Public Input Requested on Proposed Park Board 2010 Fees & Charges

October 23, 2009 (No. 57) - The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation is requesting feedback on proposed changes to its 2010 Fees & Charges and 2010 Operating Budget. Almost 40% of the Park Board's budget is funded from fees and charges (with the rest coming from taxes). Proposed changes include inflationary fee increases of 4% in most areas, with different adjustments proposed for Golf, Parking, VanDusen Gardens and Stanley Park Train & Farmyard.

The public are invited to share their ideas in a survey that is available, with background information and details, at community centres and other Park Board facilities, or complete it online at the Park Board web site. The survey includes questions about what services are considered most important by residents, what suggestions they have for improvement, how the fee structure should be set, and how programs might be prioritized in light of budget challenges.

The proposed fees and charges will be reviewed by the Park Board at its board meeting on Monday, November 16th, 2009 so that changes can be implemented for 2010. The Board will also continue to solicit public feedback on its 2010 budget priorities up to and beyond the Park Board approval of its 2010 budget.

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For more information contact Joyce Courtney, Communications Manager, at 604-257-8699.

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 220 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.