Section 6 – Programming

CAPRA Self-Assessment

6.1 – Recreation Programming Plan

Standard:
Leisure and recreation are integral to a community’s social, cultural and economic development. The agency shall have a Recreation Program Plan (RPP) covering 2-3 years that is updated periodically and shall address all leisure and recreation programs and services. Show the agency’s program planning model, services management matrix, orientation to those served, including activity development and selection, type and scope of programs and outreach initiatives as well as an organizational chart.

Narrative:
The primary purpose of the Recreation Programming Plan is to provide the Township of Lower Makefield with an outline of community needs and an examination of how the Parks and Recreation department meets those needs. The document shows how programs are developed, evaluated, and continued or discontinued. This plan establishes a specific role for the department as a program provider for the Township creating opportunities for the community. The Program Plan is a flexible document that will be reviewed and reevaluated every three years or sooner as demographic information, program trends, and various other factors evolve.

Health and wellness promotions are mentioned in the Matrix such as stepping into summer, special interest programs, volunteer programs, and health and wellness.

Supporting Documents:

2023 Annual Review:

2024 Annual Review:

6.1.1 – Program and Service Determinants

Standard:
A systematic and studied approach shall be taken in determining what programs and services shall be provided by the agency.

Narrative:
Lower Makefield Parks and Recreation uses the six program and service determinants when evaluating programs and services offered to the community:

• Conceptual foundations of play, recreation, and leisure.
• Organizational agency philosophy, mission and vision, and goals and objectives.
• Constituent interests and desired needs.
• Creation of a constituent-centered culture.
• Experience desirable for clientele.
• Community opportunities.

Using the determinants helps to determine what programs and services will best serve the needs of the community. When a proposed program is being requested to the Township, the Program Manager will use the Program and Service Determinants Tool to evaluate if the Program would be beneficial to the Department.

Supporting Documents:

• Program Plan Final
• PLAY FOR ALL PLAN
• Vision and Mission

Evidence of Compliance:

6.1.2 – Participant Involvement

Standard:
The development of agency programs and services shall involve participants.

Narrative:
Lower Makefield relies heavily on the input of the community and it is evident because programs are regularly full with active participation. It is essential to the department that the participants feel their recommendations of policies are heard and thought about. Residents are part of every process from recommending, planning, implementing, and sponsoring activities within the department. The following are examples of how the department relies on the community member input and participation involvement to improve program and services.

Recommending Policy- Community members are invited and encouraged to attend Park and Recreation Board Meetings where policy is discussed, and recommendations are made. The Park and Recreation Board and Director open the floor to community members to make recommendations on what they think could benefit the Township.

Supporting Documents:

Evidence of Compliance:

Planning Activity
The Township conducted a Needs Assessment Survey in 2021 to gauge the community members interests and desires when it comes to activities they would like to participate in. The survey was sent out through email to Township members and everyone who has participated in a Lower Makefield class or program, was displayed on banners throughout the LMT Parks, and was on display at the Community Center for when community members stopped in. Feedback from this survey helped staff determine what activities community members like, dislike, and want to see more of. Their involvement in the survey helps the future of planning for the department.

An example of a program that was driven by residents is our tree planting program. This program was initiated by our Volunteer Environmental Advisory Council and supported by the Public Works Department. Since 2018 volunteers have planted around 1,000 trees and shrubs throughout the Parks and Open Space.

2021 Signup Genius for Tree Planting at Patterson Farm

Implementation
Lower Makefield resident volunteers who are passionate about Pickleball facilitate a community meetup group. The staff manages registration once the member has access they can join a beginner, intermediate, or advanced session to attend. The participant leaders are volunteers who run the pickleball session and events. They communicate with the LMT Staff to let them know if and when they need assistance. The leader, communicates with staff to schedule each session.

Pickleball Meetup Page

Sponsoring Activity
Lower Makefield Township Parks and Recreation relies heavily on social media for marketing classes and programs. The Township’s social media presence has grown tremendously from 2021 to 2022. Lower Makefield Township relies on word of mouth by way of social media. This new “word of mouth” helps to gain traction on the post leading more users to the Township pages.

6.1.3 – Self-Directed Programs and Services

Standard:
The agency shall offer self-directed recreation opportunities for individuals and groups to participate without leadership, under only general supervision. Examples include picnic facilities, tennis courts, roadways in scenic areas, bridle trails, self-guiding nature trails, and open playgrounds.

Narrative:
Lower Makefield offers numerous different types of self-directed recreation opportunities that one can participate in without any type of leadership or instruction. For most of these programs no pre-sign up is required and community members can drop in and enjoy the parks and facilities. The following are examples of self-directed recreation opportunities that LMT offers to the community:

• Kid’s Kingdom Playground
• Secret Garden Inclusive Playground
• Kid’s Kingdom Pavilion
• Memorial Park Pavilion
• The Pool Complex Pavilion
• Tennis Courts
• Pickleball Courts
• Volleyball Courts
• Basketball Courts
• Bike Paths
• Nature Trails

Supporting Documents:

Evidence of Compliance:

6.1.4 – Leader-Directed Programs and Services

Standard:
The agency shall offer leader-directed recreation opportunities that provide recreation opportunities where participant involvement is directed by a leader, including skills instruction classes. Examples include tennis, crafts, dance, synchronized swimming performance, and creative dramatics for children.

Narrative:
Lower Makefield offers many different types of leader-directed classes where community members can be directed by a leader and join in no matter what their skill level is. These classes are great for gaining instruction in a specific skill or class. Participants sign up on Community Pass, Lower Makefield’s registration software before coming to the class. The following are examples of self-directed recreation opportunities that LMT offers to the community:

• Swimming Lessons
• Aqua Zumba Classes
• Aqua Aerobics Classes
• Deep Water Aerobics Classes
• Yoga Classes
• Zumba Classes
• Pilates Classes
• Skateboard Classes
• Adult Art Classes
• Youth Hockey Program
• Youth Soccer Program
• Youth Art Classes
• Walking Club

Supporting Documents:

Evidence of Compliance:

6.1.5 – Facilitated Programs and Services

Standard:
The agency shall facilitate assistance to individuals and groups of individuals that provide or want to provide recreation programs and leisure services independently from the agency. An example of facilitated programs and services is an individual or group that wishes to start a community theater organization; the agency may help initially by providing a meeting place, some administrative help in publicity, and “seed money” with the intent that the organization will become self-sustaining. Demonstration projects may be utilized for this purpose.

Narrative:
Over time there have been a number of facilitated services offered to residents and supported by the Parks and Recreation Department. The Department regularly support scout projects either with supplies, staff or access to facilities.

Currently the department sponsors the LMT Walking Club which is organized by volunteers within the organization. This is a group that meets every Sunday from spring to fall. The group has access to the Community Center to meet and use the restroom facilities outside of business hours. The group walks 2.5 to 3 miles and all skill levels are welcome. The staff also provides support through marketing by mass emails with social media posts. The Department provides marketing materials to attract new members.

Supporting Documents:

Evidence of Compliance:

Images of Social Media Posts

6.1.6 – Cooperative Programming

Standard:
The agency shall enter into cooperative agreements with public, commercial, and nonprofit entities to provide programming.

Narrative:
Lower Makefield Parks and Recreation is in multiple agreements with public, commercial and nonprofit entities to provide programming for the Township. The department maximizes all partnership opportunities in order to provide the most programs for Township members. Lower Makefield is in agreements with sport leagues, entertainment companies, hospitals, schools, and health and wellness businesses which are all listed below.

Public Partnerships

Commercial Partnerships

Nonprofit Partnerships

• Yardley Makefield Soccer
• Lower Makefield Football Association
• Pennsbury Athletic Association
• St Mary Medical Center

Supporting Documents:

Evidence of Compliance:

6.2 – Program Objectives

Standard:
There shall be specific objectives established for programs and services that are reviewed periodically. Objectives shall be specific and measurable as to the actual outcome or impact desired by the program or service so that progress on meeting objectives can be evaluated (see standard 10.2 Outcomes Assessment). Objectives shall be defined by program area, such as nature, dance, music, sports, fitness, special events and they can be further defined into levels such as beginner, intermediate and advanced.

Narrative:
Lower Makefield Parks and Recreation staff developed measurable goals and objectives delineated program areas. The program areas defined in the program plan are relative to the facilities of the pre-existing facilities within the Department. Categories include aquatics, youth, health and wellness, volunteer, special interests, special events, and senior citizens. This plan is new to the Lower Makefield Township Parks and Recreation Department and is scheduled to be evaluated every three years as as demographics and program trends and will continue to evolve. Refer to the Recreation Program Plan for a full list of all of the program area objectives and goals.

Supporting Documents:

6.3 – Scope of Program Opportunities

Standard:
The content of agency programs shall be related directly to stated program objectives and shall provide for individual differences of interests, abilities (mental, social, physical), and backgrounds. Activities selected shall be suited to and contribute toward fulfillment of the basic physical, emotional, social, and intellectual requirements of individuals. The agency should take into consideration the total community offerings; some opportunities may be offered by other organizations, private, public, and non-profit.

Narrative:
The Department of Lower Makefield updated a program and service matrix in 2022 for all program opportunities. This matrix is used as a guide to gauge the Townships programming offerings and set the standard of where they should be in the future. Reporting information about current programs helps staff identify gaps within services, facilities, staffing and allows staff to define necessary improvements.

Supporting Documents:

6.3.1 – Outreach to Diverse Underserved Populations

Standard:
The agency shall proactively extend programs and services to residents who may be underserved in the community. To encourage participation in parks and recreation programs and services, agencies shall identify and address barriers that may limit access as demonstrated by the demographic profile of the community. Agencies should offer inclusionary support services to ensure access to programs and services for people of all abilities and all socioeconomic status.

Narrative:
Lower Makefield Township works to provide recreation opportunities for the whole population no matter what the ability, interests, or skill level is. The department encourages participation in programming and utilizes the underserved population to meet their needs. Below are examples of how the Township works to address barriers that exist within the community when it comes to participation in recreation and may limit certain populations from participating in programming. However, the staff works to break these barriers and offer activities for these groups.

Supporting Documents:

Evidence of Compliance:

6.4 – Community Education for Leisure Process

Standard:
The agency shall have a process to educate the general citizenry about the use of leisure time and the outcomes, benefits, values, and positive impacts of leisure and recreation services. The process shall be periodically evaluated for effectiveness. Educating the public about leisure and recreation shall be ongoing and systematic and should be done in cooperation with the community, e.g., schools, other leisure agencies, business, industry, and commercial recreation establishments.

Narrative:
Recently Lower Makefield Township approached the Needs Assessment process in which the Township introduced the community to a public opinion survey, in which it became evident quickly that the community needed more education about Parks and Recreation. The Department recognized, as part of this process, that many people in the Township didn’t even know what the Parks and Recreation Department offered. Many didn’t know what the Community Center was and what happened there, or they did not know that Lower Makefield Parks and Recreation had so many amenities. In response to early feedback and criticism, the department reevaluated the marketing/community outreach strategy to ensure people knew why the Parks and Recreation Department wanted to hear from residents and introduce them to the benefits of parks and recreation. As a result of the marketing push there were over 2,000 responses to the survey which provided great insight into community needs. The public opinion survey, marketing/community outreach, and education about the CAPRA accreditation are examples of how the department has educated the community in a measurable way. In the future, as determined by the needs analysis, staff will put a concerted effort into improving this process.

Supporting Documents:

6.4.1 – Community Health and Wellness Education and Promotion

Standard:
The agency shall have policies, procedures, or programs to educate and promote health and wellness in the community.

Narrative:
Health and wellness is part of the core of the Parks and Recreation mission statement indicating that its top priority is Lower Makefield Township parks and recreation. The Township partners with hospitals and health groups to promote healthy living. Listed below are healthcare partners who currently help to promote health and wellness within the Lower Makefield community. Capital Health, St. Mary Medical Center and Manor Care Senior Living Facilities have all been involved with educating Township residents in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department.

Supporting Documents:

Evidence of Compliance:

6.5 – Code of Conduct

Standard:
The agency shall have “code of conduct” guidelines for appropriate participant and spectator conduct at programs and events, and the agency shall proactively inform and remind staff and all users about the code of conduct.

Narrative:
Lower Makefield Park and Recreation is a part of the Township, therefore Township Policy for Code of Conduct are followed. In addition to the Township Code of Conduct, the summer employees have Code of Conduct specific to their positions.

Supporting Documents:

6.5.1 – Concussion Protocol

Standard:
The agency shall have an established policy and procedures for potential concussion injury in any agency program or any authorized third-party program that use the agency’s facilities.

Narrative:
Lower Makefield Township offers athletic programming through outside not for profit leagues. All leagues provide the same base training through their parent organizations.

Supporting Documents: