Commissioners Reject Fees for Summer Playground Program

In a narrow vote, the Lower Merion Board of Commissioners voted to reject a township proposal to add fees for the Parks and Recreation's summer playground program.

Parks and Recreation Director Lindsay Taylor gave a brief presentation about the proposal at the Wednesday, Nov. 3, commissioners meeting. "For the past 30-plus years the township has offered a free summer playground program," Taylor said. "It offers a safe supervised location for children to play and develop basic skills, such as the concept of teamwork, cooperation and integrity."

The program is staffed by teenage counselors and two adult supervisors, and 441 participants used the program in 2010. It is offered for six weeks in the summer from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at General Wayne Park, Gladwyne Park, McMoran Park, South Ardmore Park and Wynnewood Valley Park. 

The playground program cost the township $36,218 in 2010.

"We believe we're the only remaining free program offered by municipalities in the area," Taylor said. "All of the others recover costs and have a fee." Taylor's proposal asked for a $150 fee for access to the full 6-week program, or $50 per week for limited use. The proposed fee structure was predicted to fully cover the costs of implementing the program.

The board exchanged little discussion on the matter. Commissioner Mark Taylor asked about some of the program's specifics, and how counselors dealt with neighborhood kids who wanted to join in the activities at the playgrounds but who hadn't paid. Commissioner Rogan asked about the economic assistance program – low income families would be able to participate in the program at lower fees, according to the proposal.

Commissioners Taylor, Rogan, Bruce Reed, Paul McElhaney, Steven Lindner, Cheryl Gelber and Brian Gordon voted against implementing the proposed fee. Commissioners Rick Churchill, George Manos, Philip Rosenzweig, Lewis Gould and Scott Zelov voted for recovering the costs. Commissioners Jennie Brown and Jane Dellheim were absent.

Gelber attempted a motion to implement a gradual fee to recover costs, but her motion was not seconded.