In this publication, written for use in guiding community recreation and park systems, the following topics are discussed: why parks and recreational facilities should be developed, the need for governmental participation, and park-system development. Additionally, neighborhood parks, playlots, community parks, city-wide parks, regional parks and reservations, and specialized recreation areas and facilities are examined in terms of desirable physical characteristics and user populations. Principles applying to design of park and recreation areas and cooperative facility usafe by school and community are also reviewed. To provide examples of joint development of school-recreation facilities, 4 communities are described: Topeka, Kansas; Mount Prospect, Illinois; Austin, Texas; and Elk Grove Village, Illinois. An outline of recommended community park and recreation practices discusses administration, community cooperation, planning, facilities, programs, and personnel, and a chart of selected Illinois laws is included. (MJB)