Photo Credit: Courtesy of City of Bakersfield Recreation & Parks
Public parks and recreation departments across the U.S. have felt the squeeze of the economic downturn over the past few years. Many agencies have closed facilities and faced massive budget cuts and layoffs--all to the detriment of the citizens they are trying to serve. These agencies have had to find other ways to do business to survive and thrive.
Fighting this downward spiral, the city of Bakersfield, Calif., opened five new parks in 2011--two lighted sports facilities, two neighborhood parks, and one nature-education park--all 10 acres or more. By instituting a combination of naming-rights, partnerships, grants, and park-development fees, the new parks are a welcome addition to the community.
Create A Culture
Naming-rights of public facilities can be controversial for some agencies; however, this city has a successful history of tapping corporations to assist in supporting public venues. In 2004, a family-owned business stepped up to name the new McMurtey Aquatic Center.