Chimborazo Playground renovation cut from the budget
An message from Bridgette Huff of the Friends of Chimborazo Playground has some bad news and some good news:
All capital improvement projects (such as renovations to Chimborazo Park Playground) have been completely cut from the mayor’s budget (2009-2013). The Dept. of Parks, Recreation & Facilities said they will be operating on a bare-bones budget that will cover only facilities maintenance and repair. [...] Some previously appropriated funds remain. We can use these funds for site demolition, regrading, engineering, and very scaled-back renovation. As a community, we need to meet again and decide what we want.
OOOooo this is so very disappointing. So much work went into creating a plan that everyone was excited about. I say we install loads of edible gardens! And a squirt park!
Thanks Bridge & everyone else working with Bridge for all your hard work on this project. You have a great vision for the playground & you keep on keeping on despite numerous setbacks and disappointments. One day, our kids will have an awesome playground, thanks to you!
The budget is still subject to amendment, but the drmatic drop in funding for programs such as the park comes because of the funding stream for the new jail. $150-175 million over the next four years.
I’d like to clarify my statement above: Capital improvement projects citywide (such as renovations to Chimborazo Park Playground) have been significantly reduced from the Mayor’s Capital Improvement Budget (2010-2014) for the entire park system (not entirely cut).
Thanks, Mel, I appreciate the kind words! Though I’d like to stress — there are many fantastic people in the community, BAM and at the Dept of Parks, Rec & Facilities working on the project, not just me.
We will be re-requesting a grant request from the CHA for new bbq stands, shade sails, garden shed, CHAT picnic tables and more on Tuesday, April 21 at 7pm at the Asbury Methodist Church, corner of 29th & Marshall. Please attend, become a CHA member if you’re not already and vote.
You are giving up too soon. You have a chance to comment on the budget, at Mrs. Squire’s district meeting April 25th, at the public hearings. If the park is important to you, fight for it.
We will – but we need everyone’s support. The more voices that speak out, the better. I hope you’ll join us!
Yes, the funds have been reduced but not eliminated.
Ms. Squire’s monthly district meeting on Sat from 10 – 12 will be a place to express you opinions on this to her directly.
curmudgeon, where will that monthly district meeting be held?
Tiny, I cut and pasted this from the listings on the left side of this page –
“The next 7th District meeting has been announced for April 25, at 10AM at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church Parish Center at 3300 R Street. Hosted by City Council 7th District representative Betty Squire, expected guests include Police Chief Brian Norwood, Commonwealth Attorney Michael Herring, Sheriff C.T. Woody, and Fire Chief Robert Creecy.”