2013 Minneapolis Park Board Budget Focuses on Fiscal Responsibility, Service Delivery and Maintaining Park System

Via a December 14 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

2013 Minneapolis Park Board Budget Focuses on Fiscal Responsibility, Service Delivery and Maintaining Park System
 
The 2013 Budget for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) focuses on maintaining park services and facilities, strategically addressing financial and operational challenges, and improving organizational efficiency and service delivery. The budget reflects a three percent increase in property taxes to continue current hours at recreation centers and provide a variety of needed services such as increased lifeguard hours and swim lessons and additional tree plantings along city streets. In 2013, of every dollar paid in property taxes by Minneapolis residents, approximately seven cents will go towards park programs, facilities and services.

“The operating budget reflects the Park Board’s commitment to sound financial management and strategic long-term planning,” explained Superintendent Jayne Miller. “In 2013, we are investing in neighborhood and regional parks, technology and equipment. We are expanding community engagement to ensure all residents have access to programs and services that are designed based on community input, participation and the diverse needs of residents.”

The Park Board’s 2013 Budget totals $64,131,151 for the general operating fund and $10,245,866 for the enterprise operating fund. Initiatives launched by Superintendent Miller in 2012 to align revenue and expenses to department activity areas are continued in her recommended budget. While the organization’s budget and personnel numbers remain similar to 2012, positions and budget accounts have been realigned in the recommended 2013 Budget to meet the needs of the community and the organization.

According to Miller, the 2013 Budget reflects the Park Board’s commitment to service delivery and incorporates organizational performance improvements.

“We are committed to assessing and improving our work processes,” Miller explained. “The 2013 Budget includes implementation of initiatives developed in 2012 to improve worker safety, internal service coordination and external service delivery.”

The approved resolution to adopt the 2013 Park Board Budget and other 2013 budget-related documents are available for viewing at http://www.minneapolisparks.org/ or by calling 612-230-6400.

The Park Board’s 2013 Budget outlines initiatives aimed at meeting the Board’s strategic goals and budget frameworks, including:

• Focus resources on maintaining the park system and address issues of aging infrastructure, especially in neighborhood parks. Use Comprehensive Plan as guidance for maintenance of natural areas and boulevard trees.
 • Become a national leader in issues of sustainability, including collaborative efforts with the City Council, Mayor, County, local business leaders, and the public, making our city greener, cleaner and energy efficient.
 • Focus on our partnerships, especially with the City and the Public schools, to focus on the service delivery and responsibilities across jurisdictions to assess what is working and what can be changed or improved in difficult financial times.
 • Focus on new strategies of community engagement, including greater transparency and information that is posted online, outreach strategies, and clarity about our processes and procedures. Enhance our communications and relationships with communities, media, agencies, and partners.
 • Focus on a financial plan that increases revenue growth with grants, new program offerings, sponsorships and foundation giving, but also plan for potential budget reductions that are the result of projected state deficits or increased costs.
 • Assure that basic services and programs remain accessible, community based, and equitable. Reaffirm the importance of outdoor activities for children.
 • Shape city character through nationally recognized park development and redevelopment strategies.
 
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board features 197 park properties totaling 6,744 acres of parkland and water. An estimated 18 million visits are made each year to the nationally acclaimed park system. Its Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, neighborhood parks, recreation centers, award-winning facilities and diversified programming have made the Minneapolis park system an important component of what makes Minneapolis a great place to live, play and work. To learn more about the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, visit http://www.minneapolisparks.org/.