KBIA

Potential Cuts to Paquin Towers Rec Program COLUMBIA, MO (KBIA) - Paquin Tower residents are concerned about potential cuts to the Parks and Recreation budget, which may mean a loss of recreation and services to residents. KBIA's Maureen McCollum has more on the issue, which will be discussed at tonight's City Council meeting.


Paquin Tower is a residential high rise for people with disabilities and the elderly. Since 1973, Columbia Parks and Recreation has financed a program that provides the opportunity to participate in arts and crafts, cooking classes, and take trips out of town or out to dinner. Recently, Columbia City Manager Bill Watkins proposed cutting the $88,000 recreation program at Paquin Towers as a cost-savings measure. City Councilmember Karl Skala says the program is important for the community. He says the council has proposed a tentative solution so the program doesn't completely disappear.

The discussion, although we haven't taken a vote on this, was to leave it on the budget that we will support this program to the tune of $60,000 with a full-time position. Cut back on some of the waste and other issues here.

But some people living at Paquin Towers say they're nervous how the cuts will affect them. Many gathered outside City Hall on Friday to show support for the program. Besides providing an outlet for residents, Columbia parks and rec also offers transportation to the grocery store or the mall. Orene Henderson has been living at Paquin Towers for almost five years. She gets around in a wheel chair and says without the services from the parks and rec program, she would have difficulties leaving the Towers.

I have children, I have a life. I don't want to be stuck in a room for the rest of my life with nothing to do but sit there and go deeper in depression and feel my sicknesses when I'm getting out and I can do something and go somewhere. It makes you feel better. You forget about your illness all the time. Like coming down here, in my chair, it was a little scary when you cross the street, but I'd be even more scary sitting in my room becoming a hermit.

A public hearing is scheduled at tonight's City Council meeting regarding the Parks and Rec funding for residents of Paquin Towers. Councilmember Skala says they will most likely make a decision at next month's council meeting.
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