This department provides services to the community varying from parks and recreation programs to heath and human resources that meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable people in our community.
Divisions include:
- Office of the Director – Oversees the department as well as serves as the liaison to the Jacksonville Children’s Commission, Jacksonville Public Library, Jacksonville Human Rights Commission and Medical Examiner and includes the Special Events Office, The Ritz Theatre and Museum, the Cooperative Extension Service and Grant Compliance.
- Adult Services – Provides services that support successful aging and healthy living for Jacksonville’s senior population.
- Behavioral and Human Services – Provides mental health services, substance abuse services and emergency financial assistance to citizens in need and advocates for crime victims.
- Recreation and Community Programming– Provides recreational opportunities to the city’s residents.
- Military Affairs, Veterans and Disabled Services – Serves members of the armed forces, veterans, military families and the disabled.
- Waterfront Management and Programming – Protects and maintains environmentally sensitive and culturally significant land.
2011 Budget:
The total budget, which includes the General Fund, Special Revenue Funds and Other Funds, for the Recreation and Community Services Department is $64,513,828.
The General Fund - GSD budget is $49,765,389.
During the fiscal year 2011 budget process, the Recreation and Community Services Department:
- Reduced supplies and personnel-related costs
- Closed Kids Kampus, which is now being redeveloped as a passive waterfront park
- Ended Adult Services’ kosher nutrition program
- Reduced facility improvements and preventive maintenance such as painting and pressure washing
- Decreased the number of interpretive kiosks installed
- Reduced maintenance, such as tree removal, invasive plant species removal and fence and boardwalk repair, of natural and recreational resources
2010 Budget:
The total budget, which included the General Fund, Special Revenue Funds and Other Funds, for the Recreation and Community Services Department was $57,415,404.
The General Fund - GSD budget was $50,921,555.