5/25/2005
Media Contact:
Kristen Weaver, PIO [317] 327-7035
Chris Radford, Asst. PIO [317] 327-7027 |
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City delays pool openings to June 4
With the failure to pass Indianapolis Works, more parks cuts to come
INDIANAPOLIS - In the first of many cost-savings measures, Indy Parks and Recreation announced today that it would open the city's 22 outdoor pools on Saturday, June 4, instead of the traditional Memorial Day Weekend.
Indy Parks Director Joseph Wynns said more cuts are imminent. Indy Parks is considering cutting back on pool operation hours, operating certain pools on a reduced schedule and closing some pools completely or early this summer.
These budget-saving moves are a consequence of the Indiana General Assembly's failure to pass Indianapolis Works, Mayor Bart Peterson's proposal to reduce the size and cost of local government. Full passage of Indianapolis Works would have saved taxpayers $35 million every year and prevented pushing back the opening of the city's outdoor pools and other impending cuts.
"We realize these measures will impact many Indianapolis residents who depend on the city pools for summer recreation," Director Wynns said. "Our goal is to minimize the impact of this unavoidable disruption while continuing to provide the public with safe, clean and well maintained parks and facilities."
In 2004, Indy Parks spent approximately $1.5 million operating the city's indoor and outdoor pools, including maintenance, utilities, staffing and lifeguard training. Last summer alone, Indianapolis residents visited the city's outdoor pools more than 200,000 times.
Indy Parks is evaluating further 2005 cost saving measures in parks programs other than aquatics. The department's annual $31.3 budget has not has not increased since 2003. Without substantial government reform, similar to those presented in Indianapolis Works, deeper cuts in all city services in 2006 and 2007 are expected.
For additional aquatic facility information, please visit indyparks.org or contact Kristen Weaver, 327-7035 or Chris Radford, 327-7027.
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