On Wednesday, I joined City Hall colleagues, community leaders, and city residents young and old to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Rita R. Church Pavilion and Community Center. The new center is a great example of our plan to expand recreation opportunities for people in communities throughout Baltimore. Located in the Clifton Park neighborhood, it is the first community center designed to meet the criteria of the Mayor's Task Force on Recreation Centers. The Task Force criteria are helping to enhance recreation opportunities by reviving old centers and offering activities that people want and will use on a regular basis.

The late Rita R. Church was called "the Mayor of Coldstream-Homestead-Montebello." She was appointed to the Baltimore City Council and represented the 3^rd District until her retirement in 1999. It is an honor to celebrate her legacy by building a recreation center in the community she loved.

When complete, the new facility will have a multi-purpose space that is more functional than that of currently existing recreation centers. Programming elements for residents will be chosen by the community through meetings to determine what is best suited for young people, adults, and seniors.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, I announced the release of the 2012 Budget for Baltimore's Children, a detailed accounting of the City's $389,261,827 investment in programs and facilities that serve Baltimore's youth. The report provides an overview of my administration's goals and strategies for youth and highlights all the in­vestments the City of Baltimore makes in direct support of youth services.

Over the past two fiscal years, we have closed budget shortfalls while maintaining the City's investment in effective youth programs and services. These critical investments will go a long way toward providing opportunities for youth across the city and will help make Baltimore better, safer, and stronger. The 2012 Budget for Baltimore's Children provides a clear overview of our plans to improve the lives of young people in Baltimore.

Click here to learn more about 2012 Budget for Baltimore's Children.