Factors leading to the implementation of strategic plans for parks and recreation

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Strategic planning for parks and recreation (P & R) in municipalities occurs worldwide, but evaluation of the process and content of such planning is scarce. This study evaluated those factors that lead to success in P & R planning in a case study area, the Province of Ontario in Canada. Research revealed the factors required for successful implementation of P & R plans, including 23 factors in planning process; 26 in plan content, 10 in human/implementation, and 13 obstacles to implementation. The research concluded that some of the planning deficiencies found were due to the absence of a coherent provincial policy toward plan development and content. In addition, the research found weakness in the capability of many P & R agencies, and especially those of smaller municipalities to undertake and implement strategic planning. The 71 identified planning factors that play a role in improving plan implementation should be applicable wherever strategic planning for P & R is undertaken.