7 Rec Centers Could Reopen

COLUMBUS, Ohio—When the budget as 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, NBC 4‘s Ana Jackson reported.

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.

Tyson also secured funding to continue popular summertime festivals, including Festival Latino, the Columbus Jazz & Rib Fest, FESTAC and the Fall Harvest Jamboree.

For additional information, stay with nbc4i.com and NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com—Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail us at .
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video