Masters Theses

Date of Award

6-1981

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Planning

Major Professor

Joe Prochaska

Abstract

The first step in the planning process incorporated into the development of the recreation plan is a needs assessment. There are several methods that could be used in formulating a needs assessment. In this study, three methods were used in analyzing the recreation needs of Knoxville residents. They included an enumeration and evaluation of the existing Bureau of Recreation facilities and programs, a survey of Knoxville residents' perceptions of the delivery of recreation services, and interviews with City recreation officials and the Metropolitan Recreation Organization members for their opinions regarding recreation problems, issues, policies, and questions in Knoxville. Comparisons of the results of each methodology were examined for similarities and differences.

The study concentrated on the delivery of services by the Bureau of Recreation only. To assist in the comparison of the methodologies, Knoxville was divided into six sectors: Central, East, North, Northwest, South, and West. These sectors have the same boundaries as those used by the Knoxville-Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission.

The needs analysis conducted in this study presented a varied perception of the delivery of services by the Bureau of Recreation. However, the study revealed one similarity: there was dissatisfaction in the delivery of recreation services. Two studies conducted by the Metropolitan Planning Commission staff indicated that the needs of the residents of Knoxville were not being met by the Bureau of Recreation. The residents, in the survey conducted by the Commission's staff, stated that their needs were not being met, and they also indicated their specific problems in the delivery of services. Finally, Metropolitan Recreation Organization members stated individually that they were dissatisfied with the delivery of recreation services in Knoxville.

One of the problems of greatest concern was the lack of communications between the Bureau of Recreation and the Knoxville residents for which it plans activities. Almost half of all those surveyed (42%) indicated that they did not know where the recreation facilities were located or what programs were offered in the City (32%).

In Knoxville, 75% of the residents visited the Bureau of Recreation facilities less than twice within the last year. Eight-five percent did not participate in any of the Bureau of Recreation programs offered within the last 12 months; yet these same citizens surveyed also felt that the City should place "high importance" on the delivery of recreation services.

The results of the three needs assessment methodologies for measuring recreation needs of Knoxville residents indicated that a new direction ought to be taken in recreation planning in Knoxville. This new direction would emphasize the need to more accurately assess the specific needs of individuals, not only within the community, but on a sector-by-sector basis.

One of the implications for planning in Knoxville should be that a continuing effort for accurately assessing recreation needs of Knoxville residents be made. Because the needs are so personalized and are constantly changing, the citizens should have a direct means of input into the system. One of these channels of communication could be a Park and Recreation Board.

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