We had a well-attended meeting today to visit with Marc Richardson, Santa Rosa’s Director of Recreation and Parks.

He came well prepared with a presentation called, “Recreation, Parks and Community Services: Adapting to Changing Circumstances”. His department is responsible for 60 city parks, (525 acres), community centers, 2 pool facilities, day camps, sports facilities, as well as cultural arts and special events.

Marc explained that he is responsible to 10 different Boards and Commissions along with his other work. He spoke about how Rec and Parks works with the Gang Prevention and Intervention program to offer healthy alternatives to kids after school and during vacations. They typically employ about 250 local kids.

Marc’s department has long been hard-hit by budget cuts. The reduction in parks maintenance staff makes it impossible to keep up and they have to consider closing some park facilities.

When asked what can be done, Marc reported that he’s wondering if the best route is to pass a parcel tax that is committed to Recreation and Parks.

Fred Krueger asked about the benefits of having more natural, unstructured space in parks, and Marc replied that the public wants both – the natural, wilder areas and playing fields and play structures.

The question of merging 2 boards in particular, the Citizen’s Advisory Board and the Board of Community Services was brought up. That idea is being pursued by an ad hoc committee of members of each board, along with city staff.

Volunteers will have to figure very prominently in any efforts to keep services available. While there are already some strong community groups that work on maintaining creeks and waterways, other types of volunteers will be needed.

Anne E. Seeley