Star Tribune: Minneapolis Parks Plan Is Presented To Public
by Chao Xiong, November 10, 2004
The horse patrol would end in Minneapolis parks, adult sports fees would rise and some supervision of children in parks would end under the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's proposed 2005 budget.
The board will hear public testimony today on the proposed $49.9 million budget. That is up from last year's $48.6 million but a cut of $1.02 million from the amount officials say it would take to maintain current services.
While some commissioners said they don't like some proposed cuts, they noted that the cuts aren't as deep as the double-digit reductions of recent years.
Some park commissioners and residents of northeast and north Minneapolis said their biggest concern is a proposal to eliminate personnel at parks in some of the city's most disenfranchised neighborhoods that don't have recreation centers. The move would save $85,000 and eliminate part-time staff members who supervise children and provide games, activities and athletic equipment.
"I'm not comfortable with the cut in outside supervision," Commissioner Marie Hauser said. "The problem is if we don't cut these things, what do we cut?"
The proposed budget also would raise adult sports fees by 15 percent and charge traveling teams more to use athletic fields. However, some money would be invested in projects, such as a minigolf center at Lupient Water Park on NE. Johnson Street, that would increase operating revenues.
"I think [the proposed budget] is completely reasonable," said Commissioner John Erwin, who also expressed concern about cuts in park supervision.
The board also is scheduled to receive a recommendation for three to five finalists for the job of park superintendent from its consultant, the Oldani Group. The board may accept that list of finalists, or may add or delete names.
Commissioners said they have reviewed more than a dozen applications, although they have not been given the names of the applicants. The finalists will be interviewed by the board later this month.
"I think we have up to several good candidates," Hauser said.
The meeting starts at 5 p.m. at Park and Recreation Board headquarters, 2117 West River Rd.