FY 25 Harford County Government Proposed Operating Budget

PARKS & RECREATION

ORIGIN / PURPOSE: The Department of Parks and Recreation was formed under Harford County Charter, Article IV, Section 402 (Amended by Bill No. 88-35), Section 409 and 410. Parks and Recreation is divided into four primary areas of responsibility: Administration, Parks & Facilities, Recreational Services, and Capital Planning & Development. These areas are responsible for operating and maintaining park facilities and grounds, preserving open space, and offering a variety of leisure opportunities and activities for the County's young, adult, and disabled residents. To accomplish these tasks, the Department seeks and receives input and assistance through its Advisory Board and interested volunteers serving on 20 Recreation Councils. As a means of maximizing the use of public funds, joint-use agreements with Harford County Public Schools enable the Department to utilize indoor and outdoor school facilities for after school and weekend programs. The partnerships created by these agreements prove essential as recreation needs are demonstrated and accommodated. The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) is the authority that sets consistent accounting standards for state and local governments. In order to comply with GASB Statement No. 34, legislation was passed by the Harford County Council in 2001 to establish a Parks and Recreation Special Revenue Fund to measure and report costs for certain activities provided by the Department where fees are charged. The following Parks and Recreation accounts manage recreation/leisure services that qualify under this Fund: Emmorton Recreation and Tennis Center, Oakington Peninsula, and Recreational Council Special Activities. MISSION STATEMENT: PARKS AND RECREATION PROVIDES ACTIVE AND PASSIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR RECREATION SEEKERS OF VARIOUS AGES AND ABILITIES. WE USE VARIOUS COST EFFICIENT MEASURES TO PROVIDE SAFE, WELLMAINTAINED GROUNDS, PARKS, AND FACILITIES WITH THE GOAL OF EDUCATING AND STRENGTHENING INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITIES. FY 25 GOALS: TO MAINTAIN, IMPROVE, AND DEVELOP SAFE AND SECURE DEPARTMENT FACILITIES, PARK SITES AND GREENWAYS / TRAILS TO PROVIDE EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE TO INCREASE REVENUE THROUGH RESERVATIONS, PROGRAMMING AND MEMBERSHIPS TO ACQUIRE ADDITIONAL RECREATION LAND THROUGH PROGRAM OPEN SPACE FUNDING TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCIES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT WHILE INSURING THAT SERVICES ARE NOT REDUCED TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN EFFICIENT LEVELS OF FISCAL OVERSIGHT TO IDENTIFY, INCREASE AND ENCOURAGE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF

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