State-Local Government Partnerships

Partnerships between state and local government entities that share common recreation goals can help maximize limited funds, especially in concentrated urban environments. For example, Portland’s Parks and Recreation Department shares facilities with school districts, coordinates land and water resource management and use with other regional agencies and raises money for equipment and facilities by partnering with corporations and other nonprofit groups.10 ph otos, top to bottom: Students in Portland, Oregon help clean up the Elk Rock Island Natural Area. Created from an outmoded road that separated the waterfront area from the rest of the city, Portland, Oregon’s Waterfront Park exemplifies the city’s success in creating multi-purpose recreation areas. Photos courtesy of Portland Department of Parks and Recreation.