Public Recreation Management, Reasons and Restraints

It seems that most everyone these days is interested in, and demanding better and more effective management from the public sector. After serious deceptions at the highest level of government in the early 1970\u27s citizens are somewhat more demanding in the accountability of government institutions, and individuals, on all levels. Enthusiasm and interest in good public management is one thing, however, understanding the nature of it, to say nothing of achieving it, is another. Management concepts in the public sector, including specific strategies applicable to public parks and Recreation, differ quite dramatically from management in private business and industry. These sometimes subtle variations in administrative technique, restrictions and restraints on effective management, spell the difference between good public response and poor public perception and response in many human service areas. This article discusses public vs. private management with strategic applications to public recreation