Volunteer: Advisory Council on Parks and Recreation

Term: Two years; additional terms at Village Board discretion.
Meeting frequency: One per month.
Approximate meeting length: Two hours.
Establishment and charge: Constitution of the Advisory Council on Parks and Recreation

What does the Advisory Council on Parks and Recreation do?

The Advisory Council on Parks and Recreation (PRC) assists in promoting recreation programs throughout Scarsdale. It also ensures that the programs offered by the Scarsdale Department of Parks and Recreation, as well as local, independent sports organizations (ISOs), conform to Village standards and meet community expectations.

What is expected of Council members?

Member responsibilities vary, depending on the initiative. For instance, ISO certification meetings require relatively simple review of pending applications, while the annual park reports meeting requires park site visits and detailed review of conditions. Between meetings, PRC members often discuss specific issues or programs with residents, and may provide input to staff concerning requests involving public displays or events in Scarsdale public parks. Preparation time for each meeting varies, depending on current issues and events.

Through the chair, the PRC communicates regularly with the Superintendent of Parks regarding pending ISO issues and changes.

What professional, volunteer, and/or personal experiences have been helpful to Council members?

Current and past members have come from diverse professional backgrounds in the private, public, and nonprofit sector. It is helpful to have experience in Scarsdale recreation programming, whether in team sports as a parent of an athlete or serving as a coach, or through other recreation program offerings. In addition, knowledge of how ISO programs operate is helpful, but not required.