Options for parks reviewed

Options include establishing a city parks department or a joint recreation district.
By AMANDA C. DAVIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Legislators are reviewing the future of city parks and recreation, hoping to ensure that area children have a place to play.
City council's finance committee has asked Alex Bobersky, city grants coordinator, to document options for parks funding and operation.
The more than 20 municipal parks closed in January 2000 when layoffs were issued and other cuts were made because of continuing fiscal problems.
Bobersky said the city had funded a parks and recreation department that was dissolved in 1963 for unknown reasons.
Below standard: Since then, he said, national standards have shown Warren to be below average for the amount of open, public green space for recreation.
"The city is now out of the habit of thinking about recreation as a municipal responsibility," he added.
Councilman Bob Marchese, D-at-large, finance committee chairman, said Bobersky was asked to document long-term planning options because "obviously parks are a concern for everyone."
Parks department: Bobersky said council and the city and community can weigh options that include establishing a parks and recreation department financed by the city's general fund or by money generated with a levy.
Grants are available to help with operating costs, he noted.
Although financially stable cities most often fund a parks and recreation initiative through their general funds, levies and their subsequent renewals ensure that the money will be there, Bobersky said.
Joint district: The city, Warren schools and surrounding communities could also establish a joint recreation district paid for by each entity's general fund or through passage of a joint levy, he said.
The city is seeking appraisals for the municipal Avalon South Golf Course, which is managed by a private company. Mayor Hank Angelo has said that selling such an asset would not be a good idea, because it would provide only a one-time boost in city coffers.
The city, however, must keep its options open, he has said, but did not indicate whether there are interested buyers.
Marchese said the future of Avalon South will be included in parks discussions, because a few candidates for city council have proposed establishing a parks division that would also handle operations of the course.
Open this summer: A compromise between a city union and area baseball leagues means Burbank Park will open this summer for baseball and softball.
Four city parks opened last year thanks to private donations and a one-time allowance from W.D. Packard trust fund established for Packard Band.