SWOT Analysis
This SWOT Analysis was first developed in September 2014 , when the department engaged consultant Mary Henderson , former Parks , Recreation & Cultural Resources Director for the Town of Cary , NC . The first SWOT Analysis session was conducted with department staff , the second one with programming partners and advisory committees of the department . The purpose of this exercise was to obtain answers to the following questions to gain a comprehensive overview of the department :
S – What are the Departments Strengths ? W – What are the Department ’ s internal Weaknesses ? O – What external Opportunities are available for the Department ? T – What external challenges or Threats might face the Department ?
This SWOT Analysis has been reviewed and updated for this Strategic Plan .
Strengths
• Governance and community support for parks and recreation
• Knowledgeable , creative , and competent staff
• Wide offering of programs and activities for all ages
• Award-winning parks and programs
• Town special events
• Community engagement
• New facilities
Opportunities
• 2021 Bond Program & Penny for Parks Funding
• Community Partnerships
• Marketing
• Program growth and development ( local , state , and national levels )
• Revenue generation ( sponsorships , grants , bond , rentals , naming rights )
• Culturally diverse programs and events
Weaknesses
• Limited staffing levels
• Budgetary resources ( operational and capital budget )
• Limited greenways , trails , and connectivity between parks
• Aging facilities
• Town operational policies and procedures ( approval processes , hiring processes , contract processing )
Threats
• Economic factors ( budget shortages , limited disposable income of families )
• Local , county and state politics
• Competing agencies and organizations offering similar programming
• Safety and security of parks and facilities
GARNER PRCR STRATEGIC PLAN 2023-2027 11 9 / 28 / 2023