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In this tough economy, budgets for ball fields are being squeezed like every other area of parks and recreation. Because of this stress and an immediate need to make changes, parks departments are devising clever ways to cut costs while sustaining high maintenance standards for the community.
In Tucson, Ariz., the parks and recreation department lost 10 percent of its budget in the last two years with more cuts coming. In Bloomington, Ind., budget challenges started five years ago. The department first saw a 20-percent cut after eight years of sound budgeting. The limited funds began to shift from parks to other city departments.
Trimming Personnel
Although it’s a move most departments don’t want to make, sometimes the best thing to do is trim personnel. In Tucson, the department is accomplishing this by leaving positions of retirees unfilled. In Bloomington, the department has stopped hiring seasonal help.