Philadelphia parks worry about budget cuts

The head of Philadelphia’s Parks and Recreation department said he’s concerned that planned state budget cuts will require ending some youth programs. 

Parks and Recreation Commissioner Michael DiBerardinis told a City Council budget hearing that all of Philadelphia’s pools will be open this summer, but he is worried about state budget cuts hurting other department programs.

“Based on a preliminary review of Governor Corbett’s budget, the youth services development fund has been completely eliminated,” said DiBerardinis. “The department traditionally received this state funding for programming for children, teens and families.”

Exactly what if any programs will be eliminated if the funding cut becomes reality has not been determined. DiBerardinis also said the city is working with the school district.

“On upgrades of their school yards through 2015 and in addition to that coordinating after school programs,” he said.

 

The department has planted 15 thousand trees since July along Philadelphia streets, even though money for it was unavailable from the capital budget.