NCJ Number
51179
Journal
Evaluation and Program Planning Volume: 1 Dated: (1978) Pages: 135-139
Date Published
1978
Length
5 pages
Annotation
THIS PAPER BRIEFLY DESCRIBES AN EXPERIMENTAL PROJECT IN WHICH A LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY ATTEMPTED TO SET UP A VIABLE MANAGEMENT INFORMATION AND FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR EVALUATING ACCOUNTABILITY IN SERVICES DELIVERY.
Abstract
THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED BY NASHVILLE-DAVIDSON COUNTY, TENN., TO EVALUATE THE PROVISION OF LEISURE SERVICES BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION. THE TECHNIQUES, HOWEVER, CAN BE APPLIED TO OTHER GOVERNMENT SERVICES. THE SURVEY WAS DESIGNED TO FIND OUT WHO USED EXISTING RECREATION SERVICES, FACTORS WHICH ACCOUNT FOR DIFFERENCES IN USE, AND WHETHER OR NOT THE CITIZENS OF THE AREA WANTED MORE RECREATION SERVICES. THREE SOURCES OF DATA WERE USED; (1) AN ESTIMATE OF ACTUAL USE DERIVED FROM TICKET SALES, FEE RECEIPTS, AND HEAD COUNTS; (2) A SURVEY OF 402 HOUSEHOLDS IN THE AREA; AND (3) A SURVEY OF ACTUAL USERS CONTACTED IN THE RECREATION FACILITIES. USE OF THESE DATA TO PLAN NEW PROGRAMS, TO RELOCATE EXISTING PROGRAMS, AND TO IMPROVE COUNTY PROVISION OF LEISURE TIME SERVICES IS DESCRIBED. THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD DATA FOR THE EVALUATION OF LOCAL PROGRAMS IS DISCUSSED. (GLR)