The Seattle Parks Foundation asked me to pass on some info on a survey on how to handle the cronic funding shortfall faced by the Seattle Parks Department. It’s a chance for people to voice their opinions and the best part is the results will be open to those who take it. Ok, maybe the best part is actually the chance to win a $50 REI gift card… Either way, it’s a great opportunity to make your voice heard and try to help solve a major problem facing the city.
Survey Link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QLFDK3J
There’s more info available here: http://www.seattleparksfoundation.org/Sustaining_Parks.html
In February we released a report which reveals that the Parks Department lacks a sustainable source of ongoing operations and maintenance funding and faces an annual $25 million shortfall. This has led to a backlog of major maintenance projects in excess of $200 million, increased user fees, and reduced community center hours. Left unaddressed, the problem will only worsen over time.
To preserve our wonderful parks system, it will be necessary to find and implement solutions to this funding challenge. Sustaining Seattle’s Parks: A Study of Alternative Strategies to Support Operations and Maintenance of a Great Urban Parks System is a first step in that direction. The report outlines a range of potential solutions based on a nationwide review of best practices. Many of these solutions are only available to Parks, and not to other core city services.
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