This text introduces to the general reader the principal types of organizations providing recreation, park, and leisure services, and the roles that these organizations play in modern society. In addition, issues affecting the decision-making processes of such agencies are examined. The material is divided into two broad sections. Section I, Functions of Recreation, Park, and Leisure Services is devoted to the types of organizations providing leisure services and the types of clientele that they serve. Special attention is devoted to providing a brief overview of each type of organization, discussing purposes, methods of operation and organizational framework, types of services provided, methods of finance, and overall trends. Section II, Processes of Recreation, Park and Leisure Services, seeks to identify and describe the processes by which such organizations make decisions and the types of information they utilize. Particular attention is given to the role of the citizen or client in this process. (Author/MJB)