Idris Jassim Al-Oboudi ادريس جاسم العبودي ialiraqi@hotmail.com ialoboudi@citymb.info Idris is a nationally recognized Recreation and Parks professional and public speaker. A Highly motivating, energetic, passionate leader with vision and a pragmatic approach to recreation issues and needs, has been working in the field of Recreation for the Past 28 years. He is currently the Manager of Parks and Recreation for the City of Manhattan Beach California. Idris is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and State / National and International notoriety and acclaim. In February, 2008 Idris, received the Professional Distinguished Service Award. This is the highest award bestowed by the NRPA Pacific Southwest Regional Council. It recognizes professionals in the Region who have consistently given outstanding service to the park, recreation and conservation movement on the State, National and in the case of Mr. Al-Oboudi the international level. He also received the 2007 NRPA’s Program Excellence Award for Special Event. In February, 2008 Idris, received Los Angeles County Special Commendation Award form forth District Supervisor Mr. Don Knabe. This Commendation is in recognition of dedicated service to the affairs of the community and for the civic pride demonstrated by numerous contributions for the benefit of all the citizens of Los Angeles County California. In March- 2006 Idris received The California Park & Recreation Society’s (CPRS Over 4000 in Membership) highest Award and Citation that recognizes outstanding contributions to CPRS and the parks, recreation, and/or human serves profession. This award also recognizes his contributions that significantly affect the parks & recreation profession on a regional, sectional, state & national level. Idris was honored for his contributions to the profession and commitment to the Creating Community VIP Action Plan. Both in 2005 and 2006 Idris received the California Parks and Recreation Society’s President’s Award for outstanding Leadership and dedicated service to the parks and recreation profession in California. In 2004 Al-Oboudi was the first Chair of California Parks and Recreation Society’s Youth Sports and Fitness Task Force (Initiative) in charge of providing modality, revamping and re-directing the youth sports experience in California municipalities and organizations. This Plan was rolled out in fall 2005 and is being implemented state and nation wide starting in spring 2006. Mr. Al-Oboudi was in the lead as a creator and organizer of the Rally in support of Youth Sports and Fitness at the California State Capital on March-8-2007 during the CPRS annual Conference. Mr. Al-Oboudi is a 25 year member of the CPRS & a long time member of the NRPA. He has served the CPRS membership in many areas, he was the Education Program Chair of the 2008, CPRS Conference, and served in the same capacity in 2004. He has been and Advisor for the CPRS Director of Education for the CPRS CONF 2003-2005& 2006. He was elected as Southern CA CPRS Administrators Section representative serving from 2003 to 2005. Mr. Al-Oboudi is a frequent contributor to leadership workshops and meetings on recreation issues in Local Collages, Universities, and California Cities, community organizations, CPRS, NRPA and nation wide organizations. Mr. Al-Oboudi Developed a proto type frame work for Vision Insight Planning and Programming (Purpose Driven Programming). This tool was further developed and adopted in Programming for Community and youth recreation, cultural and social activities (Purpose Driven Programming) for the Islamic Community in the USA and the World. This is the First Vision Insight Planning programming tool developed for Muslim Organizations world wide. This ground braking work is a prelude to a comprehensive Initiative Mr. Al-Oboudi is Envisioning, Espousing and Creating, for the Muslim Community in the USA. A 25 year resident of the Cal

1. I I flON • DECEMIJ[R lggij
CITY OF MANHATrAN BEACH
MR. 1DRIS ,J. AL-OBOUDI
RECREAflON SERViCES MANAGER
1400 HiGHLAND AVE. (310) 802-5404
MANHAflAN BEACH, CA 90266 FAX (310) 802-5001
iaIoboudj@cjmanhattafl beach
9.-
TDD (310) 546-3501
di -
- :-‘_ -
S.- —
b4II
g :
—
—
- - - - -
-
-S
-:_ .:- —
-
-
-.---‘
•
-
—-
- —a-- -
- r ,
. . -5-
j_p• - -•r :-.--.
_:-

2. e
¶‘
I
A
• .
•. .‘—. .. - •—
An After School Playground
Program That Works
M2nhttan Beach, CA—Where to come and meet new friends in a
are a majority of the nation’s chil safe and wholesome environment.
dren going every day after school? There are activities that teach chil
In 1988, an average of 75 percent of dren self-control, self-discipline,
the women with children ages six to leadership, and the value of rules.
17 were in the labor force. With this Most importantly, the program fos
large a percentage ofmothers work ters an atmosphere of togetherness
ing, more children are spending that helps children feel that they be
0
their afternoons in day care facilities long to a group that accepts them as a)
0)
or are “latchkey children,” coming they are.
home to an empty house. Without Recreation department officials w
supervision they can become bored believe that the success of the pro
and misguided. All too often, they sit gram is best illustrated by the soar w
C.)
transfixed in front of a television, ing attendance (today 1,200 chil w
a
wander the streets or hook up with dren are registered at four sites, a I
the wrong crowd. In day care cen 100 percent increase since 1987). z
This is the result of providing well- 0
ters they may not receive enough
attention or they may find the organized, quality activities.
0
atmosphere too chaotic and stress The program is not just a place to 0
ful. meet and play. It is also a place C,,
C’)
The Manhattan Beach Recreation where children can grow mentally
Department After School Play as well as physically. The program
ground Program provides an adheres to the theory of con 0
alternative. Children in the program structive engagement, where rec
meet daily after school in city parks reation leaders have to be proactive. z
0
and participate in planned activities They must provide sound recrea I—
such as sports, games, arts and tional programs and teach lifelong uJ
crafts, storytelling, and more. The recreational skills which are enjoy
0
program provides children with a able and enhance one’s character. w
place to develop recreational skills Because playground leaders have -J
to enjoy throughout their lives. It a vital, positive influence on chil z
has been a success in bringing dren, the Manhattan Beach program 0
together children in the community strives for quality in its leadership.
and giving them a place to belong, Most of the leaders are studying rec z
w
to learn, and to just have fun. reation at local colleges. In addition I
The goal ofthe program is to help to seeking skilled leaders, the de U-
children use their leisure time for partment looks for leaders who care 0
character building, and imaginative about children. z
0
play so that they will grow up to be To help nurture leadership quali I—
well-adjusted adults. It meets this ties, the department has developed 0
objective by providing positive pro a training manual which stresses the -J
grams that use trained and caring importance of professional recrea
leaders. tion standards. The leaders are -J
The program follows the tenets of selected to do more than maintain
professional recreation: challenge, discipline and order. They serve as
hope, and the thrill of mastery. Chil role models and are required to
dren ages six to 12 are encouraged present a wholesome appearance

3. and to conduct activities in a safe There is an open-door policy which
and responsible manner. encourages parents to volunteer,
The department has a stringent give feedback or just watch and en
selection process for playground joy. Special events such as talent
leaders consisting of several inter shows and craft projects are de
views. The special events supervisor signed to involve parents. “The
usually talks to an average of25 peo Christmas candy cane hunt was
ple when filling a vacant playground great,” says the mother of a toddler
leader position. The process the su son. “It was well organized, there
pervisor follows is simple. First, he was plenty of candy for everyone,
or she looks for people who have and the parents had a chance to
shown that they care about helping meet other parents.”
others by their previous civic activi What’s next for the Manhattan
ties and work experience. Second, Beach After School Playground Pro
to determine if they have the ability gram? The department is preparing
to teach, show, and communicate, a teaching manual for leaders that
he or she will ask them to dem focuses on educating children
onstrate crafts, sing or tell stor about their environment The man
ies. Applicants must be prepared to ual will include information on na
perform and use their imaginations ture, pollution, and things that chil
just as they would among the chil dren can do to help preserve the
dren. Last, the applicants are judged world they live in. Playground ac
on enthusiasm and a genuine com tivities will be designed to tie in with
mitment to working with children. the environment. For instance,
One of the best indicators of the there will be scavenger hunts that
program’s success is parents’ enthu will teach kids about the different
siasm for the leaders. “1 have been trees and plants in the area.
very impressed with the quality of Manhattan Beach Recreation De
the leaders. They have excellent partment’s After School Playground
control and provide discipline for Program is a success because it fills a
the children. I always feel that my gap in our ever splintering society.
children are safe with them,” ex It creates an opportunity for fami
plains a parent whose two children lies to come together, for children
attend the program regularly. to learn while having fun, and for
The Manhattan Beach Recreation the community to be more than just
Department helps each child real a place to live.
ize his or her potential through im
aginative play. Activities such as 34lison Berka
storytelling, pantomime, and play Ma7thattan Beach, CA
acting are used to challenge their
thinking and help them to visualize
and explore with their minds. Using
their imaginations in play is not only
fun, but it also helps build their
creativity and self-esteem.
Active participation by parents is
vital to the success of the program.

4. Hila Corn ission
FOR RECREATION AND SPORT
18 October 1991
Manhattan Beach Recreation Dept
1400 Highland Ave
Manhattan Beach
California 90266
U.S.A
Dear Sir/Madam
I read in a recent “Australian Parks and Recreation” magazine about the
recreation programme delivered by your department for “latchkey children.”
As Play Education Officer for the Hillary Commission, out of school care and
recreation comes under my jurisdiction and I am always on the lookout for
information and resources.
I wonder therefore if it would be possible to forward to me, as soon as possible,
information on your selection and training process. I would particularly
welcome a copy of your training manual. Pelase invoice me for any costs
incurred.
I am including material on the Hillary Commission for your information.
Yours sincerely
Diana O’Neill
PLAY EDUCATION OFFICER
Investment House. Cnr Featherston and Ballance Streets,
P.O. Box 2251, Wellington, New Zealand
Telephone (04)4728-058. Fax (04)4710-813

5. II;.
Hillary Commission
FOR RECREATION AND SPORT
4 December 1991
Idris J Al-Oboudi
Recreation Supervisor
Recreation Department
City Hall
1400 Highland Ave
Manhatten Beach, California 90266-4795
USA
Dear Idris
Thank you very much for all the wonderful information you sent me on your
Playground Programme, I can appreciate the vast amount of time and effort that
has gone into its preparation.
The Hillary Commission will be funding a 3 day seminar next year on many of
the issues addressed in the information so it will be invaluable.
The article in “Australian Parks and Recreation” was quite small but I have
enclosed it anyway.
Thank you again for the interesting material.
Yours sincerely
Diana O’Neill
PLAY EDUCATION OFFICER
Investment House. Cnr Featherston and Ballance Streets.
P.O. Box 2251. Wellington. New Zealand
Telephone (04) 472-8058 Fax (04) 471-0813

6. Recreational Use of Dam the value of rules. They meet daily
in parks where the tenets of hope,
The Toowoomba City Council com challenge and the thrill of mastery
missioned Gutteridge Haskins and are embodied in programs of
Davey Pty Ltd to prepare a recre sports, games, story telling, crafts,
Fbcu3. ational use strategy for the Cooby
Dam. The dam is one of three
water supply storages serving the
90,000 persons in the Toowoomba
etc. Attendances have risen to
1200 spread around four sites.
In developing the program over
several years, the emphasis has
Environmental Education district. been on creative pro-active lead
In South Africa, the Natal Educa The strategy included the following ership. Leaders must provide con
tion Department and the Sandton features: structive programs and teach
Civic Foundation did some pioneer • identifying the activity zone lifelong recreational skills. Most of
ing work in environmental educa along the foreshore on the basis the leaders are studying recreation
tion when they organised the first of access, environmental sensi at local colleges and they are
ENVIRO competition in 1975. tivity, foreshore gradients and expected to do more than keep
Since then other organisations serviceability order. They are seen as role
have joined in this promotion of • recommending the appropriate models. A training manual has
environmental competitions. range and scale of facilities to been prepared and before being
be provided in each activity zone accepted into the leadership team,
Primary and high school pupils or applicants go through a stringent
members of a wildlife club compete through the adoption of recrea
tional opportunity spectrum selection process. Criteria for
on a regional basis throughout the selection include evidence of
country. The winners each year in methodology
• recommending the type and involvement in civic activities; per
each region take part in a youth formance skills and imagination;
symposium held at Golden Gate scale of water-oriented recrea
tional activities enthusiasm and commitment to
Highlands National Park. The intro working with children.
duction of an overall merit prize • determining management
has led to higher standards of pres requirements and priorities to Active participation of parents is a
entations. Teams undertake proj ensure the features of the exist vital part of the overall program.
ects related to environmental ing environment are not affected They are involved in special
problems such as polluted rivers, • Recommending an appropriate events, are encouraged to volun
noise pollution, establishment of management structure and the teer and to give feedback on the
V
bird sanctuaries or hiking trails etc. fund raising measures that program and to come and enjoy
would introduce greater recrea activities as a family group.
In 1990 about 30 teams represent tional activities on the dam
ing the winners of the regions, par Parks & Recreation (USA) Dec
• recommending usage and en 1990
ticipated in the National Youth vironmental monitoring program
Symposium. The overall winning
team spends a few days at a nature The strategy had to rationalise the Valuable Holes
reserve. objectives of interested user
groups with the overall objective of Anyone in a larger city authority
From CUSTOS, Oct., 1990 maintaining water quality. After must be aware of the problems of
Trees and the World assessing the environmental attri waste disposal. So if you have a
butes of the Dam and surrounding large hole in the ground you are
Council of Churches areas, GHD prepared a low use fortunate. A recent report indicates
and moderate-to-high-use strategy. that the largest UK supplier of
Greening Australian ACT Inc mus “holes in the ground” is a Scottish
tered a group of volunteers to help GHD recommend the low-use strat
egy be adopted for a trial period of company. Shanks & McEwan. They
nearly 200 delegates, from the own about 80 million cubic metres
World Council of Churches Assem several years.
of holes with options on a further
bly, plant 300 trees in Urambi Hills 160 million cubic metres.
south of Canberra. Leadership and From Trees and Natural Resources
The Assembly brought thousands Afterschool Programs Dec. 1990.
of people to Canberra last Febru
ary and because of the initiative of A US report urges the organisation POLBASE
the Greening Australia group, they of well planned and delivered rec Polbase is a comprehensive fed
have been able to leave a lasting reation programs for children in the eral database which combines
token of their visit. A further 2000 after school hours. While this may information on federal politicians,
trees are to be planted at the site be perceived as the community the federal press gallery, bureau
shortly. This is a good example of problem of “latch key” children, the crats and consultants.
people with environmental con Manhattan Beach (California) Rec
cerns linking their interests to those reation Department saw it as a Polbase is menu driven. You need
of a major visiting group. It would challenge and an opportunity. Chil an IBM compatible PC with a hard
be great if every major conference dren aged from 6 to 12 years are disk. The material is updated reg
held in this country included some involved in a program with positive ularly. Details from Committee Bul
contribution to parks or the natural aims of meeting new friends, learn letin, RO. Box 613 Bondi Junction,
environment in their program! ing self-control, self discipline and NSW 2022.
10 AUSTRALIAN PARKS & RECREATION SPRING 1991