Description
Details
About
This course focuses on using research methods to define the existing conditions of a parks and recreation system. It will also explore planning parks for people and present methods for assessing the existing conditions of a planning area, including: the importance of place, geographical characteristics, socio-cultural characteristics, organizational structure, and inventory of existing assets.
Please note: While this course can be taken alone, we recommend that you take it as part of the more comprehensive Park Planning Certificate course of study. If you are taking the course outside of the certificate program, you will be assessed only via the multiple choice quiz. You are welcome to work on the portfolio assignment, but you will not be able to upload your assignment for individual feedback from our expert course instructors.
Course Schedule
This course is self-paced, allowing learners the flexibility to complete the course as quickly or slowly as they need. While exploring course content, learners can investigate topics in greater detail through enrichment activities that link to real-world examples, original source materials, and policy documents. Learners can easily move from section to section as they navigate through the course, revisiting concepts as needed.
Elements of the course:
- Informational text
- Interactive practice activities
- Learn More opportunities
- Supplemental reference materials
- Portfolio assignment (if taking as certificate program)
- Final assessment
After completing all course activities, you will complete a brief assessment to demonstrate your understanding of key course concepts. Upon successful completion of the assessment, you will be awarded a certificate of completion.
Course Chapters
- Importance of This Step
- Defining the Place
- Defining the Users
- Defining the System
- The Role of GIS and Mapping
- Benchmarking Analysis
Be able to:
- Define place, users, and system as they shape a community and impact public facilities
- Collect data, including information on:
- Community
- Physical and Cultural Resources
- Organizational Structure
- Organizational Resources
- Define GIS and how it relates to park planning
- Identify the existing mission, goals and objectives of the agency
- Define the hierarchical context of the organization
- Report on the administrative structure of the agency
Recommended Background
The course will be most beneficial for those new to parks and public lands facility management or for those who wish to advance their career in this field. To complete the portfolio pieces successfully, it is recommended that you have access to a parks or public lands facility. While this course can be taken alone, we recommend that you take it as part of the more comprehensive Park Planning Certificate course of study.
Length
Partner
Subject
Type
Level
Reward
