Abstract
This research project used an appreciative inquiry research approach to examine the program evaluation practices of the Manteca Recreation and Community Services Department, which provides recreation programs to the Manteca area. Three staff members from the MRCSD were interviewed, and the data collected was analyzed thematically. The study identified several themes from the MRCSD program evaluations, including limited resources, reasons to do evaluations, positive evaluation experiences, ideal evaluation information, evaluation creation and dissemination, and the use of the term “survey” vs. “evaluate.” The findings highlight the value of appreciative inquiry as a framework for evaluating current program evaluation practices, due to its focus on building on the strengths of a topic rather than focusing on its weaknesses. The project is guided with this principle in mind and suggests that the MRCSD program evaluations could be improved by being more introspective and appreciative of current situations with regard to evaluation resources, being more open in evaluation inquiries and willing to do things for a variety of benefits, becoming more mindful of evaluation successes as new endeavors begin, maintaining the consistency that is already established and build upon it, and finding new ways to complement current surveys to make the most of evaluation efforts. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the evaluation practices of the MRCSD programs and underscores the importance of reflection and introspectiveness to foster improvement within current circumstances. The insights gained can inform future evaluation efforts and support the ongoing improvement of the MRCSD program evaluations to foster better service through recreation programs for the Manteca Community.