Westland Plans To Close Bailey Recreation Center

WESTLAND (WWJ) - It's sad news for Westland residents; The Bailey Recreation Center is closing, as another victim of the budget ax.

WWJ's Paul Snider reports the 45 year-old Bailey Center, in the Westland city center complex on Ford Road, will close its doors and the end of business on Saturday -- just one day before the new fiscal year begins.

William R. Wild said recreation center has lost $4 million over the last five years. Wild said in an effort to cut costs, the city has merged its Parks and Recreation Department with the City of Wayne's parks and recreation division.

The move is expected to save Westland approximately $900,000 annually, while Wayne expects recreation revenues to increase 60 to 70 percent.

"This shared service will help qualify the city for $1.7 million in statutory revenue sharing for the 2012/2013 fiscal year as part of the state mandated Economic Vitality Incentive Program," Wild said in a release.

Westland residents will now be urged to utilize the Wayne Community Center, which is located at 4635 Howe Road.

For more information, call 734-721-7400 or visit www.cityofwestland.com.