PHILADELPHIA PARKS ALLIANCE
The Philadelphia Parks Alliance advocates, builds coalitions, and educates the public in order to achieve superior systems of parks and open space for Philadelphia.
THANKS TO ALL WHO JOINED
THE PARKS ALLIANCE FOR OUR ANNUAL
CELEBRATION EVENT!
And a special thanks to our sponsors!
A New & Different
Autumn Celebration.
Great Music, Great Food, Great Drink, Great People.
Join us in honoring and partying with Michael DiBerardinis, Commissioner of Philadelphia’s new Department of Parks and Recreation. A late afternoon of Merriment, Entertainment, and Appreciation…
Fabulous Music by Kenny Ulansey Ensemble. Beer and Vodka Tastings.
Click Here to Download RSVP Card!
Click Here to View Full Invitation!
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MAYOR NUTTER ANNOUNCES THE
NEW COMMISSION ON PARKS AND RECREATION
Commissioners with Mayor Nutter, Mander Playground July 2, 2009.
On July 2, 2009, Mayor Nutter announced his choices for the new Commission on Parks & Recreation and declared that this is another step forward in creating the nation's premiere parks and recreation system. Additional remarks were made by Councilmembers Reynolds Brown and Clarke, the sponsors of the Charter referendum.
As you know, the Charter referendum overwhelmingly supported by citizens this past November, created a transparent and open public process for the Mayor to appoint the new Commission on Parks and Recreation. As a result, over 200 talented and passionate people applied to serve on the Commission. Of those 200, City Council recommended 25 nominees to Mayor Nutter. Of those 25, the Mayor chose the following nine Commissioners:
Nancy Goldenberg
Debra Wolf Goldstein
Jeffrey Hackett
Alexander "Pete" Hoskins
Anthony Langford
Leslie Anne Miller
Carol Rice
Carlos Rodriguez
Sarah Clark Stuart
Click here to review the Commissioner applications.
The Parks Alliance congratulates all of the new Commissioners and we look forward to working with them on our mutual goal of realizing the potential of Philadelphia's park and recreation.
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COMMISSIONER DIBERARDINIS ANNOUNCES DRAFT
VISION, MISSION & GOALS FOR
NEW DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION
Vision
The Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation will be the nation’s premier park and recreation system by connecting to the City and region’s environmental, economic, social, cultural, historic and physical health through programs, practices and policies.
Mission
The Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation promotes the well-being of the City, its citizens and visitors, by offering beautiful natural landscapes and parks, high quality recreation centers and athletic programs, important historic properties and enriching cultural and environmental programs.
Goals
- Create department-wide sustainable practices
- Improve the quality of life for citizens of all ages, attracting and engaging residents and visitors and supporting a positive business climate
- Support the development of sustainable communities and help maintain stable neighborhoods
- Help keep kids safe, active, healthy and ready to learn; connecting them to their communities and to parks, recreation and the natural world
This draft reflects the input of more than 700 community partners and staff, who have reviewed the document since early May and have shared feedback reflective of their concerns and aspirations. Over the summer, Commissioner DiBerardinis and his team will be visiting neighborhoods to continue an open dialogue as the merger process moves forward.
The Parks Alliance will continue keep you updated as this process moves forward.
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COUNCIL ANNOUNCES
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSIONER NOMINEES
On June 1st, City Council's Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, chaired by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, announced their list of 25 recommended candidates to serve on the Commission on Parks and Recreation. On Thursday, June 4th, Council as a Whole reported the nominees to Mayor Nutter via Resolution.
From City Council's nominees, the Mayor will appoint 9 people to serve on the new Commission. They will assume their duties by July 1, 2009.
The 25 nominees came from the 200 dedicated citizens who applied to serve on the new Commission - many of whom expressed their passion for the potential of Philadelphia's parks and recreation when they testified at City Council's public hearings. For a list of the 25 nominees, click here.
Applications of all who applied to serve on the Commission are posted on the Parks Alliance website. Click here to read the applications.
Click here to read the Roles and Responsibilities and Qualifications of the new Commission as mandated in the Charter reform referendum passed by the voters last November.
We hope to work together with all applicants, public officials and interested citizens as we take the next steps in our common goal of fulfilling the potential of Philadelphia's parks and recreation so that every citizen in every neighborhood can reap the benefits!
Updated on June 12, 2009
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REFORMS BRING NEW OPPORTUNITIES AND
NEW LEADERSHIP FOR PARKS AND RECREATION
What We Need to Do Now to Protect and Revitalize
Our Parks and Recreation for the Next 100 Years
What we do in the next two years will define and shape Philadelphia’s parks and recreation system for the next 100 years. Having spearheaded the successful campaigns that have created this defining moment, the Philadelphia Parks Alliance now seeks to help shape these reforms to ensure the success of leadership, investment, and revitalization of one of the greatest urban parks in the nation…. Click here to read more.
Click here to view a printable version of this Briefing Paper.
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WHY DOES FUNDING FOR PARKS &
RECREATION MATTER?
How can you make your voice heard?
Click here for a printable flyer to distribute and bring to upcoming City Council Budget Hearings,
and click here to view the schedule for hearings and opporunities for public testimony.
Philadelphia’s Five Year Budget Shortfall
On January 15, 2009, Mayor Nutter announced that due to the global economic crisis, Philadelphia is facing a second budget deficit of $1 billion over five years. The Mayor explained that balancing the five year budget as required by PICA, the state oversight board, will require a second round of cuts to be made throughout city government.
Budget Shortfall – “Everything is on the table.”
Mayor Nutter has said that “everything is on the table.” Good. The Parks Alliance believes that before another dime is cut from vital services and infrastructure – like parks and recreation, children’s services and housing, literacy and police – that we need to take a hard look at everything – red tape and inefficiencies, cars and patronage, pet projects and perks. We need to even look at some things that made sense but no longer do. We need to collect every dollar the city is owed.
We believe that although the leadership and citizens of Philadelphia, like cities across the United States are facing previously unimaginable budget decisions, we also have an opportunity to make government more efficient, productive and entrepreneurial. The Parks Alliance doesn’t believe that the budget shortfall is a reason for indispensable operating departments and the people they serve to be put in the position of competing with one another for the same dollars for essential services.
Click here to read more about:
Why Philadelphia’s Urban Parks and Recreation Matter?
Chronic Underfunding
The New Department of Parks and Recreation
Why Invest in Parks and Recreation?
