All too often, taxpayer-funded parks departments are treated like seesaws by their governing bodies.
One year, parks equipment and landscaping are at the top of a city’s must-do list. The next, they’re at the bottom, trying to hold their own.
In Anderson, the city parks department saw its budget slashed 62.5 percent, the most of any city sector, from $2 million in 2009 to $750,000 in 2010.
The department is looking at a decrease in the 51 properties for which it’s responsible or a loss of services.
Certainly, the sale of properties with little use or that are inaccessible needs to be pursued by the city, such as Stanton Park near 21st Street and Columbus Avenue.
But foremost, this is not the time to establish more user fees in the parks or increase taxes. Already residents can purchase a “pooch pass” to walk in the Canine Companion Corral at the animal shelter or to rent various shelters.
But no one, of course, would be willing to pay for a walk along the White River Trail.
Instead, this is the time for aggressive city officials to seek partnerships with other struggling agencies and organizations as well as with county government.
The idea must be stressed that the amenities offered by parks provide a quality of life for residents. That quality translates into a city’s reputation outside its borders.
However, the city’s chief concern should be a quality of life as it relates to finding new businesses and expand current ones for jobs.
Already, there exists a promising partnership between the Historic West Eighth Street Neighborhood Association and nearby Funk Park ensuring that residents help keep the site clean. Anderson Road Runners also stay involved with Shadyside Park’s amenities.
Maybe some other groups could conduct regular cleanups or adopt a park as a neighborhood activity.
Parks and Recreation Department jobs are critical, too. However, it seems that the city parks might have had too many last year. Budget cuts reduced the rolls by three employees this year. The argument is easy; parks will fall into disrepair without employees.
That is the chief reason that city leaders must rise and find partnerships, connecting the quality-of-life issue to jobs.
This budget crunch might be a good crisis, forcing the department to take an even more thorough look at unused properties and critical services.
The Parks and Recreation Department has to ride out the economic crisis until the seesaw rises again.
Editorials
Editorial: Parks department should look at options
Budget slashed 62.5 percent from $2 million to $750,000
- Editorials
-
-
Editorial: Sentencing should be determined by judge most familiar with case
We should show concern about the handling of a criminal’s recent case under the Madison County unified court system, a concept where judges share resources to help reduce costs, avoid backlogs and move cases forward.
-
Editorial: 911 consolidation good for county
When it comes to emergencies, a fast and proper response is sometimes the difference between life and death. Therefore it is important for 911 services to be coordinated for the best response time. It’s even better if those services are consolidated with one location fielding calls from multiple areas.
-
Editorial: On Valentine’s Day, indulge in selfishness of volunteering
In the final analysis, we’re all selfish beings. Everything we do, at its core, is motivated by what is good for us.
-
You Said It: About roundabouts, Mayor Smith’s firings, recycling, State of City address
The bottom line in Mayor Kevin Smith’s State of the City address Tuesday during the Anderson Rotary Club’s luncheon at Anderson Country Club was simple: To attract investment, you have to make investments. (Article published Feb. 4.)
-
Editorial: Firings show inability to turn foes into friends
Politics is a double-edged sword.
-
Editorial: Help celebrate city's strong black history
Many times we overlook the small achievements of residents long gone who made a better Anderson for those of us alive today. There is no better time to recognize and cherish those stories than during Black History Month.
-
Editorial: Madison County needs vision for future tourism
Slot machines, gospel music, a beautiful state park and candy are all thriving as destination sites. Now is the time to explore a way to connect these valuable attractions and encourage new ideas.
-
Editorial: AHS grad rates moving up, must be pushed ever higher
A diploma is a must, but it has to mean something. Anderson High School must do this the right way, not cutting corners and passing students through classes, but making them accountable for learning the subject matter.
-
Editorial: With changes to program, why not begin recycling?
The public has to understand the importance of recycling aluminum and steel cans, cardboard, glass, newspapers and certain plastics. Besides minimizing a community’s waste, recycling saves energy, natural resources and the environment.
-
Editorial: Reality returns after Super Bowl mania
While we loved what the Super Bowl did for our reputation, it’s time to get back to the real world. Let’s recap the lost week.
- More Editorials Headlines
-
