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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v03n26)
Limited budget won't slow new park manager's plans for progress - By Michael Walker
posted: Dec. 29, 2006

Despite low allocation of budgets for public recreation centers, Broad Ripple Park's new manager foresees no change in services and facilities offered for users of the park.
Instead, as the new manager, Allen McClendon hopes to expand programs and offer new resources for members of Broad Ripple Park.
"It's just something that I knew I wanted to do," McClendon said. "I was still going to college and I just ended up taking a job at a recreation center on the Southside. I saw the operation, and I was like 'that job looks like something I want to do.'"
Each year Indianapolis allocates approximately $18,000 for paying instructors who teach over 300 programs at the park.
Beth Krouch, former park manager estimated $30,000 is actually paid to instructors. The park must generate enough revenue to balance the actually paid amount and the amount allocated.
"Some of our programs are fee-based programs, so if you can show that you are bringing in money to pay the instructor and are covering basic costs-you can offer those programs," Krouch said.
In 2006, the opening day of registration for winter classes and programs brought in $6,000 for programs in Broad Ripple Park. Programs such as Santa's Switchboard and gingerbread house workshops can draw up to 80 children, but the high revenue generation still shocked park staff.
The park also maintains many of its facilities by charging small fees for use of the swimming pool, dog park, and other instructor-based classes.
Dog park users currently pay $2 for daily use; however, fees will rise to $3 dollars daily and $60 for yearly use of this popular park feature in 2007.
Krouch, who managed Broad Ripple Park for eight years, continues to work for Indy Parks and Recreation Department. She moved to a new position as the Assistant Community Recreation Manager. Krouch's position oversees all park managers in the Indianapolis area, and focuses on administrative work for the parks.
After completing a degree in Communications from Indiana University, McClendon worked at JTV Hill Family Center as the Park Manager. While there he faced class issues and low park attendance. He moved to Broad Ripple Park after Krouch left for the new position.
While the cultural environments of JTV Hill Family Center and Broad Ripple Park may be different, McClendon believes his experience will serve Broad Ripple Park.
As of Nov 2, 2006, McClendon has readjusted to the park and he has formulated plans for the betterment of Broad Ripple Park.
In 2007, McClendon will work on expanding the park's offerings, creating new specialized events, making larger classes, and boosting the park's reputation.
Each day the responsibilities and challenges of the park manager change drastically. From acting as a complaint department, meeting 10 to 15 new dogs a day, and overseeing all operations of the park, McClendon foresees a busy but rewarding 2007.
"You just never know what you are going to get. I remember down at Hill, any and everybody would walk in and tell you what they thought about the city," McClendon said. "They peered around the city and they think you are ultimately responsible for everything."

Allen McClendon stands in front of Broad Ripple Park's Family Center.
Allen McClendon stands in front of Broad Ripple Park's Family Center.
image courtesy of Michael Walker


Limited budget won't slow new park manager's plans for progress - By Michael Walker
image courtesy of Michael Walker




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