Closing PAL a done deal?
Baltimore officials announced last month that budget cuts are forcing them to shutter the popular Police Athletic League centers and that the Department of Recreation and Parks would take over most of them starting July 1. The closings are part of the mayor's budget proposal that doesn't get voted on until June.
So community activists who are trying to rally support to save the centers are angry that the city is making the closing look like a done deal. Rec and Parks has announced a series of visits to the soon-to-be-theirs PAL Centers starting April 6 to assess needs. And letters from the head of Rec and Parks to residents calling or e-mailing in complaints do indeed indicate the decision has been made.
It is an uphill battle. The activists would have to convince the City Council to hold up the entire budget to save one program, and that's doubtful. And I think the city could decide to shut PAL with or without a budget. But still, the tone of the letter bothers people who believe there's still a chance to keep the PALs open. Leticia Fitts, who runs a nonprofit that is partnering with the Robert C. Marshal PAL Center on Pennsylvania Avenue, which I visited last week, sent me a letter another community resident received from the director of Recreation and Parks, Wanda S. Durden.
The name of the receiver was deleted, Fitts said to protect the person protesting, but Michele Speaks, a rec and parks spokeswoman, confirmed the letter is from Durden and is a form sent out to people who are protesting the closures. She said aout 10 people have called thus far. "We understand how painful this is," Speaks told me.
Here is the letter Durden is sending out (it references Cruspus Attucks but Speaks told me they change the name depending on the center being referred to in the complaint):
Dear Mr. Xxxx:
Mayor Dixon has asked me to respond to your letter in which you expressed concerns about the future of the Cruspus Attucks PAL Center. Thank you for your interest in the youth of Baltimore City.
As you may know, beginning July 1, 2009 the Department of Recreation and Parks will assume operational responsibility and leadership for 13 of the 17 currently operating PAL centers. At that time, two facilities will be returned to Baltimore City Public School System for their use and all programming will be discontinued in the other two locations. The new configuration of facilities will result in a total of 56 Recreation Centers operating strategically throughout Baltimore City. You will be glad to know that the Crispus Attucks PAL Center will be among those being taken over by this Department..
I want to assure you that the PAL personnel and our recreators share a common a goal to provide youth living in the City of Baltimore with positive learning and healthy recreational opportunities. Our programs are geared toward helping young people to expand their horizons in the best possible ways.
When we begin our programs, we are confident that participants will be pleased and engaged with the activities we will offer. Recreation and Parks staff will work with the community to get input about desired activities and we are eager to introduce some innovative alternatives.. Your email is a wonderful indication that you share our ideals. We ask that you continue your interest in the welfare of our children. You will find that our youth will be in good and caring hands.
On April 6th, 2009 our staff will began meeting with the communities to discuss the transition. I’m inserting the schedule and invite you to join us at any site you choose. Again, thank you for your concern and I hope you will support us in our efforts to serve the youth of Baltimore.
Sincerely
Wanda S. Durden
Wanda S. Durden
Director
WSD:bmw
cc: The Honorable Sheila Dixon, Mayor of Baltimore
The Honorable William H. Cole IV, Baltimore City Council
