CPRE Recreation Programming and Services 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which programming model emphasizes participant self-determination and choice in recreation activities?
- Traditional model
- Cafeteria model (Correct answer)
- Social planning model
- Marketing model
Correct answer: Cafeteria model
The cafeteria model offers a wide range of independent activity options, empowering participants to select what best fits their interests and schedules.
Question 2: A recreation programmer is using the benefits-based programming approach. This means they are designing activities primarily to:
- Maximize fee revenue per participant
- Produce documented positive outcomes for individuals and communities (Correct answer)
- Fill facility capacity during off-peak hours
- Replicate programs offered by neighboring agencies
Correct answer: Produce documented positive outcomes for individuals and communities
Benefits-based programming grounds design in measurable outcomes — physical health, social connections, mental wellness — rather than activity delivery alone.
Question 3: When determining appropriate program fees, a cost recovery analysis should include:
- Only direct variable costs such as supplies
- Both direct costs and a proportional share of indirect/overhead costs (Correct answer)
- Only staff salaries for that program
- Competitor pricing without regard to actual costs
Correct answer: Both direct costs and a proportional share of indirect/overhead costs
True cost recovery requires accounting for indirect costs (administration, utilities, depreciation) alongside direct costs to ensure the agency understands full program economics.
Question 4: The program lifecycle model identifies which phase as the most resource-intensive for marketing?
- Maturity phase
- Decline phase
- Introduction phase (Correct answer)
- Saturation phase
Correct answer: Introduction phase
During the introduction phase, the program is unknown to potential participants, requiring the greatest investment in awareness-building and promotional efforts.
Question 5: What is the primary advantage of offering tiered pricing (sliding scale fees) for recreation programs?
- It eliminates the need for scholarship programs
- It increases access for lower-income participants while recovering costs from those with greater ability to pay (Correct answer)
- It simplifies administrative processing of registrations
- It guarantees higher overall revenue than flat fees
Correct answer: It increases access for lower-income participants while recovering costs from those with greater ability to pay
Tiered pricing advances equity by aligning cost with ability to pay, broadening participation without requiring full subsidy from the agency or other participants.
Question 6: Which NRPA tool is commonly used to benchmark recreation program participation rates at the local level?
- One recreation center per 25,000 residents
- Agency Performance Review (APR) national median data for programs per 1,000 residents (Correct answer)
- One program offering per staff member
- 50% facility utilization as the target rate
Correct answer: Agency Performance Review (APR) national median data for programs per 1,000 residents
NRPA's Agency Performance Review provides benchmarking data allowing agencies to compare program volumes, costs, and participation rates against national medians.
CPRE Recreation Programming and Services 1
Which programming model emphasizes participant self-determination and choice in recreation activities?