Programming Flashcards

What does program lifecycle mean in parks and recreation program development?

Answer: The stages a program goes through from introduction and growth to maturity, saturation, and eventual decline or renewal

The program lifecycle model describes how participation trends evolve: introduction (low participation, high cost), growth, maturity (peak participation), saturation, and decline — helping managers decide when to invest, modify, or retire programs.

Which programming approach specifically focuses on ensuring recreation services are accessible to people of all abilities?

Answer: Inclusive recreation programming

Inclusive recreation programming designs activities so that people with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities can participate alongside their peers without or with minimal adaptations.

What is the difference between active and passive recreation programming in parks and recreation?

Answer: Active programming involves organized, structured activities with staff leadership, while passive recreation offers unstructured space for self-directed use

Active programs are staff-led structured experiences (leagues, classes, camps) while passive recreation refers to facilities and spaces where participants self-direct their experience (trails, picnic areas, open play space).

How does outcome-based programming differ from traditional output-based programming in parks and recreation?

Answer: Outcome-based programming measures the life improvements achieved by participants, not just the number of programs delivered or people served

Outcome-based programming asks what changed for participants rather than how many programs did we run — measuring health gains, social connections, skills acquired, or youth developmental assets.

What is the primary purpose of a program evaluation in parks and recreation?

Answer: To assess program quality, participant satisfaction, and outcomes in order to improve design and make informed continuation or discontinuation decisions

Program evaluation uses data collection (surveys, pre/post assessments, observation) to measure effectiveness, satisfaction, and outcomes, informing decisions about program improvement, scaling, or elimination.

Which concept describes using community volunteers to co-design and co-deliver parks and recreation programs?

Answer: Co-production

Co-production involves community members actively participating in designing and delivering public services alongside agency staff, rather than simply being passive recipients.