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In our posting last week, A Town of Excellence Must Also Have A Heart, we observed that the 2012 2013 Oro Valley operating budget, as recommended by the town manager, eliminated funding for the Oro Valley Recreation Center ("rec center"). The problem we had with that proposal was that it did not consider the impact of the closing of the rec center on those that use it; particularly those with Parkinson's Disease,who have a special exercise program in which they engage that is exceptionally beneficial for them.
We were concerned that one of the unintended consequences of closing the rec center would be that these people would be hurt, just like many would've been hurt if the Council had not found a suitable solution to providing Coyote Run services.
Good News: We learned at the May 2 Council Meeting that the
Oro
Valley Hospital will provide space for the Parkinson's exercise
program. The plan is for the town to continue to sponsor and advertise
the program. The program should stay the same for all participants
except for it's location.
The future is unclear regarding other rec center activities. It appears to be the sentiment of of most Council Members to close the recreation center. This would save the town approximately $58,000 annually. It would also get the Town out of sponsoring and subsidizing programs that individuals could obtain by going to local work out facilities.
As members Hornat and Solomon noted, private activities of individuals should be funded by those individuals and not funded by the town. After all, doing such on the part of the town result in subsidizing private enterprise. This is something they believe the town should not do. (Will they apply the same standard when considering a budget proposed donation to the Chamber of Commerce, a private organization that should be funded by the private sector?)
Members Waters and Snider were concerned about the impact on individuals who use the facility. It appeared that they want town to consider a transition plan from the current program to something that individuals can do on their own.
Council member Garner observed that the town should consider putting any recreational facilities which would include expanded recreation activities at the property the town owns steam pump Ranch. His vision is for a rec center that would have far broader usage. This is an interesting concept.
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3 comments:
Many thanks to the Oro Valley Hospital for providing space for the Parkinson's classes.
Many thanks to Vice-Mayor Waters and Councilmember Snider who questioned the timing. A transition period prior to eliminatign the rec center appears to be the appropriate and considerate thing to do.
Many thanks to Councilmember Garner and his thoughts about a possible Steam Pump Ranch rec center with broader usage.
Some council members suggested these classes are offered elsewhere in Oro Valley. These classes are not offered elsewhere.
Some council members seem to feel the need to eliminate the rec room immediately. There is no need to rush.
I am hoping the Council members of our Town of Excellence will reconsider, and will continue to fund the rec center until a solution can be found for all class residents/participants and instructors.
"As members Hornat and Solomon noted, private activities of individuals should be funded by those individuals and not funded by the town."
And yet Mary Snider's membership in the Optimist Club is paid for by the town. What do they think of that?
Regarding Snider membership being paid by town--
I am guessing that there is a code of ethics for council members. If there is not, there should be. If there is, does Snider's behavior comply, or not.
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