HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 Annual Report - Parks, Recreation, Cultural Arts & Entertainment) Committee,:
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~: .._ ;v,_..~' _ :2009 Annual Report of the Parks, Rec eat on~~ultural Arts &
Entertainment (PARC) Committee of the South nd ommon ~ou~cil
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Date: December 8, 2009
To: The South Bend Common Council
The Office of the City Clerk
From: 4th District Council Member Ann Puzzello, Chairperson
Parks, Recreation, Cultural Arts & Entertainment (PARC) Committee
This Annual Report is filed as a requirement of Section 2-10 (i) of the South Bend Municipal Code which
calls for a report from the Chairperson of each of the Council's Standing Committee by the 2na Monday in
December.
Duties•
The Parks, Recreation, Cultural Arts & Entertainment (PARC) Committee is charged with the following
duties pursuant to Section 2-10 (i) (1) of the South Bend Municipal Code:
"Overseeing the various activities of the Century Center, Regional Museum of Art, College Football
Hall of Fame, Morris Performing Arts Center, Department of Parks and Recreation, Studebaker
Museum and related activities ".
2009 PARC Committee Members:
The members of the Committee this year include:
Council Member Ann Puzzello„ Chairperson
Council Member Timothy A. Rouse, Vice-Chair
Council Member Oliver Davis, Member
Council Member Al "Buddy" Kirsits, Member
Martha Lewis, Citizen Member
Ralph Lampkin, Citizen Member
Meetings:
This year the PARC Committee has met eight (8) times to date to discuss such topics as:
Receiving a detailed update from Potawatomi Zoo Director Terry DeRosa on the many upgrades
made to the zoo in light of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation process,
which they passed
• Reviewing various appropriation requests
• Reviewing the sale of Redevelopment Authority bonds to refinance the Morris Performing Arts
Center
2009 Annual Report of the PARC Committee- Page 2
December 8, 2009
Receiving an update on the College Football Hall of Fame from Mayor Luecke in light of the
notification he received on September 22, 2009 that the National Football Foundation would be
moving the operations to Atlanta, Georgia
Challenges in 2010:
With the continuing fiscal challenges facing the city as a result of the enactment by the Indiana General
Assembly of HEA 1001, the financial realties of doing more with less income is facing all departments and
especially our fine parks and recreation programs. My goals remain steadfast, namely:
1. To continue to support the multi-faceted programs which enrich the very fabric of our city through
the many, many diverse parks and recreation opportunities provided so that NONE are placed on the
chopping block for elimination
2. To especially support with the assistance of 3rd District Council Member Tom LaFountain, the
Potawatomi Zoo (which enriches the lives of those young and old) and the Conservatory (which are
both located in his Councilmanic District); and the Howard Park Ice Rink and Senior Citizens Center
which are located in the 4d' District which I represent
3. To insist that the City of South Bend's Parks and Recreation website actively promote the
Conservatory, since there is a viable partnership with the Botanical Society of South Bend which
offers a variety of activities for the public to enjoy
4. To assure that all of the recreation centers, playgrounds, pools and the Rum Village
Nature Center are properly staffed and equipped for all to enjoy during these tough financial times
5. To have frank discussions on the Professional Sports Development Fund monies so that their uses
may be expanded to include the Conservatory and the Potawatomi Zoo which include the Park Board
and the City Administration on the need to keep these jewels of our community open and flourishing
By working together and with a lot of hard work, our recreational and parks programs will be maintained
during these dire economic times facing our country and our city. People need to experience these types of
programs to help bring balance to their lives. I look forward to working closely with you again next year on
these projects. Thank you.
Respectfully s miffed,
~/Iv
-Me ber uzze lo, Chairperson
Parks, Recreation, Cultural Arts & Entertainment (PARC) Committee
South Bend Common Council
cc: Phil St. Clair, Park Superintendent
Potawatomi Zoo Director Terry DeRosa
Martha Lewis, President of the Botanical Society