A message to the city of Minneapolis: Consolidation would hurt our parks

As we enter another cycle of difficult budget choices, Minneapolis officials have pushed for an austerity Park Board levy and shortsighted consolidation of Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB)-controlled functions with the city.

Cutting millions of dollars in park funding is a non-starter for the park commissioners who, recognizing the burden of higher taxes, approved a 5.86% levy increase, equating to $5 million. This is the bare minimum needed to maintain service levels for the best park system in the country and is less than what the system deserves, as we currently operate with significantly reduced recreation center hours.

Mayor Jacob Frey has announced he wants to hold the MPRB levy to a 2.5% ...