Management of Concessions in Baltimore City Parks
Funder: The Abell Foundation
BEEF examined the management of park concessions in Baltimore City. The study focused on concession possibilities in two large parks - Druid Hill Park and Patterson Park - that draw patrons from their neighborhoods and beyond because of special facilities, and a smaller neighborhood park - Riverside Park. Management approaches used by other localities around the country were also reviewed.

Baltimore Department of Recreation: Operation Review of Special Facilities
Funders: City of Baltimore and France-Merrick Foundation
BEEF evaluated the Department of Recreation & Parks facilities: Howard Peter Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens of Baltimore; Carrie Murray Nature Center; Cylburn Arboretum; Baltimore Rowing and Resource Center; Dominic “Mimi” DiPietro Family Skating Center; and Mt. Pleasant Ice Rink.

The recommendations are directed to further developing and growing each facility to its fullest potential, ultimate affecting the value of the facility and increase its revenues. The biggest revenue enhancing opportunity for these facilities comes from developing and working with a non‐profit organization. In conjunction, each facility should extend its own membership‐based admissions, seek and provide acknowledgement of contributions, increase utilization in non‐core alternative programs, and leverage education programs with schools and the community. Staff optimization, improved marketing and media department support, facility enhancements and upgrades, and automation of the manual components of operational efficiency were needed to create and sustain these revenue enhancing opportunities.

Baltimore Department of Recreation & Parks: Aquatics Review
Funders: Baltimore Community Foundation, T. Rowe Price & Associates Foundation
The Aquatics Division faces a unique management challenge overseeing the widely dispersed pools. City budget cuts have reduced the Aquatics Division staff to the bare-bones, and they have limited use of computers. The Division depends upon only two repairmen from the Department of Public Works to maintain the pools. Summer personnel are short-term and contractual, and the Division must pay off-duty policemen for security. Permitted vendors sell refreshments and give no percentage of their revenues back to the pools. Because the City faces potential liability if a child is injured or drowns, the Aquatics Division takes every precaution to operate a safe environment, and as a result, they have usually exceeded their annual budget.