Hi all!
It's been a while since I've updated the ol' blog. My apologies for those of you following along, but like most Moms out there, the holiday season has put me behind on all of my 'normal' pursuits, like writing this blog.
Excuses aside, I have been thinking a lot lately about how Columbus Parks and Rec has fared in 2008. I won't lie to you - it's been a rough year around these parts, not just for parks but for many folks in our community. First, you have the June 7 flood that impacted thousands of people and hundreds of acres of parks and miles of People Trails. Recovery from the flood is slow, but it's happening. On the heels of the flood, the economy goes south, gas prices go up, and generally the feeling of 'what's next?' pervades.
As a Department, we've pulled together to get through the flood, the repairs that followed, the budget cuts that followed those repairs, and now are bracing ourselves for what is sure to be a challenging 2009. Parks & Rec has been very fortunate to add some great people to our staff who have brought in some great ideas on how we might be able to do some things differently, do it better, and save some money in the process. I keep feeling like 2009 will be a lot easier to swallow once we're actually all LIVING in it, in the sense that once we know we CAN make do with less, it will be easier to take. It's almost like we (and by we I mean all of us in the community) are standing at the edge of a cliff getting ready to take the leap and not sure if we're jumping into shallow or deep water. My hope is that the pool below us is deep enough to cushion the fall, but shallow enough that we can stand up and take a break from treading water when we need to!
I think the parks folks are up to the challenge. Sure, things are going to be different next year. The pool may not be open as much as it has been in years past, but we'll get an hour of free swimming 7 days a week! The grass may not be mowed as often in your favorite park, but maybe you'll discover some wildflowers hidden among the new growth. In short, there may be a silver lining to all this after all. Knowing that we are all in this together makes it a little more bearable as we leap into 2009.
So, from all of us at Parks & Rec, have a GREAT Holiday! Enjoy the time you can spend together with loved ones and look forward to all the fun you can have at the great parks and facilities in our community.
**For those of you interested in what's going on over the Christmas Break, visit www.columbusparksandrec.com for the latest and greatest. We'll be holding a few Flip and Dip sessions at Columbus Gymnastics Center/FFY and extra public skating sessions at Hamilton Center, so don't miss out on the fun!**
***Do you want to lend your support to parks AND write it off on your taxes? If so, visit www.columbusparksandrec.com, click on the Park Foundation logo (green logo) at the top of the page, and follow the directions to donate to the Columbus Park Foundation. Your donation is tax deductible AND helps to provide parks and programs in our community. What a great gift to give yourself and the community this holiday season!***
Friday, December 19, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Budgets...
Budgets. We all have them. We all try to live by them. Parks & Rec is no different, except that the money we are spending is, in some part, the tax money you pay to our local government.
There has been a lot of attention given to the City of Columbus’s budget these last few weeks. As you all know, those of you who are homeowners received a very pleasant surprise when you received your property tax bills this year – they were quite a bit lower than in year’s past. The flip side of that very pleasant windfall is, of course, that the state is collecting fewer tax dollars and, as such, is passing along fewer tax dollars to counties and cities. As a result, the City of Columbus has been asked to reduce their budget by several million dollars. The Parks & Rec share amounts to around $600,000.
So, is it such a bad thing to have to live within a budget? Certainly not. But, it is a bad thing when you plan one way and then find out suddenly that you’ll have less to use than you thought. In terms of operations, we plan several years in advance when deciding on repairs and improvements to new facilities and when planning to spend large sums of money on vehicles and equipment. When our budget is cut, as is the case this year, it effects not only the next budget year (2009), but the years that follow, since facilities that do not receive proper repair and maintenance continue to deteriorate and, in the long run, will be more costly to repair and maintain. The same is true for equipment. In addition to the $600,000 reduction to our budget, we have also been asked to cut our capital improvement budget (the money used for large construction projects and major improvements) from $1 million to zero. Add in the impacts and expenditures we are still feeling from clean-up and repairs from the June 7 flood and you can quickly see that these budget cuts could not have come at a worse time.
Parks & Rec staff has been diligently working to make cuts to operating budgets that will still allow our Department to serve you, our customers, in the best way possible. How Parks & Rec gets the word out about its programs is going to change too, but this may be a change for the better as we move toward more e-communications (emails and blogs like this one).
So, what can you do to help? Here are a few ideas.
1) Sign up for a class, rent space at one of our facilities for family gatherings, meetings or birthday parties (Hamilton Center Ice Arena, Columbus Gymnastics Center and Donner Aquatic Center are all GREAT places to have a birthday party), or play a round of golf at Greenbelt or Rocky Ford Par-3 Golf Course. All of these activities help us to generate revenue, which helps to offset the cuts to our operating budget. And, it keeps our employees busy…and we like to be busy! Check out the online Fun Guide at http://www.columbusparksandrec.com/ to learn more about the classes we offer.
2) Consider a donation to the Columbus Park Foundation. For those of you not aware, the Columbus Park Foundation is the 501(c)(3) arm of the Department and works to help fund projects that the Department does not have budgeted. The Foundation will be a major player in funding projects in the next few years, projects like People Trail repairs and improvements, facility repairs and more. In addition, the Foundation provides scholarship to children in our community whose families could not otherwise afford to allow them to participate in activities like gymnastics, soccer, hockey or swimming. Your donation could help a kid have a great summer! Call 376-2680 to learn more about how you can make a donation today.
3) Volunteer! We can always use volunteers to help our staff do their work. Do you like to be outdoors? If so, we can find a project for you! Do you have a special talent? Let us know about it and we’ll find a job for you that fits your special talent. Your volunteer time takes the pressure off our staff, which helps them to be better workers and better public servants. Call Cindy at 375-2759 to learn more about our volunteer opportunities.
The staff of Columbus Parks & Recreation Department remains committed to enriching the lives of persons in our community. We know the budget situation is a temporary one and one that can be overcome, but only with your help. Thanks for your support!
There has been a lot of attention given to the City of Columbus’s budget these last few weeks. As you all know, those of you who are homeowners received a very pleasant surprise when you received your property tax bills this year – they were quite a bit lower than in year’s past. The flip side of that very pleasant windfall is, of course, that the state is collecting fewer tax dollars and, as such, is passing along fewer tax dollars to counties and cities. As a result, the City of Columbus has been asked to reduce their budget by several million dollars. The Parks & Rec share amounts to around $600,000.
So, is it such a bad thing to have to live within a budget? Certainly not. But, it is a bad thing when you plan one way and then find out suddenly that you’ll have less to use than you thought. In terms of operations, we plan several years in advance when deciding on repairs and improvements to new facilities and when planning to spend large sums of money on vehicles and equipment. When our budget is cut, as is the case this year, it effects not only the next budget year (2009), but the years that follow, since facilities that do not receive proper repair and maintenance continue to deteriorate and, in the long run, will be more costly to repair and maintain. The same is true for equipment. In addition to the $600,000 reduction to our budget, we have also been asked to cut our capital improvement budget (the money used for large construction projects and major improvements) from $1 million to zero. Add in the impacts and expenditures we are still feeling from clean-up and repairs from the June 7 flood and you can quickly see that these budget cuts could not have come at a worse time.
Parks & Rec staff has been diligently working to make cuts to operating budgets that will still allow our Department to serve you, our customers, in the best way possible. How Parks & Rec gets the word out about its programs is going to change too, but this may be a change for the better as we move toward more e-communications (emails and blogs like this one).
So, what can you do to help? Here are a few ideas.
1) Sign up for a class, rent space at one of our facilities for family gatherings, meetings or birthday parties (Hamilton Center Ice Arena, Columbus Gymnastics Center and Donner Aquatic Center are all GREAT places to have a birthday party), or play a round of golf at Greenbelt or Rocky Ford Par-3 Golf Course. All of these activities help us to generate revenue, which helps to offset the cuts to our operating budget. And, it keeps our employees busy…and we like to be busy! Check out the online Fun Guide at http://www.columbusparksandrec.com/ to learn more about the classes we offer.
2) Consider a donation to the Columbus Park Foundation. For those of you not aware, the Columbus Park Foundation is the 501(c)(3) arm of the Department and works to help fund projects that the Department does not have budgeted. The Foundation will be a major player in funding projects in the next few years, projects like People Trail repairs and improvements, facility repairs and more. In addition, the Foundation provides scholarship to children in our community whose families could not otherwise afford to allow them to participate in activities like gymnastics, soccer, hockey or swimming. Your donation could help a kid have a great summer! Call 376-2680 to learn more about how you can make a donation today.
3) Volunteer! We can always use volunteers to help our staff do their work. Do you like to be outdoors? If so, we can find a project for you! Do you have a special talent? Let us know about it and we’ll find a job for you that fits your special talent. Your volunteer time takes the pressure off our staff, which helps them to be better workers and better public servants. Call Cindy at 375-2759 to learn more about our volunteer opportunities.
The staff of Columbus Parks & Recreation Department remains committed to enriching the lives of persons in our community. We know the budget situation is a temporary one and one that can be overcome, but only with your help. Thanks for your support!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
A Fall Break thought...
Here's a quick update for those of you still searching for entertainment for your little angels over the Fall Break. Not all of us can wing off to exotic locales, right?
1) Sign up for Flip and Dip @ Columbus Gymnastics Center. It's a great deal - Friday, October 17 from 1-3 p.m., your kids are entertained and you can have fun right along side them. From 1-2 p.m., you 'flip' at Columbus Gymnastics Center and then move over to the Foundation for Youth pool from 2-3 p.m. for a 'dip'. Great fun, and only $4/child. We only have a few spots left, so what are you waiting for? Call 376-2545 and sign up today!
2) Come to our Spooktacular Trick or Treat Tales Friday night. Our annual gathering of spooks, spirits, princesses and pirates is this Friday night from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at Donner Center. We'll have not-so-scary Halloween stories to share, snacks, games and crafts. Costumes are encouraged but not required (that goes for Moms and Dads too) and we ask that each child bring their favorite adult to stay with them during the event. Admission is only $1/child (we'll take fingers and toes for our witch's stew if you're short cash) and no pre-registration is required. Hop on your broom Friday night and join us!
3) Mutt Strutt on Saturday morning. We don't want the kids to have all the fun, so why not let Fido or Fifi get a little exercise too? Registration for Mutt Strutt begins at 8 a.m. at Clifty Park with the 5K walk beginning at 9 a.m. All proceeds benefit the Columbus Indiana Dog Park Association and their efforts to build a dog park in Columbus. There will be contests too, t-shirts, snacks and FUN! Check out http://www.columbuslovesdogs.com/ for more information.
4) Adult Community Cast-A-Ways Sale on Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Looking for a bargain? Look no further than our annual indoor garage sale. This event will be held inside Donner Center and is a one stop shopping mecca for bargain hunters! Admission is FREE, but bring your wallet or checkbook (or both) to cash in on the great buys!
The leaves are changing, so it's also a great time to hop on your bike or scooter, lace up your running shoes and check out the beautiful scenery in our parks. The People Trails can get you there. Enjoy what is shaping up to be a beautiful weekend!
I'm off to enjoy Fall Break myself, so have a great weekend! See you next week!
1) Sign up for Flip and Dip @ Columbus Gymnastics Center. It's a great deal - Friday, October 17 from 1-3 p.m., your kids are entertained and you can have fun right along side them. From 1-2 p.m., you 'flip' at Columbus Gymnastics Center and then move over to the Foundation for Youth pool from 2-3 p.m. for a 'dip'. Great fun, and only $4/child. We only have a few spots left, so what are you waiting for? Call 376-2545 and sign up today!
2) Come to our Spooktacular Trick or Treat Tales Friday night. Our annual gathering of spooks, spirits, princesses and pirates is this Friday night from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at Donner Center. We'll have not-so-scary Halloween stories to share, snacks, games and crafts. Costumes are encouraged but not required (that goes for Moms and Dads too) and we ask that each child bring their favorite adult to stay with them during the event. Admission is only $1/child (we'll take fingers and toes for our witch's stew if you're short cash) and no pre-registration is required. Hop on your broom Friday night and join us!
3) Mutt Strutt on Saturday morning. We don't want the kids to have all the fun, so why not let Fido or Fifi get a little exercise too? Registration for Mutt Strutt begins at 8 a.m. at Clifty Park with the 5K walk beginning at 9 a.m. All proceeds benefit the Columbus Indiana Dog Park Association and their efforts to build a dog park in Columbus. There will be contests too, t-shirts, snacks and FUN! Check out http://www.columbuslovesdogs.com/ for more information.
4) Adult Community Cast-A-Ways Sale on Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Looking for a bargain? Look no further than our annual indoor garage sale. This event will be held inside Donner Center and is a one stop shopping mecca for bargain hunters! Admission is FREE, but bring your wallet or checkbook (or both) to cash in on the great buys!
The leaves are changing, so it's also a great time to hop on your bike or scooter, lace up your running shoes and check out the beautiful scenery in our parks. The People Trails can get you there. Enjoy what is shaping up to be a beautiful weekend!
I'm off to enjoy Fall Break myself, so have a great weekend! See you next week!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Fall Break (or how to entertain your kids without even trying!)
Greetings readers!
It's a rainy day in Columbus, but there is lots going on here at Columbus Parks & Rec. Our Park Operations crew is busy at Donner Park today, mowing and collecting the leaves that are starting to fall. This weekend is Ethnic Expo weekend in Columbus, which means we'll be busy helping to set up tables and chairs and bleachers. If you have a chance, get out and enjoy Ethnic Expo in Downtown Columbus!
But, I digress. The title of today's blog refers to an event that anyone in town with school-age kids knows about - FALL BREAK! If you have plans to get out of town next Thursday - Sunday, you're counting down the days until it arrives. But, if you're like me, you're half dreading its arrival. "What am I going to do with my kids for two days?" you may be wondering.
Well, Parks & Rec is coming to your rescue! We have a few events lined up to help your kids stay busy, stay active and save your sanity during this blessed time of 'relaxation' (at least if you're under the age of 18).
First, check out Flip and Dip at Columbus Gymnastics Center and Foundation for Youth. This combination can't be beat for keeping kids entertained while wearing them out for the rest of the afternoon. On Friday, October 17 from 1-3 p.m., pre-registered participants spend one hour (1-2 p.m.) 'flipping' at Columbus Gymnastics Center during Open Gym. You then move to the Foundation for Youth pool for your next hour (2-3 p.m.) of 'dipping' yourself in its warm waters. It's a great combination guaranteed to provide lots of fun for your kids. The upside may be an extra long nap in the afternoon too! If you are interested in signing up for one of the 30 spots available, call 376-2545. Don't wait! These spots fill up very quickly and once it's full, it's full.
Another great option is later on Friday evening is our annual Trick or Treat Tales. This annual event at Donner Center invites our community's ghosts and goblins to visit Donner Center in costume where they enjoy an evening of not-so-scary Halloween stories and songs, create Halloween themed crafts, enjoy a snack and play a few Halloween themed games. It's a great evening to spend together as a family (and we require adults to accompany kids, so don't make dinner plans and expect our goblin wranglers to babysit). Come see us on Friday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Donner Center. No pre-registration is required - just $1/person at the door.
Still wondering what to do on Thursday with your kids? I'd invite you to check out some of our great parks (weather permitting)! My favorite is Freedom Field, the all-abilities accessible playground located in Blackwell Park behind Parkside Elementary School at the corner of Parkside Drive and Westenedge Drive in Columbus. It's a fantastic place to play with your kids. It features a ramp system so that all kids can easily climb into the play structure (or roll in with a wheelchair), roller slides and special equipment so even kids with limited mobility can have fun. Check it out!
On Saturday, October 18, don't forget about the Columbus Dog Park Association's 1st Annual Mutt Strutt at Clifty Park. Bring your favorite canine companion(s), your family and friends to strut around Clifty Park. All proceeds benefit the Columbus Indiana Dog Park Association's drive to build a new dog park in Columbus. Visit http://www.columbuslovesdogs.com/ for more information about this great project.
Sunday...well, you're on your own. Maybe it will be a day of rest? I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!
Play on, readers! Have an active and fulfilling Wednesday!
It's a rainy day in Columbus, but there is lots going on here at Columbus Parks & Rec. Our Park Operations crew is busy at Donner Park today, mowing and collecting the leaves that are starting to fall. This weekend is Ethnic Expo weekend in Columbus, which means we'll be busy helping to set up tables and chairs and bleachers. If you have a chance, get out and enjoy Ethnic Expo in Downtown Columbus!
But, I digress. The title of today's blog refers to an event that anyone in town with school-age kids knows about - FALL BREAK! If you have plans to get out of town next Thursday - Sunday, you're counting down the days until it arrives. But, if you're like me, you're half dreading its arrival. "What am I going to do with my kids for two days?" you may be wondering.
Well, Parks & Rec is coming to your rescue! We have a few events lined up to help your kids stay busy, stay active and save your sanity during this blessed time of 'relaxation' (at least if you're under the age of 18).
First, check out Flip and Dip at Columbus Gymnastics Center and Foundation for Youth. This combination can't be beat for keeping kids entertained while wearing them out for the rest of the afternoon. On Friday, October 17 from 1-3 p.m., pre-registered participants spend one hour (1-2 p.m.) 'flipping' at Columbus Gymnastics Center during Open Gym. You then move to the Foundation for Youth pool for your next hour (2-3 p.m.) of 'dipping' yourself in its warm waters. It's a great combination guaranteed to provide lots of fun for your kids. The upside may be an extra long nap in the afternoon too! If you are interested in signing up for one of the 30 spots available, call 376-2545. Don't wait! These spots fill up very quickly and once it's full, it's full.
Another great option is later on Friday evening is our annual Trick or Treat Tales. This annual event at Donner Center invites our community's ghosts and goblins to visit Donner Center in costume where they enjoy an evening of not-so-scary Halloween stories and songs, create Halloween themed crafts, enjoy a snack and play a few Halloween themed games. It's a great evening to spend together as a family (and we require adults to accompany kids, so don't make dinner plans and expect our goblin wranglers to babysit). Come see us on Friday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Donner Center. No pre-registration is required - just $1/person at the door.
Still wondering what to do on Thursday with your kids? I'd invite you to check out some of our great parks (weather permitting)! My favorite is Freedom Field, the all-abilities accessible playground located in Blackwell Park behind Parkside Elementary School at the corner of Parkside Drive and Westenedge Drive in Columbus. It's a fantastic place to play with your kids. It features a ramp system so that all kids can easily climb into the play structure (or roll in with a wheelchair), roller slides and special equipment so even kids with limited mobility can have fun. Check it out!
On Saturday, October 18, don't forget about the Columbus Dog Park Association's 1st Annual Mutt Strutt at Clifty Park. Bring your favorite canine companion(s), your family and friends to strut around Clifty Park. All proceeds benefit the Columbus Indiana Dog Park Association's drive to build a new dog park in Columbus. Visit http://www.columbuslovesdogs.com/ for more information about this great project.
Sunday...well, you're on your own. Maybe it will be a day of rest? I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!
Play on, readers! Have an active and fulfilling Wednesday!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Our Inaugural Blog Post!
Welcome to our first blog post!
ParksLady here to give you the scoop on what's new and happening with Columbus Parks & Recreation Department in beautiful Columbus, Indiana. It's a beautiful, sunny early autumn day here in Columbus and I just enjoyed a great run along our People Trails and through Donner Park. The leaves are changing, there's a crispness in the air, so it's clear that our summer days are behind us.
That doesn't mean that it's time to stop being active, though. There's SO MUCH to do in Columbus with your family! For those of you living in Bartholomew County, you've probably received our Fall/Winter Fun Guide. If not, visit http://www.columbusparksandrec.com/ and view it online. We are featuring tons of great activities and programs this fall and winter, many geared toward getting your kids (and yourselves) up off the couch and active.
Keep checking our blog for more updates on what's new with Columbus Parks & Rec. Don't forget to sign up for E-updates at our website to get the latest and greatest information. We want to hear from you too! Post your comments below to today's question of the day:
What is your favorite thing to do in our parks? (Keep it clean, please!)
Let us know and perhaps your comments will be posted on our website!
Want to give us ideas on how to improve? Maybe you have an idea for a new program? If so, email us at columbusparkslady@gmail.com today.
Have a fantastic Thursday!
ParksLady
ParksLady here to give you the scoop on what's new and happening with Columbus Parks & Recreation Department in beautiful Columbus, Indiana. It's a beautiful, sunny early autumn day here in Columbus and I just enjoyed a great run along our People Trails and through Donner Park. The leaves are changing, there's a crispness in the air, so it's clear that our summer days are behind us.
That doesn't mean that it's time to stop being active, though. There's SO MUCH to do in Columbus with your family! For those of you living in Bartholomew County, you've probably received our Fall/Winter Fun Guide. If not, visit http://www.columbusparksandrec.com/ and view it online. We are featuring tons of great activities and programs this fall and winter, many geared toward getting your kids (and yourselves) up off the couch and active.
Keep checking our blog for more updates on what's new with Columbus Parks & Rec. Don't forget to sign up for E-updates at our website to get the latest and greatest information. We want to hear from you too! Post your comments below to today's question of the day:
What is your favorite thing to do in our parks? (Keep it clean, please!)
Let us know and perhaps your comments will be posted on our website!
Want to give us ideas on how to improve? Maybe you have an idea for a new program? If so, email us at columbusparkslady@gmail.com today.
Have a fantastic Thursday!
ParksLady
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