Philadelphia, March 30, 2016 – Kathryn Ott Lovell, Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and Council President Darrell L. Clarke announced that the application to serve on the Parks and Recreation Commission (PaRC) is now available. City Council will accept applications beginning today until the end of the application period on May 6, 2016.
“PaRC Commissioners play an important and integral role in guiding our Department,” said Commissioner Ott Lovell. “We rely on PaRC to give us the perspective of residents and visitors who use our parks, trails, playgrounds, recreation centers, pools and other facilities so that we can make the best decisions possible as stewards of these resources. I encourage all Philadelphians to consider applying to serve on this important commission.”
In 2008, the voters of Philadelphia approved an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to create a new Department of Parks and Recreation, combining the former Department of Recreation and the Fairmount Park Commission, along with a new Commission on Parks and Recreation to help guide the new department. The current appointees’ terms will expire later this year, and it is now time for Council to develop the next list of nominees for the Mayor.
“Every community deserves great public spaces, which is why Council created the Commission as a vehicle for citizens to more effectively advocate for parks and recreation centers,” Council President Clarke said. “We know these amenities have a direct impact on quality of life in Philadelphia, which is even more important for our young people. If you want to make a positive impact on communities across our City, apply to serve on PaRC today.”
The Parks and Recreation Commission consists of 15 members, nine of whom are appointed by the Mayor from nominations made by City Council and six of whom serve “ex officio,” including the President of City Council and the Executive Director of the City Planning Commission, the Water Commissioner, the Streets Commissioner, the Public Property Commissioner and the Parks and Recreation Commissioner.
“As Chair of the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, I was heartened by the volume of applications to serve on PaRC four years ago,” Councilwoman Cindy Bass (8th District) said. “I’m proud of our world-class parks system, but I also know it can be even better. I look forward to working with a new crop of committed Philadelphians who share my passion for our public spaces and communities.”
The application can be found online at https://phlcouncil.com/parks-and-rec-commission-2016.
Paper applications can be submitted to:
Office of the Chief Clerk of City Council
Room 402 City Hall
Broad and Market Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Att’n: Michael Decker
Photo: Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department.
