Do you find yourself attracted to social activities, sport and games, special or themed events, fitness activities or cultural enrichment? If you like working with people of all ages and value getting involved in your community then perhaps you should consider a career in Community Leisure Services Administration.

As a professional in community recreation and parks, you will be challenges to help people get the most out of their leisure time pursuits by planning programs and events, managing recreation and parks facilities, and generally improving the quality of life of your community. Annually billions of dollars are spent on community-based recreation program and facilities. This reinforces the need for qualified professionals to lead, supervise, and manage program facilities in various community environments.

To succeed in this field, you should have strong leadership abilities, good interpersonal skills, creativity, problem-solving abilities, energy and enthusiasm. Central Michigan was the first university to offer a professionally accredited major in the field of recreation, parks and leisure service administration in the state of Michigan. As you explore educational options, consider these key features that distinguish CMU's community recreation program:

• A department that is recognized nationally as offering one of the best curriculums in this field.
• Internships designed to offer practical, hands-on experience
• Help with fieldwork and internship placement through the Center for Leisure Services
• Professional, volunteer and social opportunities through the Student Recreation Association

Career Options in Community Recreation
CMU graduates have found successful careers with programming, leadership, supervisory and administrative positions in a variety of community, public, nonprofit, military, youth and religious agencies. Some of these include:

• City and County Parks and Recreation Departments
• Regional Park Districts
• Youth Services Agencies (YMCA, YWCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, Teen Centers, Community Centers)
• Institutional Recreation Agencies
• Armed Forces Recreation and Wellness Departments
• Church Recreation Programs
• Family Entertainment Centers
• Aquatic Centers
• University Activity Centers