrout.
A WORLD APART goes beyond pure recreation and examines the coastal environment, too. The film explores the interrelationships of rivers, swamps, saltwater marshes, beaches, and coastal islands.
And it shows how each of these plays a vital role m
nurturing the many species of fish and shellfish that inhabit the coastal waters.
A WORLD APART also examines the Department of Natural Resources' role in improving the coastal environment and so, in improv:i,ng saltwater sportsfishing. The mm documents the construction of several artificial reefs off Georgia's coast, and features several underwater sequences shot on and around the reefs.
The film is available on a free-loan basis from the Office of Information and Education, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, 270 Washington Street, S.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30334, (404) 656-3530.

AYER NAMED SITE PLANNING CHIEF
Stanley C. Ayer has been appointed as the Chief of the DNR's Site Planning Section.
The Site Planning Section includes the Site Planning Unit and Drafting Unit. The Site Planning Unit's primary function is to prepare General Development Plans for all properties owned or managed by DNR. These plans determine where development shall be located and how much and what type of development can be placed there. The Drafting Unit's primary purpose is to provide drafting services for all agencies within DNR.
Before joining the staff of the Site Planning Section as a Site Planner in November, 1975, Ayer was a self-employed landscape architect in the Fulton and DeKalb Counties area. From 1966 to 1972, he worked with the city of Atlanta as an Assistant Park Engineer and Landscape Architect.
He is a member of the American Society of Planning Officials, the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, and the American Society of Landscape Architects.
A native of Fort Montgomery, New York, he earned an Associate of Arts degree in Nursery Management in 1962 from the University of New York, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture in 1966 from the University of Georgia.
DID YOU SEE.
the 17 page special on "How Americans Pursue Happiness" in the May 23, 1977 issue of "U.S. News and World Report"?

NRPA OFFERS KIDS DOG SHOW PROGRAM

The National Recreation and Park Association and the Ken-L-Ration Division of the Quaker Oats Company are co-sponsoring for the third consecutive year the Kids Dog Show program. This free, prepackaged Kids Dog Show makes available all the necessary materials and guidelines for reaching children with a recreation experience. Each kit supplies material for 50 entrants.
Last year, 600,000 children and their dogs participated in programs in more than I ,200 com-

munities in this country and on military installations around the world.
Agencies interested in obtaining these free kits should contact:
Kids Dog Shows P.O. Box 3493 Merchandise Mart Plaza Chicago, Illinois 60654 (312) 222-7111
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RECENT PERSONNEL ACTION
New Appointments:
Hall County Rec. & Parks Department: Cary Wright-Director
Toccoa-Stephens County Pks. & Rec. Dept.. Hollis Griggs-Director
Dept. of Natural Resources-Recreation Planning Section.
Nancy Seekins-Therapeutic Recreation Consultant
Vienna Recreation and Parks Department: Dixie Davis-Director
Commerce Recreation and Parks Department: Brant Keller-Director
Peachtree City Parks & Recreation Dept.. Eugene Tomlinson-Director
Millen-Jenkins Co. Recreation Commission. Mike Ingram-Director
Rossville Recreation Department: Walt Lauter-Director
Shenandoah Recreation Department: Loyd "Skip" Allen-Director
Promotions and New Assignments:
Jesup-Wayne Co. Recreation Commission. Vernon Jowers-Director

DATES TO REMEMBER

July

13

GRPS Board of Trustees

Meeting

Atlanta

29

GRPS-Atlanta Braves Night

Atlanta-Fulton Co. Stadium

October 1-6

National Congress on Recreation and Parks
Las Vegas, Nevada

November
l-3.

Georgia Conference on Recreation and Parks
Jekyll Island

The Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and employs without regard to race or color, sex, religion, or national origin.
Published Bi-Monthly byDepartment of Natural Resources Office of Planning and Research
Recreation Planning Section 270 Wmington Street Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Telephone: (404) 6S6-2790

270 WASHINGTON-sT., S. W. ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30334