Quick fixes vs. solutions for C.S. parks
Posted : Nov 13, 2009 5:38 PM
Updated: Nov 13, 2009 8:39 PM
Non-profit groups and community members in Colorado Springs are being asked to step-up like never before to help off-set the city's budget crisis that's cutting from parks programs. City council is considering slashing millions from the parks to balance the city budget.
The nonprofit Trails and Open Space Coalition reports an increase in people wanting to take part in efforts to save parks. Part of that is a willingness to volunteer. Parks advocates praise the interest by the community, but argue the volunteers can't do it all. "They're not going to be mowing the parks; they're not going to be watering park," says T.O.S.C., Executive Director, Susan Davies, "So it's limited scope of what volunteers can actually do."
"The bigger picture definitely requires a bigger solution and the typically means money," according T.O.S.C., Program Director, Vince Cloward. The nonprofit is working with other parks advocates on a strategy for a long-term fix. One option they may take to the voters is asking them to designate tax money that can only be spent on maintaining parks.
Lou at Nov 14th 2009 8:02 PM
Maybe the city could start an adopt a park program like there is for litter removal on streets. Organizations, churches, businesses could commit to paying for a year's supply of water for a park, or a year's worth of mowing... Some type of sign noting their contribution could be posted, like they are by roadsides. And hopefully, their contribution would be considered as a tax deductible donation as well. Volunteers could band together and conduct fund raisers to raise the necessary funds to pay for one year's worth of water, etc. for a park.
susan at Nov 16th 2009 5:24 PM
Lou, I think that's a great idea. I was the woman interviewed in that story. If you want to be part of the effort to come up with solutions, contact TOSC at 633-6884.
Susan