Rec & Parks Decides On Abbreviated Formal Classes

COLUMBUS, Ohio —There have been some changes to the plan to stop the formal programs at the city’s rec centers that were slated for closure.

NBC 4’s Mikaela Hunt reported on the bottomline Tuesday.

The Columbus Division of Recreation and Parks told Hunt they made the decision to have an abbreviated formal program schedule at those centers heading into the New Year. 

For instance, an arts-and-crafts class that normally lasted eight to 10 weeks will last four to five weeks. Or until city council makes a decision. 

Tracey Morgan coaches pitchers such as Meaghan Costello.

She helps young women develop good arms at a good price, especially when using the Tuttle Recreation Center.

“Since it’s free to come here, it’s convenient and it’s nice. It’s a more affordable way to keep pitching year round,“ Meaghan said.

The announcement of the closure was a real blow.

“We’ll keep coming until they tell us we can’t come back,“ Morgan said.

The centers slated for closure have few formal classes, but Rec and Parks suggested parents and guardians call to find out what will be available heading into 2009.

“We’re all working hard and trying to keep our buildings open to the public we serve,“ Ron Brush said. Brush is the building manager at the Tuttle Recreation Center.

A city council spokesperson told Hunt the departure of two council members leaves more questions than answers in the budget process for the time being and there’s been no more formal discussion on rec center closures. 

Applications for those two council positions will be due by 5 p.m. Tuesday, and a decision could be made on who would take Maryellen O’Shaughnessy and Kevin Boyce’s places in the next couple of weeks. 

Originally, a budget retreat was being planned for Friday, Jan. 9, but it has not been finalized due to the current situation.

There was a one last tentative public hearing scheduled for the budget Tuesday, Jan. 6, but for now that has been put on hold as well. 

The last public hearing and council retreat officially were postponed Tuesday.

Once council members are chosen, they likely will have about a month to get up to speed on the budget.

Stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for the latest information in this developing story.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail .

MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video