Press Release:
City Council Fulfills Promise to Restore Recreational Programming
Two months after 11 recreation centers were closed in a cost-cutting measure to pass a balanced budget, City Council has drafted legislation to enter into agreements to reopen, or begin limited services, at seven of the centers. The legislation also continues the modest level of funding set aside each year for community festivals through the Partnership through Sponsoring Program.
Ordinance 0457-2009 authorizes the transfer of $618,000 from the Hotel/Motel Excise Tax fund, commonly referred to as the bed tax fund, to help community partners operate the centers. According to city code, a maximum of 1.5% of the bed tax may be used for the purpose of “expanding cultural services for the enrichment of the community.” The decision to allocate resources from the bed tax fund, which is separate from the General Revenue Fund that pays for the city’s operating expenses, derived from the recommendation of a joint work group comprised of staff from City Council and Mayor Michael B. Coleman’s administration. The work group began convening at the beginning of 2009 to address the additional $13 million shortfall created by decreased revenue estimates. While most of the work group’s recommendations called for further expenditure cuts, all seven members of City Council and Mayor Coleman determined that this limited redistribution of bed tax funds was consistent with city code and allowed the city to enter into the unique community partnerships.
The legislation, scheduled for City Council’s consideration on Monday, March 30, is sponsored by Recreation and Parks Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson.
“Recreation centers are the heart of many neighborhoods,” said Tyson. “When these important facilities closed, it affected the quality of life in Columbus. With the help of our community partners, it is imperative we open as many of these centers as quickly as possible in the most financially prudent way.”
Recreation centers that will reopen or begin limited operations are:
Tuttle Recreation Center – $27,600
Through a partnership with Campfire USA, Central Ohio Chapter, the non-profit group with the support of the Columbus Foundation will offer a variety of programs for area residents.
Krumm Recreation Center – $45,485
Through a partnership with the East Fifth Avenue Civic Association and the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation, the Recreation and Parks Department will provide part-time staff during after-school hours and during the summer playground season.
Holton Recreation Center – $10,000
The Brian Muha Memorial Foundation Inc. will offer after-school tutoring programs to the children in the Hilltop and Franklinton neighborhoods.
Sawyer Recreation Center – $60,000
Neighborhood House, a long-time tenant of the center, will expand their programming and offer recreational opportunities. We are also working with the Mount Vernon Ave. District Improvement Association to provide programming opportunities.
Columbus Performing Arts Center – $70,090
The City of Columbus continues to work with the Phoenix Theatre to operate this program for area youth. The Phoenix Theater will work in partnership with the community group Friends of the Davis to support the theater’s operations.
Golden Hobby Shop – $20,608
The Golden Hobby Shop Board will provide staffing and cover other personnel costs. The City will pay for utilities while maintaining the building and grounds.
Sullivant Gardens Recreation Center – $45,485
Recreation and Parks working with the Capital Kids After School program will provide part-time staffing during after school hours and during the summer playground season.
Funds will also be allocated to continue support for the Douglas Recreation Center. It is important to note that the reopening of these centers does not necessarily mean a return to the full level of programming residents enjoyed before the shutdowns.
“The Recreation and Parks Department will continue our discussions with groups that are willing to partner with the City to offer activities at centers that have been closed,” said Director Alan McKnight. “I am happy to meet with church groups, civic associations, a wide range of non-profit agencies willing to do what the Mayor challenged us all to do last year, and that is step-up and work together to save as many programs as possible.”
Councilmember Tyson also secured funding for groups that run some popular summertime events, attractions that draw thousands of visitors to Columbus and generate hundreds of thousands of tourism dollars. The festivals receiving funding are:
- Festival Latino (CAPA) – $10,000
- Jazz & Rib Fest – $15,000
- FESTAC – $4,000
- Fall Harvest Jamboree – $1,000
The Partnership through Sponsorship Program also provides limited funding for many of the smaller, unique festivals that add flavor and character to many Columbus neighborhoods.