Jupiters and the Urbana Park District

A Commercial Agency And A Public Agency

Previously our group visited Jupiter’s as well as the Urbana Park District in order to learn more about the establishments and how they work to provide people with leisure activities. The two organizations have many similarities in that they accomplish their goals and intentions by releasing people of their daily stresses, however, they also differ greatly in the way they accomplish this. For example, they are different in the way they are funded, the jobs they provide, the people they target, and much more.

Jupiter's

The goal of the Jupiter’s establishment is to make a profit as well as provide people with entertainment and a fun time. Jupiter’s is funded through their profits and seeing that the establishment has a private owner, it originally gained funds from that source. Jupiter’s targets a very large range of people. It has pizza parties for younger customers, an eatery for families and gatherings, and drinking for the twenty one and older group. Jupiter’s provides many jobs. These include cooks, buss boys, game operators, bartenders, waiters, waitresses, hosts, managers, and owners. These jobs require workers to work well with people and to take orders from coworkers. They must  be above the age of twenty one in order to serve drinks, they also must be able to problem solve. 

Some strengths of the establishment are that it provides leisure for a multitude of age groups. Also, Jupiter’s provides a large variety of services. It is not simply a place for drinking but also children’s parties, family dinners, and games and entertainment. Another strength of Jupiter’s is that they provide discounts to customers. This can add to the joy that customers get out of visiting Jupiter’s. However, one of the weaknesses of Jupiter’s is that it has relatively high prices. Also its location is inconvenient for students on campus. Additionally, a weakness of the business is that it has very little advertising and therefore is not well known in the area and on campus. Even though it has some weaknesses, Jupiter’s uses its strengths to accomplish its original goal of making a profit and giving people a fun and entertaining experience. For example, Jupiter’s provides parties for young children. This adds to the profits of the business while providing the children with a fun and enjoyable experience. 

Urbana Park District

The goal of the Urbana Park District is to improve the quality of life of its citizens through a responsive, efficient, and creative park and recreation system. They also want to pursue excellence in a variety of programs, parks and special facilities that contribute to the attractiveness of neighborhoods, conservation of the environment and the overall health of the community. The park district is funded by mostly donations and fund raisings with the addition of some federal money as well as minimal fees. Urbana Park District serves the community as a whole as well as people outside of the community. They target all generations and provide activities and areas suitable for all genders and ages. 
The park district provides a variety of jobs throughout the community including volunteer opportunities as well as internships, part and full time jobs, seasonal jobs, and managerial positions such as directors and advisors. These jobs require good people skills, organization skills in order to plan events and activities. It is also advantageous to be motivational and get people involved. One of the strengths of the park district is that it provides a pleasant environment for the community. It encourages and allows people to appreciate art and nature. It also encourages people to participate in the community. Another strength is that it doesn’t cost people to participate and enjoy the work of the Urbana Park District other than the occasional minimal fee. Some of weaknesses of the park district are that funding can be difficult, acquiring volunteers can be hard, and getting people to participate can be a struggle. Although it can be a struggle, in the end the Urbana Park District accomplishes its main goals and intentions. For example, the Meadowbrook Park provides the community with an attractive part of the town and increases the overall health of the community by providing an area for activities. 

Similarities and Differences

The two agencies differ in many of the key programmatic elements. For example, Jupiter’s is a business that has a prominent goal to make a profit. In contrast, the Urbana Park District simply tries to acquire sufficient funds in order to continue to provide the community with park areas and activities. Also, they differ in that much of the Urbana Park District is run by volunteer work whereas Jupiter’s does not have volunteer workers. Another difference is that Jupiter’s establishment resides in a single location whereas the Urbana Park District covers the entire area of the community. While both agencies provide leisure to the community they do it in completely different ways. For example, Jupiter’s provides food and parties whereas the Urbana Park District provides activities and natural areas to maximize leisure. 

Leisure Defined

After learning about these two leisure agencies, we as a group have established a new and improved definition of leisure. To us, leisure can be defined as an activity that has the ability to take a person's mind off of the stresses of daily life whether it be eating , drinking, sleeping, shopping, playing sports, listening to music, etc. Both Jupiter’s and Urbana Park district provide customers with leisure time. For example, Jupiter’s take customer’s minds off of work by giving them a place to hang out with friends or family and have a good time. In a similar manner the Urbana Park District gives people places to do activities or have events that have the ability to wind down and relinquish his or her stress. 

Jupiter's Synopsis - Minji Kweon (kweon2)

I really liked our agency, Jupiter's. I've never heard about this place before, but as soon as I walked in the restaurant, I knew that I would love this place. I've been to many restaurants in the states, but nothing was compatible to Jupiter's. When I walked in, I could see a group of family in a table having pizza and having their own family time, a group of friends who were playing billiard. We got to talk to some of the employees there, but they seemed like they enjoy their job from my perspective. They were laughing while talking to each other, the manager was chill. It seemed more like close friends than coworkers. When I see a certain career or a job, I see more cons than pros, but for having a job at Jupiter's, I see more pros than cons. The only con that I can think of is since they have a wide variety of customers, they would need skills to deal with all different kinds of customers. And dealing with different people might get stressful sometimes. But there are much more pros that I came up with. You would be able to make so many friends who work there and have same interest. Also, the customers could be their new friends, if they have same interest by watching games on TV. And learn how to communicate with others who are different from you. There are many people working at the place from different background and have different thinkings. So through working with different people, you learn how to fit in with others. And that leads into the teamwork. Personally, I find teamwork, which Kayla mentioned, to be one of the most important factors to make the time at work much better. Also, I liked how chill the manager, Chris was with his workers. He was acting like he was with his friends with workers. As we were leaving the place after the brief meeting with people, I thought I'll be coming back here as customer with my friends. I also thought working here would be a unique experience that I wouldn't be able to have at other restaurants. I really enjoyed visiting the place.

Jupiter's Pizza Synopsis - Suzie Spiekhout (sspiekh2)

I really enjoyed visiting Jupiter’s to learn more about the agency.  Our group loved the atmosphere of the Jupiter’s: casual, friendly and diverse.  There really were so many reasons for visiting for not only adults, but for people of all ages.  I think that a job at Jupiter’s would be good because it seemed like it would be a fun environment to work in.  The employees we talked to during our visit even said they loved their job and the people they worked with.  Chris, the bar manager, mentioned that he didn’t expect this job to change his lifestyle, but after working there for a while he adapted to a lifestyle that suited his job.  He said he went from going to work, wrapping things up and heading home to staying for a bit after work to enjoy a drink or two with employees and/or friends before heading home.  He now spends more time living his life during the night hours than during the day because it suits his job better.  I could see this as being a downside of the job because it doesn’t always work best according to most other people and businesses.  As for being the owner of a business like Jupiter’s, I think it would be a good agency to invest in because even with the change in the economy and tighter budgets for most people, they still see Jupiter’s as a local place to go and hang out.  People can meet up with friends and spend only a few dollars on a drink and a game of pool.  It’s easy access and relatively inexpensive, so it won’t lose a ton of customers even when times get tough.  This is important because as a commercial agency, they need revenue to continue operating.  This was also made clear in the time we spent there.  While mentioning that Jupiter’s has something for everyone, Chris added “everyone with money, that is.”  This reinforces what we have learned about commercial agencies needing the public’s business to be successful.  Jupiter’s can only operate when the funds are there to support its operation, and those funds come from the public’s business.  Overall, it was an enjoyable and informative experience to visit Jupiter’s and learn about who they are, how they came to be and what they are about.

Commercial Agency- Jupiter's Pizza (Hyun Soo Kim, kim783)

After sub group investigated the commercial agency which is Jupiter restaurant, we almost understand about commercial agency.  Like studying about this kind of agency in the book, the major purpose for this agency is the financial benefit from the customer.  In the restaurant, there were many billiards, bars, and recreational machines such as guitar for customers.  Therefore, although it is evening and night, the bar is not for adult, but also for the kids who parents bring.  Therefore, family can enjoy the restaurant in anytime.  However, the important thing is money.  To enjoy those kinds of leisure system, the customers have to pay money.  While I investigated the restaurant, a father paid the game machine for their children.  I am not sure, but to use billiards, the customers have to pay.  Because it is commercial agency, the financial profit is important for company that the restaurant owns.  However, how much money they possibly obtain in this small town?  I heard that a lot of college student coming in during weekend.  However, during week day, there are only few customers are using restaurant.  Moreover, the place is too far, so the students who do not have car cannot go.  The distance is quite important because Murphy’s pup or Fire House on the Green Street have many people during a day in week days for hamburger or other foods. 

Jupiter's Pizza - Commercial Agency

For our RSO, we had commercial agency. For the agency, we chose the Jupiter’s Pizza. Jupiter’s Pizza is a restaurant, a bar, and an entertainment venue. Jupiter’s is owned by the company CMT Ventures. CMT Ventures also owns eight other establishments, including the original Jupiter’s, which is located in downtown Champaign. Because of its success, they opened a bigger one at a different location in Champaign.  This is the location we visited in a strip mall called The Crossing. 

Upon arriving at Jupiter's, we walked around the whole place to check it out. On the main floor when we walked in there was a bar, a lot of tables, several billiard tables and arcade games. We went downstairs and saw an extension of the main floor with another bar and more tables, arcade games and billiard tables. The top floor had a stage and many tables, which seemed to be used primarily for entertainment purposes. There was also a third bar. In addition to these features, there were TVs throughout the establishment and several outdoor areas. As soon as we walked in we realized that there was a wide variety of people. We saw families with young children, young people, young adults, and elders. Many people were in smaller groups but there were also a few larger groups.   

When we went to Jupiter’s, we got to talk to several people there. We met the bar manager, Chris, who told us how the restaurant was run. We also met Kayla, who is an employee. They were really helpful in answering all of our questions. We started off by asking them how they got their job at Jupiter’s. They said that many employees get their job here by knowing someone already in the business. To work here, you need to submit an application and have a brief interview. Some of the positions available include waitress, hostess, bar tender, bar manager, bar back, food runner, and game fixer.

We also asked what kind of skills they need to work at Jupiter’s. Kayla emphasized teamwork because there are many employees that work together to keep things running smoothly. She also mentioned patience with customers and fellow employees, along with good communication skills. Another bartender said being a logical thinker and a good problem solver can be helpful.

Chris told us that Jupiter’s has been affected by the change in the economy, which has caused them to try some new things. They have tried new promotional techniques to bring more customers in. Kayla told us that something they’ve tried to bring more people is starting a comedy club every Thursday. The main audience for the club is 21 and older. They also have half price pizza Tuesday nights and have started selling grinders all day along because of their popularity.

We asked Chris and Kayla what they thought the main benefit they provide to the public is. They told us that there is something for everyone at Jupiter’s. Adults can enjoy a drink, children can play arcade games, and friends can chat over a pizza and play billiards. Another focus of Jupiter’s is hosting parties upstairs. They’ve held wedding receptions, family gatherings, and various types of parties.

Before we left we talked to Elaine, who has worked at Jupiter’s for one and a half years. Elaine told us that she loved her job because of all the great people she has worked with. She told us that she’s made all of her best friends here, along with her boyfriend. After sharing this brief conversation with these employees, we all thought it would be fun to work here. Their attitudes were positive, genuine and chill.  We left Jupiter’s with a great impression of the agency, and we were glad for the opportunity to visit in person and learn about it.

They also have a website where we got most of the images of the agency. The website allows you to look up the menus, join the pool league, and even request a party online. The URL is as follows: http://jupiterspizza.com/index.html

Cindy's Synopsis--Jupiter'sPizza (xinyihe2)

Jupiter'sPizza is really an amazing place to work and have fun! It is not crowded but different people drink, eat and play there, and the background music make the working environment more comfortable.  It is good for people who live nearby to have fun in Jupiter'sPizza because there are not any leisure agencies in the neighborhood. In the agency, there are bars, tables and billiards so that people can not only drink and play games, but also eat with friends and families. The service there is variable instead of only providing drinks. I saw that some families eating there with little children, some older adults and younger adults chatting and playing games. It combines bars and dining halls which I think is the best part of the career in Jupiter'sPizza. I don't know whether all this kind of agencies in the U.S. are run in this way, at least it is so different from those in China. I think the various recreation service, the good environment and the combination of bars and dining hall make Jupiter'sPizza fit into the leisure delivery system well. However, I noticed that  when we entered the bar, there was nobody coming to greet and guide us and we just walked around in it and I think paying attention on customers is very important for any RSO.

Public Agency: The Urbana Park District

The Urbana Park District, like most park districts, is a public agency.  It provides events and programs for the public as well as facilities for the community to enjoy recreation and leisure.  One of the missions of the park district is to "pursue excellence in a variety of programs, parks and special facilities that contribute to the attractiveness of neighborhoods, conservation of the environment and the overall health of the community".  The Urbana Park District was one of the first park districts in the state and has been working hard at providing recreation and leisure to the people.  The park district runs many of the standard and traditional types of programs like athletics and pools and things like that but it is more untraditional than other park districts.  The Urbana Park Districts primary focus is on nature and environment.  It has a lot of focus on the arts.  One of the main facilities run by the park district is Meadowbrook Park.  It is a great space with a playground and wonderful natural areas.  People can walk and enjoy art and leisure on their own time.  Meadowbrook Park also holds some of the park districts main events like Neighborhood Nights which is a summer concert series as well as Strawberry Jam, also a concert.  They still organize sports programs and are currently working on a new pool but they really work a lot on their natural parks and scenery, and put focus on the arts. The Urbana Park District has a lot of responsibilities and is always striving to be better.  

The Urbana Park district is made up partly by a Board of Commissioners overseeing the operations, and is made up of five members elected by the public. Each member serves a six year term.  Besides the board there are many employees all throughout Urbana.  The Urbana park district maintains park sand facilities, and offers recreation programs for all Urbana citizens.  There are gyms, parks, an aquatic center, and a nature center located all around the Urbana area.  Some locations are on University, Broadway, and many others.  The Urbana Park District is funded mainly by taxes and get donations to help build.  Urbana Park Districts goal is to have something for just about everyone to enjoy, and to enrich their lives in the process.

When applying for a job at the Urbana park district some of the competencies they are looking for are things like ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and skills in leadership techniques, and management. They also want enthusiasm for the outdoors, high motivation for their work, and enjoy working with general public.  Some required education would be at least three years working towards a degree in national resources, education, environmental studies, as well as outdoor recreation.  Also required is some sort of experience working with children adults, and families.  Knowledge of natural history and land management is also a big thing when they are looking at hiring.  These things are just a few of the core competencies required for these jobs.

The Urbana Park District has many job opportunities for people in many age groups.  With our interview with Ellen Kirsanoff she said, “There were many employment opportunities and forms at the agency. Generally the Urbana Park District employ people full time year round but they also employ people part time year round as well. They also employ people seasonal full and part time meaning you will work for 6 months between the months of April and October. Furthermore, if you are interested in recreation and other environmental studies they hire interns to help them out. The employees of Urbana Park District welcome people who would like to help them out and volunteer. While interviewing Ellen Kirsanoff she said the best way to get a foot in the door, is by volunteering. By volunteering the current employees get to know you better and also you get a feel for the task and jobs employees have before you are hired. In one example she talked about a girl who started off by volunteering now works full time at the nature center. Her tasks are to organize and implement school tours. The Urbana Park District provides many opportunities for people who are looking for a job or just want to do volunteer work. They also, have a great intern program for people who are interested in working in this field of work. If you are interested in this type of work the Urbana Park District might be the place for you.

Right now the primary focus or project for them is their plan to build a new aquatic center in Urbana.  The park district is planning for new people and community members.  They have been working hard to figure out what the people of the community want.  It is gaining a lot of public interest and is currently the Urbana Park Districts #1 effort.  There is a referendum in the spring about it.  A few years ago Champaign built a new aquatic center.  One thing people need to understand is that Urban Park District is not trying to compete with the Champaign Park District.  They are actually trying to complement and work with the Champaign Park District.  The Urbana Park District is trying to fill the voids with this new aquatic center they are planning.  One thing in particular is that the Champaign aquatic center does not have a traditional or deep lap pool.  Urbana Park District plans on having an outdoor lap pool that will allow for outdoor swim meets because right now there is a void in this area.  The park district is also working on trying to get teens motivated and to participate.  These are just a couple of the things the Urbana Park District is currently working on.  The main issues for the agency are money and getting people to interested.  Budget is always an issue and the Urbana Park District works hard to be fiscally responsible and to charge as little as possible for their services.  They continue to explore new funding sources and new ways and opportunities for "doing business".

The Urbana Park District defines leisure as providing open space and natural space, where people can independently recreate.  The park district wants people to be able to enjoy leisure on their own time and of their own desire.  It is the mission of the Urbana Park District to improve the quality of life of its citizens through a responsive, efficient, and creative park and recreation system.  The Urbana Park District benefits the entire community and neighbor communities in the area.  It provides events and social cooperation.  The Urbana Park District provides natural spaces and environment.  They allow people to appreciate the arts and music.  Children and adults can participate in athletics and classes.  The Urbana Park District works to bring leisure and recreation to the people it serves.

During the visit to the Urbana Park District we met with the Development Coordinator, Ellen Kirsanoff. She allowed us to get an in-depth look at the park district, how it functions, and what it does for the community as well as new knowledge of what it is like to work for a public agency.  We learned that one of the major benefits for working at the Urbana Park District was interacting with the public.  Additionally, Ellen Kirsanoff explained that she enjoys her flexible work hours and the opportunities to plan events.  However, she also added that working for a public agency has its disadvantages.  For example, finding funding for events and getting people motivated and excited for activities can be a challenge but she assures the struggle is all worth it in the end.  As a result of the hard work done by the workers of the park district, citizens of Urbana and neighboring communities can enjoy their leisure time in the wonderful natural spaces that the Urbana Park District provides and through the activities and programs they organize.

The Urbana Park District has a lot of events and some are coming up.  You can get more information about the events at the their website. www.urbanaparks.org/