County Executive & Mayor Reach Parks Agreement

April 22, 2009

Consent agreement ensures city parks & pools will be open for summer

Erie County Executive Chris Collins and Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown have reached an agreement that will keep city parks and recreation areas open and fully staffed during the upcoming summer and fall season. This resolution continues the existing inter-municipal agreement until the end of 2009.

Under the consent agreement:

Erie County will continue to operate, manage, and maintain:

•City park parcels

•Recreation centers

•Outdoor pools

•Indoor pools

•Splash/spray pads

•Erie County will budget for 52 full time staffers and 144 seasonal staffers to be dedicated to city parks

•The City of Buffalo will pay Erie County approximately $3.5 million

•The Olmsted Park Conservancy will continue to operate the 24 Olmsted park parcels

"This agreement reflects the need to keep the city parks, pools and recreation centers open and fully operational during our summer season, and the need to have Erie County fairly compensated for providing those services," said Erie County Executive Chris Collins. "Our parks – both County and City – are assets and the public deserves safe and clean recreation areas. With this additional funding, I am confident the Erie County Parks Department can properly maintain city properties this summer and fall, and I look forward to continuing to work with Mayor Brown and his administration to structure a new, long-term agreement in the near future."

"Under this agreement the quality of our parks will improve greatly," said Mayor Brown. "For example, there will now be a 12-day grass cutting schedule compared to the previous 20-day cycle. In addition, we will immediately begin working with Erie County and our unions to create a new, long-term agreement that is both affordable and ensures quality city parks, pools and recreation centers for our residents."

The County Executive and Mayor will now continue to work to structure a new City/County parks agreement for 2010.