Many community centers, including the Queen Anne Community Center, were hit hard by the 2011 City of Seattle budget. In the case of the Queen Anne center, the city proposed to close the gym to the community and lease it to BizKid$, a national public television series for children. The plan was actively opposed by many in the neighborhood (more here), eventually leading to BizKid$ pulling out of the deal and City Council voting in favor to keep the gym open to the community.
As a result of the difficult citywide budget cuts, Seattle Parks and Recreation has been asked by the City Council to re-think how community centers are operated. This process will include public meetings and the creation of a Community Center Advisory Team. Seattle Parks and Recreation is looking for community members to participate on the Advisory Team.
Advisory Team meetings will occur twice a month from January to May, 2011. The team will be exploring innovative ideas for operating the City’s community centers. Team members will consider the way the centers currently operate, review what other cities are doing, consider alternative operating models, evaluate public input, and assess options for partnerships.
Ultimately, the Advisory Team will review and provide advice on the report that Parks will submit to City Council by June 1, 2010. In addition to representatives from the general community, members of the Advisory Team will include representatives from the Board of Park Commissioners, representatives of employee unions, employees, the Associated Recreation Council, and City Council and City Budget Office staff.
Seattle Parks and Recreation is currently seeking community applicants for the team. Those interested in serving on the Community Center Advisory Team are invited to apply. Parks is especially interested in those with past involvement with a community center, and those who are able to work with others for the greater good.
In a news release on Monday, December 20, Parks and Recreation asked applicants to submit a statement (no more than 1,000 words total) addressing the following questions:
- How and where have you been involved with a community center?
- Please give an example of your most recent involvement.
- What will you bring to the table?
Applicants are asked to submit their statement via e-mail to Susan Golub: susan.golub@seattle.gov. The deadline is Monday, January 10 at 5 p.m.