Wisconsin: no budget, new programs—no problem - NRPA in Action - Two Rivers Recreation Division's programs - Brief Article

Parks & Recreation, Dec, 2003

In spite of the recent economic conditions and a 5-percent budget reduction, the city of Two Rivers Recreation Division has expanded programs for city youth. Two new athletic programs were offered--youth roller hockey and youth flag football. Both of these programs had no money, no staff and no resources. But they did have energy, passion and a commitment to active living and healthy lifestyles. The city also had newly renovated court facilities and established fields just begging to be used.

The roller hockey program was held during the summer and allowed kids age 6 to 13a chance to participate and learn fundamental skills of skating, puck handling, stick control and team work. Resources and expertise were shared with the Manitowoc Ice Center, which provided the staff and equipment, while the city of Two Rivers provided the facility. The minimal registration fee was charged to cover the start-up expenses and labor.

Roller hockey might be easy to scrap together using the city's available resources, but flag football needed an extra boost, which it received from a joint partnership between NRPA and the National Football League's Youth Football program. A $1,500 grant was distributed to the Twin Rivers Recreation Department to supply it with flag football equipment for its six-week program, which officially launched Oct. 4.