Valley cities are tasked with a multitude of responsibilities — from infrastructure needs to police and fire services. When it comes to parks and recreation, however, often its the department that tends to get overlooked during tight fiscal times.
But some argue those parks are part and parcel about what makes cities livable spaces, key to attracting residents, which are then attracting shops and jobs.
City of Glendale Parks and Recreation Director John Kennedy said parks and their upkeep are tied to the economy.
