Recreation Planner
Tasks & duties
Recreation planners may do some or all of the following:
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develop plans on how best to manage assets such as recreation centres, parks and reserves
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develop strategies and policies to improve the range and quality of leisure activities available to the community and make sure they are fairly priced
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research the recreational needs of the community and assess if those needs are being met
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plan alterations, maintenance and improvements to recreation facilities
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oversee the design of new recreation facilities
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help promote recreation in the community
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work with neighbouring councils and central government agencies to discuss regional and national leisure objectives and plans
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write reports and recommendations to councils, community groups, government agencies and national sporting and recreational interest groups
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contribute to policy development in statutory plans
Skills & knowledge
Recreation planners need to have:
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some knowledge of recreation and tourism
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an understanding of the special needs of community groups
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up-to-date knowledge of the latest developments in recreation planning, facility management and other related areas
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knowledge of resource management legislation
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knowledge of the Treaty of Waitangi and tikanga Māori
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an understanding of health and safety legislation and practice
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knowledge of statistics and monitoring systems
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skill in interpreting and analysing plans and drawings
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good time management skills
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negotiation skills
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communication and listening skills
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research and report writing skills
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leadership skills
Entry requirements
To become a recreation planner you need to have a degree in planning, geography, or parks and recreation, or another recreation-related qualification such as sport or leisure.
Secondary education
Recreation planners need to have good marks in Sixth Form Certificate or Bursary, or the NCEA equivalent, preferably in English, maths, economics and geography. Biology may also be helpful.
Training on the job
Skills are gained on the job and recreation planners may attend NZ Planning Institute workshops and seminars to further their skills. The NZ Recreation Association runs seminars, and recreation planners may attend the association's annual conference.
Registration
The NZ Recreation Association has an accreditation scheme to provide those who work in the recreation industry with an opportunity to be accredited as a recreation professional or practitioner.
Useful experience
Useful experience for recreation planners includes work:
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as a planning assistant
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as a community worker
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at a recreation centre
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as a researcher
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as a policy analyst
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in the tourism industry
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in a senior management role (managing assets and/or people)
Related courses
Sport and Recreation Activities
Urban Design and Regional Planning
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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