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Baltimore Cancels Rec Center Vote

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A setback in the reorganization of recreation centers in Baltimore. Under a controversial plan, some centers would be turned over to private operators, but city officials canceled the vote Wednesday.

Adam May explains what this means to the future of the program.

City officials say they're still moving forward with the plan, but they are hoping more details will increase public support.

Just weeks ago, protesters voiced outrage over a plan to close some rec centers, marching into Baltimore's high-end Inner Harbor East.

Part of the mayor's plan also calls for turning a handful of rec centers over to private operators. That also triggered community backlash.

"You can't keep cutting the children short," said a man.

Now city officials have delayed a contract vote on that privatization plan.

"We want to make sure it's done right, with the amount of community support and community engagement to make sure it's successful," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

"I say [rec centers are] expanding," said Bill Tyler, Baltimore Parks & Rec Bureau Chief.

City officials say the public doesn't fully understand the plan. While the number of rec centers will drop from 55 to 30, the city will also build four brand new large regional rec centers that will have gymnasiums, kitchens and computer labs.

"There will definitely be more square footage of rec centers in Baltimore," Tyler said. "The plan is to have better quality but less of them."

City officials plan on revisiting the privatization plan before the end of the year.

Construction on the new rec centers will be complete in a few years, but the future of some of the smaller, older ones hangs in the balance.

The new rec centers will cost $14 million.

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