By Jeremy Selweski
C & G Staff Writer

BERKLEY — In an attempt to get more residents interested in their local Parks and Recreation activities, a handful of volunteers have formed a new organization called Friends of Berkley Parks and Recreation.

Modeled after a similar city group, Friends of the Berkley Public Library, the idea began to take shape over the past two years from discussions by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board about establishing a new Parks and Rec facility.

“We wanted to take a step back and help get people involved,” said Alan Kideckel, chair of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “There has been a lot of positive interest in the community about this. Now we’re ready to really move forward on this.”

Kideckel and Mike Kirby, vice chair of the board, stressed that Friends of Berkley Parks and Recreation is not a city-appointed organization, but rather, an independent group of concerned residents.

“With the board, we come up with ideas and get the word out to our citizens,” Kirby said. “But if people keep hearing the same things from the same people year in and year out, eventually it all just goes in one ear and out the other. We need maximum participation from people who are passionate about this.”

And though the group is still in its infancy and does not have any official members yet, several of its goals have already been established.

“We’ve been rolling out our ideas about a new Parks and Recreation facility, which we’ve already presented to the city,” Kirby said. “We want to bring those ideas forward to the people, so we can put together a game plan.”

Right now, that game plan involves renovating the current facility and ice arena, building a new swimming pool and indoor track, and enhancing existing Parks and Rec services. The organization is also hoping to expand its programs for senior citizens and increase the interaction between seniors and young people.

“The community center now is more of a meeting place than an activity center,” Kirby said. “But seniors need a place to go and mingle and enjoy their retirement years.”

Because the organization will consist of volunteers and will not receive any city funding, however, it can only do so much on its own dime.

“We’re going to hold some fundraisers, ice cream socials and other charity events,” Kideckel said. “We want to bring a lot of new things to the people, but within reason. We’re limited on funds and limited on space (to build).”

But Kirby believes that given the difficult economic times, Friends of Berkley Parks and Recreation will be especially important to the community.

“When (budget) cuts need to be made, that’s the first place it goes — Parks and Recreation, the library, places like that,” he said. “Financially, Parks and Recreation has been on the bottom shelf for a long time. So hopefully, this project will continue on for a long time and we can gain some strength and momentum.”

That’s why they are embracing new members with open arms. And with good turnout at the organization’s first two meetings, things are looking good for the immediate future.

“Our goal right now is to find leaders,” Kideckel said. “Anyone who wants to step up, we welcome them. We’re hoping to find a chairperson within the next week or two.”

For Kirby, it will ultimately come down to residents who are no longer content to sit on the sidelines of city government — those who are eager to be more deeply involved.

“This is about getting on the same page as your city government and developing a feeling of city pride and togetherness,” he said.

You can reach Staff Writer Jeremy Selweski at jselweski@candgnews.com or at (586) 218-5004.