Rep. Robert Freeman (D-Northampton) has introduced House Bill 1052 to give municipalities greater flexibility to target recreation fees to benefit all of the residents of the community.

Municipalities receive recreation fees from new development, but under current law, that money only can be used for building a park in that development, usually resulting in an underutilized pocket park.

Rep. Freeman's bill would permit municipalities to use the money to operate, maintain or expand any recreational facilities within the municipality.

"Parks, playgrounds and other recreational facilities are important to our quality of life," rep. Freeman said. "They promote green space in the community, safeguard the environment and give people of all ages a place for exercise and recreation.

"Unfortunately, current law restricts recreation fees to the development from where they were generated. By allowing those fees to go to any park or recreation facility in a community, those dollars can be more wisely used to benefit all residents of a municipality,” Rep. Freeman said.

"This bill would help municipalities continue to provide quality recreational opportunities without the restrictions imposed by current law."

The bill is expected to be referred to the House Local Government Committee.

4/1/2013