Below is a letter I have written in support of Mayor Bryce Ward’s proposed budget for the Parks and Recreation Department budget. The Parks and Recreation Department is the borough department that most affects trails. Please consider writing to the Assembly to let them know how you feel about the proposed budget.
Information on the budget can be found HERE.
Email and phone contact information for the Assembly can be found HERE.
Information on how to attend and testify at the meeting can be found HERE.
My letter
Re: Budget for FNSB Parks and Recreation Department
Dear Assembly Members,
During this budget cycle, I wanted to express my support for Mayor Bryce Ward’s proposed budget for the Parks and Recreation Department.
Actually, I would like to see the budget increased. I especially think the borough would benefit from a trails crew that could help maintain our many existing trails. Our trails are such a great resource. They are available to all throughout the year without an upfront cost. They offer people a place to help maintain their physical and mental health. They also offer a place for formal and informal groups to get together for healthy social activities. And they help our economy in a variety of ways, such as through associated outdoor recreation retail sales and a growing outdoor-related visitor industry.
Unfortunately, our trails need a lot of work. Many lack formal trailheads and signage. Some are in need of some TLC. These things make it difficult for people to use the trails. I know the borough is slowly working to remedy these problems, but a dedicated trail crew would help that happen much quicker.
But I understand that the borough is having difficult times in regard to its budget. So, I am pleased that Mayor Ward’s proposed budget for the Parks and Recreation Department is stable from last year. I know some believe the department’s budget should be decreased, but I don’t think those people truly understand the benefits the department brings to our community. Having a happy and healthy population is so important, and the FNSB Parks and Recreation Department does a lot to help make that a reality.
I hope you agree and will support the Parks and Recreation Department during this budget cycle.
Sincerely,
Eric Troyer
Editor and Publisher
Interior Alaska Trails Newsletter
it’s just a small amount with a big results to our fairbanks family. please care enough.
Thanks! I agree!
In addition to what you point out in your letter, Eric, it is important for people to realize that relatively small P&R budget funds P&R staff to write grants to allow trails projects, and many other projects, to happen. Because of those grants, the FNSB is paying only a fraction of projects’ costs. I think assembly understands this because they approve the (small) match for those grants. However, I don’t know that the general public realizes this. They might see the total price tag of a project and incorrectly attribute all costs to the FNSB budget. Whereas in reality the borough’s share is only the match. I think that ignorance of project finance fuels some of “cut P&R budget mentality.”
Thanks Peter. I agree. I try to point that out when I am doing advocacy work, but it’s hard to reach the general public. People’s chosen media sources are so fractured and scattered anymore.