New Council Majority Sets Parks Agenda

Renovations to city parks and open space may come sooner than anticipated. The new city council majority unveiled a city parks and open space agenda on Thursday.

"The council's Open Space and Parks plan will fully fund critically stalled parks and open space projects that affect almost all of the city's wards," the majority announced in a press release. "The plan also sets in motion a number of initiatives to restore parks and open spaces that have been allowed to deteriorate."

At Wednesday's council meeting, the majority introduced an ordinance to repeal the $25 per child recreation tax and the transfer of open space at Maxwell Place.

"This additional recreation tax placed an unfair burden on families who depend on the city's taxpayer-funded recreation programs to provide safe, wholesome activities for their children," said Occhipinti. "This was an unfair, backdoor tax that hurt our families, and we're putting a stop to it."  

These measures are only the start of the planned improvements. The agenda calls for renovations to the outdated playground equipment in , including full funding for ; renovations to the city-owned park adjacent to the on Jefferson Street and the field at ; a move towards working with the to raise funds to upgrade Mama Johnson Field on Jackson Street and moving forward with renovations to the .

"There is no good reason for the city to continue to drag its feet on the work there," said 1st Ward Councilwoman Theresa Castellano. "Residents are rightfully frustrated that their children can't use this important facility."

The agenda also strives to purchase additional property, including the Pino's property on Jackson Street, for recreational use. 

While the majority criticizes Mayor Zimmer's administration for focusing on other issues, such as , the Mayor's office says parks are a priority.

"Mayor Zimmer is extremely committed to parks and open space," says spokesman Juan Melli.  He added that Zimmer will share her plans and her vision for open space at a community meeting on Monday, December 6th from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Rue School gymnasium.

"She invites the public to attend and to share their ideas and provide feedback on important projects including 1600 Park and the soccer field at Sinatra Park," said Melli.