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DanD
November 19th, 2009, 04:19 PM
So, you want to get involved? Come share your thoughts and help us keep disc golf a live in Ptown!

Public Priorities and the Parks Budget:
Community Budget Information Meeting on November 30 to discuss FY 2010-11 budget


What: Community Budget Information Meeting on the Portland Parks & Recreation budget process for fiscal year 2010-11

When: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday, November 30

Where: Benson High School, 546 NE 12th Avenue

Who: The public is invited to join Parks Commissioner Nick Fish, PP&R Director Zari Santner, and senior PP&R managers in a discussion of the budget process

As Portland Parks & Recreation starts the budget planning process for fiscal year 2010-11, the City of Portland continues to face uncertainties from the ongoing financial crisis, including reduced state and federal funding and reduced General Fund discretionary dollars.

As with the development of the current year's budget, the City will take a conservative approach in preparing next year's bureau budgets.

What does that mean for Parks? It is likely, given the financial climate, PP&R will be asked to prepare reductions from ongoing operations. Last year the bureau reduced its General Fund discretionary budget by 5%, or approximately $2 million. That reduction translated into the loss of twenty positions, including three park planners, as well as increased program fees.

This year’s financial forecast could require looking at a similar level of reduction from the already reduced budget. Commissioner Fish and Director Santner are seeking the public’s input and ideas for where the bureau can identify priorities, save money through efficiencies, increase revenues, or make reductions.

Childcare is available at the meeting by calling 503.823.5113 before November 25.

Current information on the FY 2010-11 budget planning process for Portland Parks & Recreation can be found online at www.portlandonline.com/parks/budget.

keith_shupp
November 19th, 2009, 04:35 PM
Dan how can disc golfers help at this meeting it sounds like they are going to make more cuts. Do you have a plan of attack or is anyone pitching for a new course that might be affected by cuts. the only course in the portland parks is Pier how would cuts affect the course.

Adam Schneider
November 19th, 2009, 05:16 PM
Yeah, I'm also wondering how this might impact disc golf. There aren't really any potential future courses under PP&R's jurisdiction, and I can't imagine that Pier Park is in any danger of closing...

snap7times
November 19th, 2009, 07:48 PM
i say install donation boxes at all dg courses and use that money to help the budgets....

Ol' Bob
November 19th, 2009, 10:36 PM
Maybe they want to restore Pier to what it was before disc golf.

Magilla
November 19th, 2009, 11:20 PM
From the multitude of Parks Dept meeting I have been involved with...

I would suggest a small group of educated volunteers to attend this meeting.

Having a large group show up can lead to more trouble than good...All it takes is ONE individual to say the wrong thing at the wrong time & Disc Golf could be negitively impacted. Ive seen it happen before & those wounds take YEARS to heal.

:cheers:

DanD
November 20th, 2009, 12:39 AM
Just passing a long a public service announcement. There are no discussions I know of to take out Pier, but I do think having disc golfers involved in a positive way can only help. Even if to simply show up and introducing ourself's to Zari, positive visibility. She actually came out to one of our safari cleanups, the one at Creston Park.

erp
November 20th, 2009, 01:49 PM
So have the discussions around adding a bridge, changing the parking area for golfers and moving holes across the tracks to reduce conflicts with the soccer and baseball fields continued or has the budget mess successfully derailed them?

I would like to go to the meeting and complain about missing my putt on 18 yesterday to merely tie my best round ever rather than beat it...dang wind.

And I think 'Ol Bob is on to something - if the parks department could get a cut on methamphetamine sales and prostitution receipts we could probably fund some improvements by restoring these activities to the park...

Adam Schneider
November 20th, 2009, 04:46 PM
Ooh, I forgot about the across-the-tracks land (Chimney Park). I'd guess that a bridge is completely out of the question, given budget concerns, but I still wonder whether the possibility for a separate 9-holer over there exists (maybe a shorter beginner-friendly course?).

erp
November 20th, 2009, 05:43 PM
I had the same reaction with regards to the bridge.

I was pretty stoked about that - how much do you figure something like that would cost?



Ooh, I forgot about the across-the-tracks land (Chimney Park). I'd guess that a bridge is completely out of the question, given budget concerns, but I still wonder whether the possibility for a separate 9-holer over there exists (maybe a shorter beginner-friendly course?).

Adam Schneider
November 20th, 2009, 05:51 PM
A footbridge over the tracks? A lot. Plus the railroad has to get involved, and they're almost like a governmental entity in and of themselves. This has come up with the Harmony Park planning; they'd like to make the park accessible from the south, but it can't be done without a bridge or tunnel over/under the tracks, and that ain't happening.


Here's an article about the rehabilitation (not construction) of a 240' footbridge over train tracks in New Jersey: http://www.northjersey.com/news/bergen/Footbridge_to_undergo_rehab_.html -- it says a $500K grant will cover "most of" the project.

And one more, citing a cost of $800K for a pedestrian bridge over tracks in Hershey, PA: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/leadertimes/s_644791.html

jevon
November 20th, 2009, 06:00 PM
Whats wrong with using the sidewalk on the bridge at Columbia Blvd?

Adam Schneider
November 20th, 2009, 06:02 PM
Whats wrong with using the sidewalk on the bridge at Columbia Blvd?
Exactly.