FY 26 Approved 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 o ff ering 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 e ffi cient measures to provide safe , well maintained grounds , parks , and facilities with the goal of educating and strengthening individuals , families , and communities . 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 help meet the needs of current and future residents To improve e ffi ciencies within the department while ensuring that services are not reduced To develop and maintain e ffi cient levels of fi scal oversight To identify , increase and encourage training opportunities for sta ff

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