The county commission of any county or the governing body of any municipality with a population of not more than 100,000 according to the most recent federal census may, by resolution or ordinance duly recorded in its minutes, create a recreation board.

Each recreation board shall consist of not less than five nor more than nine members selected by the county commission or municipal governing body from residents of the county or municipality who have recognized interest in recreational activities. Members of the recreation board first shall be appointed as follows: One for a term of one year; one for a term of two years; one for a term of three years; one for a term of four years; and one for a term of five years. Any members, in excess of five, shall initially be appointed as follows: The sixth member shall be appointed for a term of one year; the seventh member shall be appointed for a term of two years; the eighth member shall be appointed for a term of three years; and the ninth member shall be appointed for a term of four years. As the terms of members expire, their successors shall be selected for terms of five years each. Vacancies in unexpired terms shall be filled in the same manner as original appointments are made. The board shall elect from its membership a chairman and secretary and such other officers as it deems necessary to serve at its pleasure. The board shall adopt rules and regulations covering the procedures of the board and the use of lands, buildings, equipment and other facilities under its jurisdiction. Members of the board shall serve without compensation.

The recreation board shall be responsible for the direction, supervision and promotion of such recreation programs as will contribute to the general welfare of the residents of the county or municipality. The board shall have control over all lands, buildings, equipment and other facilities assigned for recreational purposes to the board by the county commission or municipal governing body or purchased or leased by it from funds provided by the county commission or municipal governing body. The board shall cooperate with other local agencies and state and federal agencies for the purpose of maintaining and improving recreational services and facilities for the county or municipality. The board shall have power to accept financial and other aid and grants from any public or private agency.

The recreation board may employ a county or municipal director of recreation to be its executive officer. The director, with the approval of the board, shall employ such staff as may be necessary to effect the recreation program determined by the board. The salaries of the director and the staff shall be fixed by the board. The tenure of the director and the staff shall be at the pleasure of the board. Traveling and other expenses of the director and the staff while in performance of their duties shall be provided for by the board.

The county commission of a county or governing body of a municipality may make appropriations from county or municipal general funds to the recreation board for the support and maintenance of the board, a recreational program and recreational lands, buildings, equipment and facilities. The county commission or municipal governing body may designate for use as parks, playgrounds and recreation centers and facilities any lands or buildings owned by, leased by or loaned to the county or municipality. The county commission or municipal governing body may improve and equip or appropriate funds to the board for improving and equipping the lands and buildings for recreational purposes. The county commission or municipal governing body may acquire lands, buildings and facilities for recreational purposes by means of purchase, lease, loan, gift or condemnation procedure and shall have power to accept financial and other aid and grants for recreational purposes from any public or private agency. Any county or municipality may join with one or more counties or municipalities in acquiring property for recreational purposes and, through the recreation board, join similarly in the operating and maintaining of playgrounds, parks and recreation centers and facilities.

Any county or municipality may cooperate with another county or municipality by establishment and maintenance of a joint recreation board.

This chapter shall be construed liberally.