Kid

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Kids Rec Activities Public-private partnership
model
May 2008
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Problems parent/child perspective

• Parents want enrichment and activities for their
  young children, but the dispersed model that
  currently exists results in
• Countless hours driving to/from activities
• Negative environmental impact due to all of the
  shuttling
• Stress associated with getting kids to classes
  and activities on time
• Stress associated with signing up fickle kids for
  classes that require a time commitment
• Time and mindshare spent figuring out how to fit
  in various activities into increasingly complex
  schedules.
• Heavy expense associated with different fees for
  different classes, especially when classes are
  missed or kids change their minds about what they
  want to do.
• All of the above becomes more difficult, complex
  and stressful with multiple children.

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Problems business perspective

• More and more businesses are offering activities
  for children, creating greater competition. It
  can be difficult to differentiate, so businesses
  are all competing for a smaller piece of the same
  pie.
• Theres no coordination among the different
  offerings, yet a change with one business can
  impact another business (e.g. a music class
  schedule change can force a parent to choose
  between that and a gym class that happens to take
  place at the same time.)
• Its difficult to find the ideal space thats
  convenient, has adequate parking, is safe and
  secure, etc.

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Problems public/park rec perspective

• Theres a desire to provide a rich offering of
  activities for kids, but operational expenses are
  high and its challenging to be the only entity
  footing the bill.

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Solution Public / Private Omnibus Approach to
Tot and Youth Activities

• A single facility where an array of classes are
  held for an age range (e.g. 0-7 or ending where
  the Youth Center picks up)
• A separate space for each category music, art,
  dance, gymnastics, cooking, etc.
• The schedule is coordinated so that at any given
  time there is something for every age, as well as
  a free play offering.
• Fees could be handled via a monthly membership
  (per child or family) or class-by-class.
• Reservations could be made online and in advance
  for each class, with drop-ins available space
  permitting.
• No requirements for long-time commitment for
  classes.
• This is similar to a regular health club, where
  there is a schedule of classes that any member
  can take, space permitting. The more popular
  classes require an online sign-up in advance,
  though people can always try to drop in if space
  allows.

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What this means

• Parents always have a place to go, without having
  to think too much about what activity is going to
  take place when. They can participate in
  activities as it fits their schedule, versus
  trying to adjust their schedule for desired
  activities.
• Because of the something for everyone model,
  sibling issues are resolved siblings dont have
  to sit around watching others take a class.
• Everything is simplified the schedule, the
  payment, etc. reducing stress all around.
• A greater sense of community is fostered because
  people have a place to gather instead of everyone
  being dispersed as they rush from one place to
  another.

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Sample Schedule
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Examples of businesses/franchises who might be
interested
A few businesses could opt to share a space. For
example, multiple dance teachers could share the
dance space and offer different classes
throughout the day.
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Other thoughts

• Ideally, this would exist in a newly constructed
  building where Kiwanis currently exists.
• Another option would be a downtown location
• Perhaps a smaller/scaled-back version of the idea
  could be implemented for Kiwanis in the short
  term.
• An added bonus a café

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Issues/Considerations

• Obviously, thought and consideration would have
  to be given to how the finances would work, and
  how to make it workable, financially, from all
  sides (businesses, City, parents)
• The drop-in schedule would not allow for the same
  type of progression and class cohesion as a
  committed course with a set start and end date
  may provide.
• Though many successful childrens programs have
  ongoing programs with age-appropriate curriculum.
• Some childrens programs are done via franchises,
  which may have rules regarding the type of
  facilities required.
• Some programs, even though they might be
  interested, are already in established facilities
  with long-term leases.
• Some business owners may be adverse to having to
  abide by scheduling requirements (e.g. 2 y/o
  class that must be at 10am)