Post in State of the City - Rec Centers

Mar 27 15:58 UTC

On Mar 26, 2008, at 11:39 PM, Tim Erickson wrote:
> I did not get details at the town hall meeting. Does anyone know where
> I might find more information on this initiative?

I got a couple of private responses last night to my request for more
info. Most notably, I was referred to this article in the StarTribune.

  "St. Paul looks to nonprofits to manage recreation"
   http://www.startribune.com/local/stpaul/16882666.html

   "When Kirk Wythers heard about St. Paul's plans to shutter some
   recreation centers because of budget constraints, he grew a
   bit concerned.

   Then the president of the St. Paul Blackhawks Soccer Club got
   excited about the prospect of taking over one of the centers with
   the goal of creating a European-style soccer training facility
   for youths. As of last week, it did."

Here is info from a sidebar that explains where these partnerships are
currently at:

    Orchard: Deal approved with the Blackhawks.
    Eastview: Finalizing a deal with Merrick
     Community Services.
    St. Clair: Memo of understanding with West 7th
     Community Center.
    Highwood Hills, Homecroft and Frost Lake: Agreements are
     being worked out for St. Paul public schools to take over.
     All three centers are connected to school buildings.
    Dunning: Several groups have expressed interest in
     managing the site.
    Desnoyer: City is seeking interested groups.

Best wishes,

Tim Erickson
St. Paul E-Democracy