The Urban Sustainability Forum presents Guidelines for the Use and Protection of Public Land on Thursday, July 16. 

The Forum will explore the newly merged Parks and Recreation Department, and the new Commission on Parks and Recreation. This entity will be charged with creating guidelines for future sale, lease, and acquisition of park lands. Speakers will include new Department head Michael DeBerardinis and feature best practices from other Cities.

Mayor Nutter Officially Announces Commission on Parks and Recreation Appointees

Mayor Nutter officially announced his appointees for the newly combined Commission on Parks and Recreation.  The commission is comprised of nine Mayoral appointees and six individuals from relevant city agencies.  Competition for these volunteer positions was fierce, with over 200 applications submitted. Sarah Clark Stuart of the Schuylkill River Park Alliance and the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, and Pete Hoskins, board President of the Philadelphia Parks Alliance - all Next Great City coalition organizations - are among the appointees. 

Controversional Parks Legislation Withdrawn

Legislation that would have opened up Fairmount Park to development was withdrawn before it was reviewed by the Planning Commission after strong opposition from park advocates.  Councilwoman Joan Krajewski who introduced the amendment to city code said it was not meant for the entire park, and that it was only intended to address problems involving Glen Foerd on the Delaware, a historic estate in the Councilwoman's district.  Krajewski withdrew the legislation and will seek other alternatives to help Glen Foerd. 

Parks and Recreation Commissioners Applications are In

From a list of over 200 applicants, City Council now has to choose their nominees for the nine available spots on the new Commission on Parks and Recreation.  The City Council’s public hearings began Wednesday, March 19 and will continue through Thursday, March 26. 

City Council will then nominate 18-25 individuals, who will be sent to Mayor Nutter for final selection.

DiBerardinis returns to Philly to oversee the Department of Parks & Recreation

The secretary of Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Michael DiBerardinis, resigned from that post in order to return to his native Philadelphia to become the head of the city's new parks and recreation department. DiBerardinis formerly served as the Commissioner of the Recreation Department under Mayor Rendell. In his capacity as DCNR secretary, he has overseen the Commonwealth's open space, parks, forests, trees, experience that will suit him well in his new capacity. Welcome back to Philly, Mike!

Philadelphia votes YES on Parks

On November 4, an overwhelming 73% of voters expressed their support for the parks by approving a charter change that will merge the Fairmount Park Commission and the Department of Recreation. This change will help increase transparency and accountability while also setting new guidelines for the use of park lands. This success also means another Next Great City recommendation has been completed!

June a Blockbuster for Philly's Parks

 

First, on June 10, the Philadelphia Parks Alliance released the Trust for Public Land report "How Much Value Does the City of Philadelphia Receive from it's Park and Recreation System" which showed the parks system is worth around $ 2 billion in city revenue, municipal savings and cost savings for residents.

And on June 19, City Council voted to approve a ballot initiative that would restructure the leadership of Fairmount Park (a Next Great City recommendation), as well as merge Fairmount Park and the Recreation Department. If approved by voters in November, these changes would help create more efficient and effective services and programs for all parks and recreation sites.

Learn more about this exciting progress at the Parks Alliance.

Citizens Inspection on the Parks

On May 30, 2007, the Philadelphia Parks Alliance held a "Citizens Hearing on the Parks" during which they released the results of the 43 park inspections conducted throughout the city. They also called on City Council and the Mayor to support legislation to reform park governance and funding. Legislation that would change refomr park governanc is still pending in City Council.

Budget Increase for the Parks Approved!

Mayor Nutter's proposed budget, which was approved by City Council, included an increase of $2.5 million for the park in FY 2009. His 5-year Financial Plan also includes a total of $19 million over the next five years. This funding will help protect and maintain the parks, but will not solve all of its financial needs. Luckily, the Administration is also committed to securing private funding that will allow our park system to truly be an assett to our City.

To stay up to date on parks legislation, funding and other issues, check out the Philadelphia Parks Alliance website and newsletter.

Legislation

City Councilmembers Darrell Clarke and Blondell Reynolds Brown have introduced park legislation that would consolidate the Fairmount Park Commission and the Department of Recreation as the Department of Parks and Recreation. It would also restructure the leadership of the Fairmount Park Commission.

A hearing for this legislation is scheduled for June 10th at 10am in City Council chambers.

• Philadelphia Parks Alliance
• Fairmount Park Commission