Looking inside OP's 2017 fiscal year budget article

This article was viewed in the 03/03/16 edition, written by Josh Davis. I would like to address the verbiage used; specifically the phrase: “Looking at amenities, recreation and parks is the biggest drag on the bottom line, projecting a $552,000 loss, or a $65 cost to each homeowner in assessment dollars”
As a member of the OPA Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee, I’d like to identify some of the benefits each OPA homeowner is getting for the $65 part of the assessment. There are 11 parks in the OPA; most have playground equipment, several are set-up as sports fields, there are nature trials, bike trails, and a dog park.
In 2015, there were over 6000 participants in OPA Rec & Parks programs. There are over 63 organizations using the various facilities and/or involved in the OPA Rec & Parks Dept programs.
The Rec & Parks Dept provides many FREE events thru out the year. To name several, The Easter Celebration (800 estimated attendance), Bike Safety Day (200), Big Truck Day (750), Concerts in the Park (600), Monday Movies in the Park (1000), July 4th Day of Fun (500) , Kite Day (300), Fireworks (3500), Holiday Tree Lighting (750) and Breakfast with Santa (350). Statistically, the OPA Rec & Parks Dept provides recreational benefits and serves more residents than all other amenities combined.
For FY2016-2017, the OPA Rec & Parks Dept budget represented approximately 3% of the proposed 2016-2017 budget.
When special events are included, more than 18,000 people use, benefit and enjoy the facilities and amenities of the OPA Rec & Parks Dept.
In my opinion, not bad for an average of $1.25 weeks for 52 weeks per OPA assessment payer

Skip Schlesinger
OPA Rec & Parks Advisory Committee member