Indy Parks: doing more with less 6.13.11

WTHR

INDIANAPOLIS - While the economy continues to struggle, more people are finding Indy Parks are great places to pass the time and to have fun.
That demand has been very high. All the pools have been filled to capacity causing long lines to get in. 
This past Memorial Day weekend, park usage was up 25% over the same time last year.
Blame the unseasonably hot weather for sure and the recession as well. But it's not just the pools that are popular.
Indy Parks and Rec reports usage for paid and free programs, summer day camps,  supervised play times and summer feeding programs have all increased.
All of this comes after a budget cut of 10% a couple of years ago. And so the Department is working to keep up with demand while spending less money: a big challenge.
"Yes that is always a challenge," says Deputy Director Leslie Power. "It is a good challenge for us, but we have worked really hard to reorganize and find ways to reallocate our resources.  We've also worked hard at getting grants through the Indianapolis Parks Foundation and corporate and private support.  That is really helping us manage the funding we do have."
Also, the department aggressively seeks grants, gifts and donations.
http://www.wthr.com/story/14891225/indy-parks-doing-more-with-less