Which Columbus Parks and Recreation Centers will be closing for 2009?
Melvin Asked:
Which Columbus Recreation Centers will close? How long will they be closed? How will this affect the winter sports programs at the remaining centers?
Michael Asked:
Why is the Mayor planning on closing some recreation centers and pools?
Diana Asked:
How can the city close all of these rec centers and approve $8 million to redo 1 city block downtown (which was announced a few monts ago)?
Dana Asked:
I visit the Martin Janis Center often. I am wondering what legal issues involve the Columbus Park And Rec. Centers Lease with the State of Ohio regarding the closing that is scheduled for 2009. As I am told, The Dept. of Aging is responsible for the Martin Janis Center and the City of Columbus subcontracts the center. According to ORC 173.02 the Department of Aging is responsible for keeping the center open. If Columbus follows through with the closing of the center, is the state obligated to carry out the Ohio Revised Code 273.02 calling for the agency to financially support the Janis Center as a Multipurpose senior center?
We Found:
We spoke with Terri Leist, Assistant Director and Gold Administrator for the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, who says the city is facing some difficult financial challenges for next year in which each city department has made some tough decisions concerning services and staff. For Recreation and Parks, this includes the proposed closing of 12 recreation centers. Determining which centers to close is based on several criteria including service area, demographics, accessibility, participation, programs, and use by external agencies. Please know that we have not finalized our list of centers that will close, but we plan to do so sooner rather than later. However, until the list complete, we are unable to provide answers relative to programming. We do know that we will still provide activities at our other 18 centers that will remain open throughout the city providing as many formal and informal activities as possible.
In the meantime, it is also important for you to understand that even though the Mayor has submitted his proposed 2009 financial plan, the budget process is still continuing with Columbus City Council. They are holding a series of hearings on the entire city budget, but will hold specific public comment hearings on Dec. 9 and Dec. 16 at City Hall in Council Chambers. Other special department hearings will continue into January along with a third public comment hearing on Jan. 3 if it is necessary. We anticipate that City Council will pass the city’s final 2009 budget in either late January or by mid-February.
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