The random nature of the sample and the high questionnaire return rate allows for inferences to Illinois park districts and municipal park and recreation departments in general. They included agreements, cooperative ventures and other joint arrangements, both formal and informal. According to survey results, partnerships are indeed essential to the success of their organizations. Only two of the 96 respondents said that partnerships were of little importance to their organizations. Furthermore, partnerships are expected to be even more important in the future.
Partnerships are virtually ubiquitous and incredibly diverse.
Every park district or park and recreation department in the state enjoys some partnerships. Not surprisingly, these agreements contribute most to park districts' and park and recreation departments' ability to fulfill their mandates. Nonprofit sector and private sector partnerships follow in descending order. Partnerships with schools are by far the single most important agreements for park districts and park and recreation departments. Money does not seem to play a significant role in partnerships.