Mayor calls for Parks and Rec Commission applicants
The City is now accepting applications from those wanting to serve on the new Commission on Parks and Recreation, Mayor Michael Nutter announced today.
The Commission was created by referendum this past November, when Philadelphia voters decided the Fairmount Park Commission and the Recreation Department should be combined to form the new Department of Parks and Recreation.
“This Commission will be responsible for setting written standards and guidelines for land use, green space preservation, and the acquisition, sale or long-term lease of park or recreation land or facilities,” Nutter said in a written statement. “I am asking committed citizens who share my vision for a strong and sustainable park and recreation system to step forward into the selection process and help shape the future of Philadelphia’s parks and recreation areas.”
The new Commission will be composed of 15 members: nine appointed by the Mayor from a list of nominations submitted by City Council and compiled from applications received; and six “ex officio” members – the Commissioners of the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Water, Streets, and Public Property; the City Council President; and the Executive Director of the City Planning Commission. Application forms can be found at www.phila.gov and the closing date is March 9, 2009.
The charter change approved by the voters sets a July 1, 2009 deadline for the Mayor to appoint the Commission and hire a new Commissioner of the merged Department of Parks and Recreation. It also says the merger must be completed by July 1, 2010.
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