Star Tribune: Minneapolis Parks Finalist Backs Out
Chao Xiong, Star Tribune, November 18, 2004
One of three finalists for Minneapolis parks superintendent dropped out of the running Tuesday to pursue new opportunities in his current post.
Dirk Richwine's withdrawal leaves Cristofer Gears and Minneapolis interim Superintendent Jon Gurban.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's consultant, the Oldani Group, initially hoped to have about six finalists for the $114,200-a-year job overseeing more than 170 park properties, 6,400 acres of land and water, and about 50 recreation centers.
Richwine, assistant director of parks and recreation for Henderson, Nev., gave few details about his withdrawal, Park Board human resources manager Mary Page said.
Gears, director of facilities, parks and recreation for Kistap County, Wash., and Gurban are scheduled to interview with the Park Board Nov. 30. They will answer questions from the public Dec. 1. Questions from the public must be submitted by Nov. 26 to Page at mpage@minneapolisparks.gov or via mail at: 2117 West River Road N., Minneapolis, MN 55411.
The superintendent is scheduled to be selected Dec. 8.
Cuts restored
On Wednesday evening, a committee of the Park Board voted to pass a revised preliminary 2005 budget.
Public outcry and commissioners' concerns prompted park staff members to reinstate $85,000 for summer playground programming, to restore $75,000 for the Kroening Interpretive Center and to retain the police horse patrol at a cost of $30,000.
In turn, a promotional brochure will be eliminated, saving $40,000, public relations and other services will be cut to save $28,000, and hiring will be delayed in 2005, among other cost-saving proposals.
A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Dec. 6. The board will review and vote on a final budget Dec. 13.