Parks and Recreation - April 2011 - (Page 48)
COV E R STO RY Fiscal Blues Park and recreation agencies begin the difficult process of redefining how they serve the public. By Phil hayward IN THE SMALL TOWNSHIP OF BEDMINSTER, NEW JERSEY, Robin Ray feels like her recreation department could well be the poster child for the ravages of the current budget municipal fiscal crisis. Going into the 2008 recession, the 8,300 population town enjoyed a surplus of millions of dollars. Life was good, municipally speaking. But when the economy soured, the town leaders tapped the surplus in order to keep taxes constant. And a newly negotiated police contract further strained Bedminster’s coffers. “Where did they turn to make up for the losses?” Ray asks, then answering: “Recreation. In the past year they have cut the township events my department handles, the township calendar, seniors newsletter, and now staff.” 48 Parks & Recreation A p r i l 2 0 1 1 w w w . N R P A . O R G
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