Thanks for the question DougE. It is run about like any other governmental agency. Each park manager submits an annual budget request and waits to see what he/she gets. The general operating fund covers the basics; salaries (very low), maintenance, supplies, etc. New construction, special projects and even renovation of old and tired facilities require additional funding that the managers have to justify and fight for. Input from the park users is crucial in getting attention directed to needs. Parks with good reviews and positive user feedback definitely benefit. I don't feel that volunteer activity cuts back on allocations at all. I think the interest shown by user groups makes the powers-that-be more likely to add to a park's budget. An example, some of us raised money last year to get a pavilion screened at "our" park. Since the park is in a very buggy area, the screened pavilion was very popular and raised both visitation (e.g. more people came because they had a nice place to get away from the bugs) and money (rental on the pavilion costs more). Positive feedback on this new resource has resulted in a budget item to screen more pavilions. lizzie
