Audit slams Rec and Park Department

By Emily Fancher
Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, January 12, 2006 10:30 PM PST

The City’s Recreation and Park Department is failing to manage staff and is not keeping up with the changing tastes in fitness and recreation, according to an audit released Thursday.

The management audit was called after it was revealed last year that department gardeners were loafing while on the job. At that time, department heads vowed to make staff accountable. However, according to the audit by the Budget Analyst’s Office, problems persist.

On several visits to recreation centers, auditors found idle staff members slated to work during hours when no recreation programs were scheduled. Staff members, especially gardeners, had a high absentee and injury rate, costing taxpayers $2.6 million, or 44 staff positions in lost work per year.

The department also needs to offer outdoor recreation and adventure sports that taxpayers want, such as hiking, rock climbing, cycling and kayaking.

The department’s recreation and park facilities span 5,400 acres over 230 sites, including Golden Gate Park and Camp Mather in the Sierras. Facilities range from tennis courts to tot lots and sports fields to clubhouses, golf courses and swimming pools.

“I think the Budget Analyst’s Office did a real good job at identifying issues [facing the department],” Yomi Agunbiade, general manager of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, said. He said his office is already looking at how to address some of the criticisms and has already implemented some changes.

the financial side, costs continue to climb and the department “struggles to live within its current budget,” according to the report.

A more diverse and greater revenue stream — combining individual and corporate fundraising — is needed to handle a massive capital budget shortfall of $589 million to ensure completion, renovation and replacement of its aging facilities.

Recreation Commission President Gloria Bonilla said through a spokesman that she had not had a chance to review the audit and would not be able to comment on it.

E-mail: efancher@examiner.com