Ingham County has announced that it’s looking at a $8 million budget deficit, rather than the anticipated $5 million and that more cuts than expected will have to be made.
During the last round of budget cuts, there was a list of potential cuts and the popular Hawk Island Park was on it. Could it be closed in the next round?
Read this WLNS.com story about that possibility and notice the comments by incumbent commissioner Andy Schor who represents the area of the park. He says he will fight to keep it open. The story states:
But in last year’s budget negotiations, closing Hawk Island was an option and Ingham County Commissioner Andy Schor is worried it may be again this year.
Do you feel that the county would actually close such a popular recreational facility? How would you feel about it being closed? Do you use it? I invite your comments.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Where can I find a full list of the proposed cuts and the associated savings? I’ve been there a couple times several months ago, and found it to be a very pleasant place. And the website says that a fee is charged currently for entrance ($2 for residents, $4 for non-residents). [I don't know how much they take in, but they seem to be very popular on warm days]. They also charge fees for the pavilion rental, boat rental, and concessions. What are the recurring expenses that the park has that aren’t being covered by the fees they are collecting?
Charles-
As you know, there’s a real paucity of news about county government. Local media skims the surface at best and the county commissioners seem to lack the skills and the intention to communicate.
However, there are exceptions and one is Andy Schor who represents the southeast side of Lansing, including the area of Hawk Island. He has a blog about issues that face the commission. The web address: http://schorblog.blogspot.com/
You have some great questions. He might be a source for some answers.
In the meantime, I will try to find some answers and then share them.
Wes
I would really HATE to see this park closed. Families use the children’s areas and picnic areas all the time, and there is NO BETTER DOG PARK ANYWHERE!!! I can’t imagine that the County would desert this tremendous community resource! Please let us know how we can help.
Charles and Wes and others, last year the Commissioners had a document presented to us during budget discussions that listed all the various options for cuts. Hawk Island was on it (permanent closure, and winter-only closure). I will see if I can find the document and can provide it to you.
In terms of what we collect, all that money goes to the general fund. The collections at the parks do not come near the amounts that it takes to run the parks. The parks are multi-million dollar operations. We pay for staff, lifeguards, equipment, etc. The fees help, and we just raised them again (although I was opposed), but the parks are expensive. Ingham County runs Hawk Island, Lake Lansing, and Burchfield.
Hawk Island has been used by my opponent to try and show his strong support to keep it open and voters in his back pocket. However the truth is, that a year ago when it went to committee, the only thing they decided was to charge a fee every day instead of looking at the big picture. So, this year they are in a battle to raise fees. Re-visiting issues is only time consuming and shows poor management of county issues.
Another problem is keeping the swimming area free of bacteria and safe for swimmers. Cost of operation and water testing preventive measures is not being done on a basis which shows health concerns for county residents.
I continually hear how expensive it is to run our parks. Truth is our commission is afraid to go the length to tell the voters exactly how expensive and what they need to pay to continue enjoying them. They keep putting off decisions and a deeper divide grows between urban and rural residents.
So, Mr Peterson as you have chosen this area to “flame” your opponent, how about you giving some facts. All costs and budgets are open to the public… let’s see how much you really care.
YOU post the costs and facts here for all us who don’t know our way around the political offices. (I don’t know either politician and don’t vote in their district. I’m just fed up with those who always blame/flame but don’t offer anything constructive!!!)