Marketplace Secrets of Park and Rec Departments (Profit and Recreation: Municipal parks departments offer more than summer fun)

So far, the bottles have only been disbursed to players of one sport, but it did cut down in the amount of plastic bottles left lying around the fields. Going green is a trend I expect to continue in park districts for years to come. With that said, it’s extremely important for park districts to promote which, if any, of their products are made from recycled materials. This is something park departments will consider, even if there is a small increase in price.

Event specific

The park district holds many special events during which time we use giveaways and items for purchase. One year we created a Polar Express for children and families to ride on a train with Santa. For that, we gave away teddy bears wearing a logoed shirt. At our 4th of July Fest we offered logoed hats, and all participants in the Firecracker Run for charity received a race T-shirt.

More advice

Be as flexible as possible with billing terms. As government entities, park districts run on different fiscal-year cycles. My district runs an April-to-March cycle, and most of the vendors I worked with allowed me to begin ordering as early as January for receipt in March and payment as late as May 1.

Park districts can be as loyal of customers as any corporate client. Depending on the municipality’s structure, the parks department may be required to solicit bids on larger orders. Generally, however, there are set limits on what any employee can approve based on his or her rank. For example, a supervisor may be able to place orders under $500 without anyone else’s approval, but the executive director may be able to place orders as large as $20,000 without a bidding process. Larger departments may have a purchasing agent responsible for all ordering, but with set limits.

Most park and recreation departments are extremely busy beginning April 1, and would prefer to get orders in as early as possible. On that note, I’d advise you to not cold call park district staff from April through the end of summer. It is the busiest season and most people will ignore you or be annoyed.

When you do call, dial the park district’s administrative office. Most park and recreation departments keep a list of companies that are interested in being contacted if a bid or quote is requested. Ask to be placed on the list so potential business will come to you. Also, let the staff know if you are local. As a tax-paying member of a community, you may be placed in a different category.

Eric Eisenberg is a Chicago native who used to work for the Highland Park (Ill.) Park District. He currently resides in New York.