Mr. Allen Brown,
I received the attached letter from you yesterday, informing me that the FY 2016 Program Open Space (POS) funding decisions had been made, and that the Salisbury Skatepark project had once again been denied funding.
This came as a great shock to me, as I had contacted the Recreation & Parks Department on May 12, 2015, and I had specifically asked when the Wicomico Recreation & Parks Commission would be making the POS funding decisions, and if that meeting would be open to the public.
I was told that the Recreation Commission would be making the POS funding decisions at their meeting in June which falls on June 23, 2015, and that the meeting would be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Civic Center. I was further advised that the Wicomico Recreation & Parks Commission serves as an advisory board to the Department, and as such their meetings are open to the public. I considered this to be very good news, as it meant that all of those individuals who have strongly supported the creation of a skatepark in Salisbury for the last eight years would have the opportunity to show the Committee members just how much this facility means to them, and why the County should support this endeavor.
Now I find out that the POS funding decision has been made a month early, without any opportunity for public input whatsoever. Indeed, it appears that the date for this decision making session was changed specifically to prevent any public input. I am shocked and dismayed that the Wicomico Recreation & Parks Commission would take this unprecedented step to silence the supporters of this project, and I would like to know how and why this happened.
The skatepark project was originally spearheaded by the County. In FY 2007 Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Tourism conducted a series of five community forums designed to determine the recreational needs of the area. In every one of these forums, the need for skateboarding facilities was a dominant subject of the discussion. Accordingly, in April of 2007 the County held a planning session to further refine the type of skateboarding facility that was desired, and those members of the public that would be interested in serving on a committee to further this goal. The Salisbury Skatepark Committee was formed from this session, and they have been working on this project ever since.
This latest denial makes seven times that the County has rejected the City’s request for POS funding for the Skatepark. There are a great many recreational facilities of all types throughout Wicomico County, but there is still not one skatepark. Given that the County initiated this project based upon specific requests from the public, I truly do not understand the why the City’s requests for POS funding support from the County have been repeatedly denied.
As this funding decision was made a full month ahead of the original schedule, I believe there is time to reconsider. I would greatly appreciate it if the Recreation Commission would reevaluate their decision, as the support of Wicomico County will make a big difference in the City’s ability to complete Phase 2 of this important facility.
Thank you for your consideration of my request.
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Deborah J. Stam
Director of Community Development
City of Salisbury
125 North Division Street, Room 104
Salisbury, Maryland 21801
Phone #: (410) 334-3031
FAX #: (410) 334-3033
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4 comments:
The county's Parks and Recreation Commission meets monthly at WYCC. The agenda is public and is forwarded to interested parties, including City government, at least a week before each meeting. The meetings are open to any and all who wish to attend and comment.
The decision to apply the limited Program Open Space funds to existing county park and rec assets was made with consideration paid to all applicants. All of the funding went to providing restoration and repair to those assets whose present condition demands it. The safety of children and other users, along with compliance with mandates from regulatory agencies regarding equipment safety standards, etc., were at the forefront of deliberations.
The decision to maintain what we have with what funding there is was by unanimous vote.
Waah!
Would Stam's presence to root for money for the skate park have made any difference in the commission's decision?
There was no money for new things. There wasn't enough to take care of even half of all of the things we already have. Stam and the skateboard enthusiasts could have talked a blue streak, but the money wasn't there. The decisions were made based on need, not want.
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