Photo Credit: Robert McKendrick Photography
The growing emphasis on maintaining a healthy mind, body and spirit has led to a shift in programming provided by many park and recreation agencies. In an effort to address these needs and still maintain a responsible budget, park and recreation leaders may consider partnering with healthcare providers.
The Buddy System
When the Glenview Park District began planning its recreation center, they selected a former military base for the site. Although the 168,000-square-foot facility incorporated many recreation and aquatic programming options, the park district sought to further increase its offerings by including services from a local healthcare entity. The partnership allowed the healthcare provider to lease 10,000 square feet of space for use as a wellness center, which included private offices, exam rooms, a fitness assessment room and a nutrition shop; the center was to be used in combination with the park district’s whirlpool, lap pool, warm-water therapy pool and weight areas for physical therapy and rehabilitation treatments. By renting the space, the park district also received an added benefit in earning additional income to fund other programming needs.
When the city of Elgin, Ill. Parks and Recreation Department began planning for the Centre of Elgin Community Recreation Center, the goal was to provide a comprehensive schedule of programs that addressed the needs of residents, while also being cost efficient. Through an agreement with a local hospital, a wellness center was created within the recreation center. The arrangement between these two entities resulted in the long-term lease of a 12,000-square-foot wellness space within the center, which provides physical-therapy activities.