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City is taking applications for Commission on Parks and Recreation

    by Jan Ransom
    Published 

Interested in being on the city's Commission on Parks and Recreation? Check out the press release below to find out how you can apply.


Friday, March 30, 2012                                                         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAYOR NUTTER, COUNCIL PRESIDENT CLARKE ANNOUNCE APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR COMMISSION ON PARKS AND RECREATION

Applications must be submitted by May 9, 2012.

Philadelphia, March 30, 2012– Mayor Michael A. Nutter together with Council President Darrell Clarke announced that the City Council of Philadelphia is currently accepting applications to serve on the Commission on Parks and Recreation. The Commission was created as part of the amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, approved by the voters on November 4, 2008, which merged the Fairmount Park Commission and the Recreation Department to create the new Department of Parks and Recreation.

"This Commission is responsible for setting written standards and guidelines for land use, green space preservation, and the acquisition, sale or lease of park land and recreation facilities," said Mayor Nutter.  "I am asking committed citizens who share my vision for a strong and sustainable park and recreation system to submit an application and help shape the future of Philadelphia's parks and recreation areas."  

Council President Darrell Clarke and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown sponsored the legislation putting the Charter Change before the voters.  "We were amazed and humbled by the extraordinary quality and sheer number of applicants to serve on the Commission in 2009," said Council President Darrell L. Clarke.  "I know Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, my co-sponsor on the legislation establishing the Parks & Recreation Department, joins Councilwoman Bass and me in encouraging Philadelphians to become more actively involved with their City."

The Commission is composed of 15 members: nine appointed by the Mayor from a list of nominations submitted by City Council and compiled from applications received; and six "ex officio" members – the Commissioners of the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Water, Streets, and Public Property; the City Council President; and the Executive Director of the City Planning Commission.  

"It is very important that the Fairmount Park Commission be diverse and represent citizens from all over the City," said Councilwoman Cindy Bass, Chair of Council's Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Committee. "I strongly encourage people to participate in the nomination process no matter their neighborhood or background."

There are nine positions to be filled and current Commissioners interested in continuing to serve must reapply for consideration. A Commission appointment is a volunteer, unpaid position, and appointed Commissioners will serve four-year terms. Under the Charter's general provision concerning boards and commissions, members of the Commission must be residents of Philadelphia or Pennsylvania counties adjacent to Philadelphia (Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery).

Application forms can be found at www.phila.gov, the Office of City Council's Chief Clerk (Room 402 City Hall), Free Library of Philadelphia branches, City recreation centers, and Fairmount Park facilities. Interested applicants must submit an application by May 9, 2012 to be considered.


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