Curtis Connolly: Seniors, youth need centers

Over the past 40 years, the City of Spokane has established 10 senior, youth and community centers. Substantially funded by Parks and Recreation, the centers have sponsored senior programs − such as fitness, ceramics, watercolor, writers’ workshops, clogging and dancersize − as well as a wide variety of teen and youth before- and after-school programs, and a full schedule of summer programs.

When, on July 1, the Parks and Recreation Department staff recommended that their funding to Spokane youth and senior centers and Project Joy should be cut 100 percent in the 2012 budget, it was a shock to those of us who staff and volunteer at the centers and programs. This abrupt and drastic cut would bring most of the centers to their knees financially, either closing them or severely restricting program offerings. There had been no prior warning that this could happen, so there was no time to reorganize and figure out how to replace this funding − especially in one of the toughest economic times of the past 50 years. It is important to note that since 2008 the overall parks budget has increased 35 percent, while its support for centers has decreased over that same time period.

In 2011, about 20 percent of the cost of operating the centers has been paid by Parks and Recreation; 80 percent of the operating costs has been assumed by the members of the centers. This means that, as recreation programs, the centers return $4 in service to the community for each $1 invested by the Parks Department.

Most of the centers are nonprofit organizations working in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department. These nonprofits are operated with thousands of volunteer hours and small staffs, most working at much lower wages than do Parks and Recreation Department employees, and with few or no benefits. The centers stay open and active to serve the seniors and youth of our community, generating funds through fees, memberships and fundraisers as well as the historic funding established by the Parks Department.

Our youth (under 18 years of age) and seniors (50 years and over) are the prime users of the centers and comprise more than one-third of Spokane’s population. Our seniors are the fastest-growing demographic in Spokane. Consequently, it is backward thinking for the Parks and Recreation Department to believe that cutting funds for these necessary and popular programs is logical, good business or beneficial for the city.

When the Parks Department staff took their proposal of 100 percent funding cuts to the Park Board, it was apparent members lacked knowledge of the benefits provided to the community by the centers.

Between 92 percent and 98 percent of programs and activities offered at the centers are recreational by definition. The nonprofit centers are able to deliver these programs at less cost, with less staff, and with a more “local” approach to their neighborhood seniors and youth.

After the July 1 announcement, a coalition of the centers was formed to help the Park Board understand the breadth, strength and value of its long-standing partnership with the centers. The Spokane youth and senior centers coalition spoke with one voice and brought valuable information to the many subsequent board meetings.

At a special study session on Sept. 27, called by the Parks Board primarily to encourage testimony from the community, over 25 people ages 10 years to over 85 came forward with statistics and comments that provided information about how other similar-sized communities in the state fund and support senior and youth centers, how much “bang for the buck” Spokane-area citizens get from the centers, and how severe the damage of the cuts would be.

At the end of the meeting, the board instructed Parks Department Director Leroy Eadie to abandon a 100 percent cut or even a newly proposed 20 percent cut, and to find enough money to keep center funding for 2012 at 2011 levels.

But it’s not over until it’s over, and we − a coalition of volunteers, staff and members of youth and senior centers − are continuing to work to assure that the funding and support from the Parks Department is secure for 2012. However, there is still talk of eliminating funding for the centers in 2013.

The Park Board will cast the final vote on the budget at its Thursday meeting at City Hall. We implore them to do what is right for this community, for the seniors and the youth.