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Q&A
Discussion on Schoolyard to Playground program obstacles
1:39:02
·
125 sec
Council Member Holden inquires about the main obstacles facing the Schoolyard to Playground program and discusses funding issues.
- Asks about the biggest obstacles for the program
- Mentions previous delays due to budget constraints
- Emphasizes that the $70,000 per school maintenance cost is relatively small compared to the city's budget
- Advocates for opening school gymnasiums on weekends and weeknights
Robert F. Holden
1:39:02
But I'd just like to ask you a question.
1:39:04
What is the biggest obstacle you're facing with the schoolyard to playground program?
1:39:11
Because I know we had some obstacles, you know, in the past.
1:39:14
The pandemic was one, a big one.
1:39:17
But putting $70,000 per school to maintain that is a drop in the bucket, you know, considering the city's budget.
Sophia Stelboum
1:39:27
Thank you.
1:39:28
And I agree about the children.
1:39:29
It's a really amazing process.
1:39:32
I don't know if I have the ability to answer your question right now, just based on my position.
1:39:38
Yeah, I'm not entirely sure.
Robert F. Holden
1:39:40
Because we had projects that I had several schoolyards that were waiting years.
1:39:44
Yeah.
1:39:45
And I think it was the city's budget and putting enough money that $70,000 was the believe it or not, was the obstacle.
Margaret Nelson
1:39:52
And
Robert F. Holden
1:39:53
that's why I was hoping to hear that it's been better.
1:40:00
I know if was better or worse than it was, but, you know, talking to the mayor, every time we talk budget, I say put money into opening up our schools, our school gymnasiums.
1:40:12
Every district should have a number of schools that are open on weekends or weeknights or, you know, give us something.
1:40:18
And you're not talking about a big investment to give our youth or even the community access to, you know, gyms and facilities that are closed on weekends.
1:40:30
All weekend, they're sitting there while our kids are out on the street.
1:40:34
So it's not really a wise investment.
1:40:36
We're not making the wise investments that we should, but I have faith in Trust for Public Land.
1:40:42
I'll always, you know, because every project that I've, you know, partnered with the Trust, it's worked.
1:40:48
And it's been amazing payoffs.
1:40:50
And I want to congratulate H2O for wonderful work that you're doing and expanding.
1:40:56
You keep getting bigger, and I like that.
1:41:00
And you're in my district.
1:41:01
But, you know, again, it's a win win for everyone.
1:41:04
Thank you so much for your work, too.
1:41:06
Thanks.