City of El Paso Needs $1 Mil for Parks & Rec.

El Pasoan Soledad Cavazos says in these economic times, a good city park is as good as a mini-vacation for her young grandnephews.

“We’ve been here two hours and they still don’t wanna go,” she told ABC-7.

The City of El Paso on the other hand, says despite these economic times, it may need to raise property taxes an extra $49.50 per year for a homeowner with a house valued at $150,000.

City Manager Joyce Wilson’s growing city budget for fiscal year 2011 includes roughly $950,000 extra for the parks and recreation department.

Why? City officials say they have 51 reasons.

That’s how many acres of new parkland El Paso has to maintain.

Remember, the City now requires developers to set aside green space in all new neighborhoods.

City officials say they also need to hire more staff at public swimming pools to stay current with legal requirements.

El Paso City Representative Susie Byrd adds more money for parks and rec. centers could actually save money in the long run.

“The more we’re able to provide for kids, the less you have to spend in graffiti wipe-out, in police services,” she said. “That’s because kids are engaged and they have something to do.”

Still, one park-goer who spoke with ABC-7 said the City should try and dig a little deeper before coming to taxpayers for more money.

“I don’t want to say (the parks) are not worth it,” she said. “But in these times, it’s gonna be hard to make that expense.”

City budget hearings continue through the end of the month. City Council typically votes on a final budget in August.