Thank you to EVERYONE who attended or supported this meeting, and to everyone who made the meeting possible.
About 150 people attended this meeting.
From the City, Michael Hahm – Director of Parks and Recreation,
Kathy Korum – Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation, Gwen
Peterson – Manager of Recreation Services, and Kathy Lantry –
City Council President and Ward 7 Councilmember. Other officials in
attendance: State Representative – Sheldon Johnson; State
Senator-Elect – Foung Hawj; representing County Commissioner Jim
McDonough – John Cotroneo
Questions asked by Community members:
What is the mission and purpose of
Parks and Recreation?
How does the mission of a rec center
change with privatization?
What is the end goal of privatization?
Why is Parks and Rec the first place to
cut when budget problems hit?
How and why did privatization come up?
What evidence is there that
privatization increases participation?
What evidence is there that
privatization increases or at least maintains access for the full
demographics of an area?
Does privatization shift costs from all
property owners to paying participants?
Who benefits from privatization?
How does privatization work?
How do you define users of a recreation
center? Paying participants or simply those who make use of the
facilities?
What is the vision for Conway Rec
Center? (what will be effect on current programs?)
How do we maintain facilities and
security at facilities?
How do we hold Parks and Recreation
accountable?
How do we address the money/budget
issue?
Where does the money go that is saved
by privatization?
What will be the effect on Conway (and
other rec centers) of new transportation opportunities that are
coming (e.g. Gateway Corridor)?
What services does this community need?
Why is a joint rec center and library
complex what Payne-Phalen needs, but not this neighborhood?
What costs will there be for neighbors?
Comments by Community Members:
Recognize that the Eastside is a
special place – and recreation centers help create that.
Neighborhood rec centers are part of what makes Saint Paul special -
livable.
Recreation centers are neighborhood
assets – they increase property values of surrounding properties
and are an attraction to bring renters to local apartment complexes
(along with library). The look of an area matters.
Recreation centers need to provide
positive alternatives for youth; they are fundamentally a crime
prevention asset, provide leadership development for youth, as well
as emphasizing healthy behaviors.
Recreation centers are community
gathering spaces, provide meeting space, and build community for an
area. They foster people of all ages and backgrounds.
Recreation centers provide openness and
opportunity for all, both in formal and informal ways.
Recreation centers provide a place for
every one regardless of age, income or home type.
There is a shift in the demographics
for this area – more kids, not everyone is middle class, not
everyone can drive across town (or across the eastside) to a rec
center.
Walkability is important for safety,
sense of community, look and feel of a neighborhood (and for economic
well-being).
What needs to remain (specific comments
about Conway programming):
openness to all ages and incomes
Community garden
the 2nd largest football
program in the city
totlot
after school programs – Rec Check,
Summer Blast
joint programming with the library
senior/elder programs
tax assistance through AARP
community gathering space – place to
meet neighbors
a safe place; supervision of outdoor
areas
activities for girls as well as boys
tennis
basketball
summer free lunches/meals
What could be added (some suggestions
about programming):
seniors and youth supporting each other
volunteer opportunities
meals for seniors
Other suggestions:
think creatively
can we involve colleges and
universities?
The community is the partner that
can make this center successful.
Ask ourselves, why
is there a divestment of public funds? And who is actually invested
in the city – its residents or a private entity?
____
For a summary of
next steps and how to stay informed about this issue, see our
November 26, 2012 blog post.
We will begin
planning Conway's future in early January (to run through June,
2013). If you are interested in committing to frequent planning
meetings to create this future, contact the District 1 Community
Council office at 651.578.7600 or district1council@aol.com.
There will be a small group of diverse community members appointed to
this important group, and then frequent opportunities for two-way
communication among the task force representatives and all community
members throughout the process.
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