1.  Upon the petition of 5 percent or more of the registered voters of a county expressing a desire or interest in the creation of a county park and recreation commission, the board is authorized to conduct a recreation feasibility study which will meet the planning criteria set forth by the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, the National Recreation Association or any other nationally recognized recreation authority.

2.  Any study which shows a need for, and the feasibility of, a county park and recreation commission must be submitted to the Division of State Parks of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources or any other appropriate state agency. Acceptance and approval of the study by the Division of State Parks or other appropriate state agency empowers and authorizes the board to organize by ordinance a county park and recreation commission for the express purpose of planning, acquiring, developing, operating and maintaining recreational and cultural facilities and programs.