Council finalizes list of potential Parks & Rec Commission members

Philadelphia is one step closer to naming the members of the new Parks and Recreation Commission. A City Council Committee wittled the candidates down from more than 200 applications. The move is an important step toward the recent merger between Fairmount Park and the City’s Recreation department.

Philadelphia is one step closer to naming the members of the new Parks and Recreation Commission. A City Council Committee wittled the candidates down from more than 200 applications. The move is an important step toward the recent merger between Fairmount Park and the City’s Recreation department.

Mayor Nutter once described the way Fairmount Park Commissioners used to be chosen as Kremlin-like. But the Mayor will soon have a list of 25 candidates whose applications can be viewed online.

Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown says the list includes people who have served on foundation boards, and are versed in horticulture, natural land resources, architecture and fundraising. But it also includes people who have been active for years with their neighborhood recreation centers and parks.

Brown: Some of these have a breadth of experience that’s rich and extraordinary and others do not have as much, but what they all share is a passion for the parks and a willingness to serve.

Council will vote on the list this week, and then the Mayor will choose nine members.

The Commission will also include the heads of City Departments, including water, streets and public property.