The parks and recreation board discussed the impact budget cuts are already having on programs in the city.

The youth center closed this March to help make up some of the shortfall the parks and recreation department is facing. Most years it is open until May.

The last three months it was in operation, it cost the city $11,157, which divides out to about $3,700 per month.

Dave Ruzek asked if money could be taken from other programs to help keep some of the youth programs running smoothly.

Parks and ecreation Director Dennis Maschka said programs are already cut as much as they can be.

"We didn't spend anything unless we absolutely had to to keep things going," he said.

The development of the Riverland Ball Diamonds is on hold for the year, and some members of the board are not happy about it.

Gary Quednow expressed dissatisfaction with the recent council move to grant funds to the HRA for the purchase of a section of the Usem car lot.

Three years ago, the board had a commitment from the council that the diamonds project would be completed in five years, Quednow said.

Dick Lees agreed.

"If that money is coming out of the baseball complex, that's a crying shame," he said.

Board members said the complex generates revenue by bringing teams and fans into the city and should be a priority.

Recreation supervisor Val Pitzen said the city engineering department was going to charge Parks and Recreation to put the basketball floor down in Packer Arena for the summer.

The floor would be used for the summer basketball program.

Pitzen said they never have been charged in the past and asked that something be worked out with the engineering department.

Maschka talked with public works Director Jon Erichson later, and they worked the problem out. The engineering department is willing to cooperate with Parks and Recreation to put the floor in at no charge.

Larry Dolphin, director of the Nature Center, asked for approval of a $2,500 grant for trail maintenance and bridge work.

The board approved it, and it will now go to the city council for final approval.

Dolphin also asked if the Nature Center Subcommittee could listen to a speaker talk about the problems with managing the deer herd at the center.

He said the deer population is very large, and the board needs to be aware of some general information regarding the herd and its effects on the area.

Matt Merritt can be reached at 434-2214 or by email at matt.merritt@austindailyherald.com