Via Jeff Shields from Heard in the Hall, some news from today's budget hearings on Fairmount Park:
If your application for a picnic permit ($30 to $125, depending on the site) or a wedding permit (a ceremony alone can cost several hundred dollars, depending on the site) is not approved within 10 business days, you get a 50 percent break! Here's the small print: That's for a future permit application, so you can save some cash the next time you get married.
Focht also talked about the Park's ambitious plan to keep the grass mowed (hitting every bit of grass every two weeks) and the trees pruned. Play ball!
UPDATE: Shields also reported on testimony about the fate of the Canoe Club, the boathouse near Strawberry Mansion Bridge that is, er, was the home of the rowing teams of LaSalle U, Father Judge and North Catholic. If you don't remember, or are not a rower and didn't follow the story the first time, the boathouse was condemned earlier this year.
Comments (2)
Rally for Fairmount Park - tomorrow at 12 noon in front of City Hall.
Mayor Nutter has proposed $3 million in increased funding for the Park this year. Come out and let Council know you support the Park and the Mayor.
Posted by Cass Oryl | April 14, 2008 9:05 AM
I apologize - the rally is Wednesday the 16th. Here is the official announcement:
Philadelphia Parks Alliance
And Allies and Supporters
Invite you to join us for a
RALLY to SUPPORT $3 MILLION for PARKS
Wednesday, April 16th, 2008
12 noon (Rain or Shine)
City Hall
(Northeast Corner)
Click here for Flyer
The Philadelphia Parks Alliance and its hundreds of supporters and allies have won major progress toward more funding to revitalize our parks.
Mayor Nutter has proposed a $3 million increase ($2.5 million for Fairmount Park and $500,000 for Recreation Department) for the coming year. In addition, Mayor Nutter has proposed a 46% increase of the Fairmount Park budget over 5 years, from its current $13 million annual budget to $19 million. With City resources to parks flat-lined for decades, this is the first time in years the budget includes a major increase for parks. The increase would be funded through a proposed increase in the parking tax, which City Council must approve.
Now it’s time to win support in City Council so they approve the $3 million for parks.
This is major progress!!! One year ago in April, the Parks Alliance launched a city-wide citizens inspection of parks and then held a hearing on its findings “Parks in Trouble”. Mayor Nutter has made good on a campaign promise to expand funding for parks - his first budget includes $3 million new dollars - a terrific first step toward full and adequate investment into one of Philadelphia’s greatest assets - its parks.
The Philadelphia Parks Alliance
Posted by Cass | April 14, 2008 9:27 PM