Audit of Philly recreation facilities turns up dangerous conditions

A new report finds that some of Philadelphia’s recreation centers are a wreck. 

The report from City Controller Alan Butkovitz includes 84 pictures of dangerous conditions at city recreation centers, from broken concrete and benches, to fire doors that are blocked or chained shut. Butkovitz says this is an ongoing problem.

“Last time we did an audit, they fixed everything we pointed out in the audit,” he said. “That’s the reason we want to get this publicized. They have been pretty responsive.”

The controller says it appears the department is more concerned with building new facilities than maintaining old ones.

“There’s a constant competition for city dollars, and maintenance seems to take a back seat to juicier, more public relations-sensitive kinds of expenditures like new facilities and things you are going to cut ribbons on,” he said.

A representative says the recreation department is working to fix the problems.