Public-Private Partnerships in Sport

A new path to development is emerging in the public and private sectors as organizations are faced with the reality of needing to accomplish more with limited resources. I experienced this firsthand while managing the intramural and club sport programs at the University of South Carolina during COVID-19. For the first time in my career, I was asked to take a critical look at how we were spending money on program services and outcomes. Did we really need 4 flag football officials working each game? Were intramural championship shirts designed with a specific sport and year worth the extra cost?

When planning the development of new facilities, it is fiscally irresponsible if we don’t look for ways to maximize the use and function of these spaces through mutually beneficial partnerships. When developing a recreation center, it is much easier to fill the facility during prime time hours in the colder months (Mon-Fri 5p to 11pm & Sat./Sun. from 8am - 11pm) then it is to have participants come to the facility at 10am on Wednesday in the summer. A way to combat this is to align your facility with other organizations and programs that bring life into your facility during this “down” time.

Since beginning project development, our executive board has actively pursued these mutually beneficial partnerships….in fact the Livwell Community Center is looking to become the first community recreation center in New York State to deliver a P5 (Public-Public-Private-Private-Partnership). With partnerships emerging between our non-profit, SUNY Geneseo, SUNY Genesee Community College, Livingston County’s Office of the Aging, & University of Rochester Medical Fitness Science the potential to build a sustainable financial model with a large community impact has never been greater.

Don
Livwell, Be Well

Next post scheduled for March 2, 2023