In June of 1949, the National Recreation Association prepared a recreation plan for the City of Marion. Amazingly the philosophy is the same today. Here, in part, is what the report entailed.

"The very process of planning consists of anticipating the community's needs in time to meet them most effectively and economically. Just as the past has shaped the present so does the present set the pattern for the future."

"In this instance the planning is concerned with recreation, that is, with the provision of facilities and opportunities for making the lives of all citizens more enjoyable."

Recreation is a universal experience and a common need. All kinds of people, young and old, rich or poor, engage in some form of active or passive recreation with reasonable regularity. There are important reasons for this. Recreation satisfies fundamental needs that exist in all persons and that are increasingly difficult to satisfy in our present-day urban civilization. Among these are the need for sociability, the need for opportunities to create things, the need for physical expression, the need for achievement and the need for adventure or new experiences. In effect, these constitute immediate goals for community recreation.

We are still striving to meet community needs and enhance day-to-day life experiences.