Rec-surrection

NBC 4: When the budget ax fell early in 2009, the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department took the hit, as several centers closed as part of the mayor’s plan to fix a $96 million shortfall.

Now, there is new life for those centers as a proposed partnership to reopen their doors is discussed… Seven of the 11 recreation centers that were closed will either reopen again or begin limited operations.

Those centers include Tuttle, Krumm, Holton, Sawyer, Columbus Performing Arts, Golden Hobby Shop and Sullivant Gardens. Money will also be allocated to keep supporting the Douglas Recreation Center.

The centers will reopen their doors thanks to the hotel-motel excise tax fund and community partnerships. City Councilmember Priscilla Tyson is sponsoring legislation that will transfer $618,000 from the fund to help the partners run the recreation centers.