In the May 13 Friday packet, one of the referrals answered was in reference to the discussion about the proposed recreational facility at the Libbey High School campus.
Referral: Councilman Waniewski:
What are the cost for operating the Ottawa Park Ice Rink? What is the link in crime reduction w/recreational facilities? What are the lost costs to dance studios, youth programs and other similar programs if the City goes into this business?
Response:
What is the cost for operating the Ottawa Park Ice Rink?
Below are the expenses to operate the Ottawa Park Ice Rink:
2010 Ottawa Park Ice Rink Budget
Staff $27,770
Utilities $25,863
Concessions/License $ 2,254
Printing $ 100
Zamboni Maintenance/Fuel $ 6,226
Facilities $26,765
Misc. (skate sharpener parts, first aid supplies) $ 300
Total $89,278What is the link in crime reduction w/recreational facilities?
In regards to recreation and crime reduction, we direct you to the “ Journal of Sports & Social Issues”, May 2006, Rethinking Sports-Based Community Crime Prevention, A Preliminary Analysis of the Relationship Between Midnight Basketball and Urban Crime Rates, by D. Hartmann & B. Depro which finds; “Community members would be less likely to commit crimes in the context of midnight basketball not for fear of being caught but because they want to participate in these programs, want them in their communities, and feel more directly connected to those around them and more positively served by law enforcement and social services because of them.”
What are the lost costs to dance studios, youth programs and other similar programs if the City goes into this business?
There are two Community Centers and one Mentoring program located within this boundary. Based upon this survey we do not believe any businesses, or programs would be closed nor severely impacted by the City’s acquisition of this wonderful facility. In fact we believe there could be collaboration among programs and community centers.
I’m not sure how much time was spent researching information to answer Councilman Waniewski’s question on the crime reduction issue, using an article that many years old when there are much newer and more detailed studies like – this one made me wonder. I recommend those interested read the full report, one part of it:
The 40 Developmental Assets Model Framework
One of the widely used research-based conceptualizations that guide approaches to youth development programming is the 40 Developmental Assets Model framework . Youth development must involve families, schools, and faith-based and other institutions, as well as youth-serving organizations. This has been demonstrated through research by the Search Institute that resulted in the 40 Developmental Assets Model (www .searchinstitute .org) . This framework contains 20 internal and 20 external assets that need to be operative for youth to grow along the pathway to becoming a fully functioning adult. These assets are concrete, commonsense, positive experiences and qualities that have the power during the adolescent years to influence choices young people make and help them through the process of becoming caring, responsible adults.
There are also several studies out there that reference the fear of crime being one of the reasons some senior citizens do not participate in activities at community centers that are not specifically designed for seniors.
Other reports suggested what had been done in some communities in the late 1990′s:
“In Philadelphia, after police helped neighborhood volunteers clean up vacant lots and plant gardens, burglaries and thefts in the precinct dropped by 90%-from about 40 crimes each month before the cleanup to an average of only four per month. In the summertime, when Phoenix basketball courts and other recreation facilities are kept open until 2 A.M., police calls reporting juvenile crime drop by as much as 55%. But reports of crime go up again in the fall once gymnasiums go back to regular hours. Assistant Parks Director Dale Larsen says the activities-late-night swimming, volleyball, basketball, and dancing-are needed year round, but funding is not available. Compared to other crime-fighting measures, midnight recreation is a bargain. With 170,000 participants in Phoenix, the cost is 60 cents per youth.
It does not appear Phoenix has continued these programs on the same scale due to funding issues with the city currently looking for nonprofits to partner with them to reopen some of the facilities that have been closed.
