Volunteers, United Way Work To Reopen Shuttered Rec Center
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Four years ago, budget cuts led the mayor to close four recreation centers in West Baltimore. Now Mike Schuh reports, volunteers are trying to reopen one of them.
On the last day of school at Eutaw-Marshburn Elementary in West Baltimore, a playground is a safe space. Inside the school, there used to be a recreation center.
Volunteers are now pitching in to rebuild the rec center -- even though Baltimore City Schools and others still have to agree to let it reopen.
"So we are getting it painted and we're going to work with the United Way to help get it furnished before we know for sure that it will open," said Amani Warren, University of Baltimore.
Nine months ago, organizers like Warren realized kids in the area have nowhere to go this summer, and thought it was worth a shot to try to reopen the center.
"So it is kind of a build it and they will come dream that we have right now," said Warren.
Veronica Parker took a vacation day from work at Johns Hopkins to work on the rec center with 42 other volunteers.
"Well, I'm a parent of three boys, so I understand the situation that's going on out here in the street, and most thing is I want all kids to be safe," Parker said.
The volunteers still need help financially to open the space. To donate, CLICK HERE.
