12 – Golden Shovels, Red Ribbons, and Debt

Maintenance backlogs are of concern across the country due to significant building and development when times were good, with less attention given to paying for the ongoing maintenance required to care for assets over their lifespans. Emerging park and recreation organizations know the maintenance requirements necessary to take care of their current assets. They know that trading short-term growth and the “bright, shiny new object” for long-term liabilities slowly and silently can bankrupt their communities. Who wants that?
Learning Outcomes:
- Review and analyze examples of park and recreation organizations that are currently working to understand their deferred maintenance and backlog.
- Review and assess opportunities to ensure proper investment practices and policies that support taking care of infrastructure throughout their lifespans.