John Crompton will speak twice in Des Moines this week.

Dr. John Crompton, a professor of recreation, park and tourism sciences from Texas A&M University, will speak in Des Moines this week during programs sponsored by Friends of Des Moines Parks, a nonprofit organization that advocates and raises money for city parks and recreation programs. Dr. Cronpton is the most published scholar in the history of the fields of tourism and parks and recreation. Dr. Crompton will discuss how parks and recreation benefit communities through reduced health care costs and juvenile crime, increased property values and economic development, and stronger civic responsibility. Dr. Crompton is known worldwide for his work on marketing and financing of parks and recreation, especially during times of difficult financial  restraints.

Dr. Crompton is an energetic speaker who inspires and educates his audience. Come hear him describe how parks and recreation can benefit the community by:
• Reducing health care costs
• Alleviating juvenile crime
• Improving community cohesion
• Promoting economic development
• Raising property values, and
• Encouraging civic responsibility

Dr. Crompton’s message is especially relevant to the Iowa Parks Foundation and its members who are exploring the transformation of State Parks and other places of natural beauty across the state.

IPF collaborative efforts in Central Iowa include creation of a sustainable greenways system of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. This greenway will preserve, protect, and enhance the environment, improve water quality, enable alternative transportation options, promote fun and healthy lifestyles, and foster community and economic vitality through regional cooperation.

The IPF is an active member of the Central Iowa GreenwaysTask Force which represents 35 organizations and 63 individuals. Task Force meetings, open to the public, are held every other month.  Participation by all interested parties is encouraged. Dr. Crompton’s message will support the economic and cultural rational behind this planning process.

Free tickets remain available for Dr. Crompton's 12:15 p.m. presentation on Friday at Hy-Vee Hall, 730 Third St. Tickets are required for attendance. Reservations and complimentary tickets are available by contacting Rebecca Linhart at 237-1403 or via email at rjlinhart@dmgov.org. 

For those who can't make the presentations - check out the first part of Dr. Crompton's presentation to the American Recreation Association.