Bing Has Bold Plan To Save Detroit Rec Centers

DETROIT (WWJ) - He says it's not a "sure thing," but Detroit Mayor Dave Bing is working on a plan to keep recreation centers open while still slashing millions from the department's budget.

City leaders want to partner with non-profit organizations to operate the city's 13 rec centers.

Mayor Bing's Chief Operating Officer Chris Brown said the mayor wants to create an independent agency to put it all together.

"It'll have its own board of directors. It will be charged with maintaining the programs and the services the ... recreation department currently provides," Brown explained.

"And the way it's going to be broken down, the agency will have four main responsibilities -- the administration of the department, fundraising, operations and service delivery," Brown said.

Brown said the Salvation Army, Think Detroit PAL and the YMCA have expressed interest in partnering with the city.

Detroit has an accumulated budget deficit of $265 million and is trying to fix its finances after agreeing to state oversight.