During the July 8th City Commission meeting, it was stated that City staff “relied heavily on community engagement – through Balancing Act” to “shape budget priorities.” This tool was used by the departments to craft “proposals primarily based on results from Balancing Act.”
The Balancing Act was completed by 637 people.
Today I am here in support Carol Kummer’s change.org petition. That petition, “No Fees For Lawrence Rec Centers!”, has almost 2000 signatures as of a few hours ago – three times the respondents of the Balancing Act.
I have talked to many people over the past few months – and this is so unbelievably unpopular. I would challenge members of the City Commission and City Staff to go to Rock Chalk Park in the morning and talk with the people there. They will tell you what a recent Harvard study concluded, that “exercising regularly is the single most important thing you can do for your health.”
Or, just read the comments in the petition. Two weeks ago, a user Hank said:
“I have used the rec centers for decades to help control my blood pressure. Having free access helps people’s health and prevents expensive emergency room visits.”
Another user, Kim, said:
“The opportunity to have a place to go exercise after surgery at no cost is a huge community benefit to my aging parents”
This is what we are here fighting for – the health and well being of our fellow Lawrencians.
And,
There is a successful model in town that we can use to make the numbers work. Since May, I have been arguing that the Parks and Recs Department should implement a “Friends” group, in the same vein as the Library. Last year the Library Friends & Foundation raised $521,000 dollars to support 100% of the Library’s program.
This successful program can AND should be the model for how we continue to fund the Rec Centers.
When I have talked with you individually, you have asked for more community engagement. Carol’s petition is that engagement. I’m calling on you to put a 1 year pause on Rec Center fees while a Parks and Recs Friends group is developed. This act will strengthen the community as we protect the health and well being of our fellow citizens and friends.