BREC, the Baton Rouge Parks and Recreation Commission, is reducing its workforce by 10% to improve efficiency and better serve the community. Janet Simmons, the interim director, said the focus is on removing redundant positions and strengthening operations, not just cutting costs.
“Some roles overlap, and our goal is to make jobs more effective, not just reduce payroll,” Simmons explained. About 46 positions have already been addressed, and the rest are expected to be finalized by January 31. Supervisors are conducting desk audits to ensure that essential positions remain in place.
Simmons highlighted recent efforts to streamline services. For example, BREC outsourced aquatics management to CELA, a company that provides trained lifeguards at city pools. This change allows facilities like Liberty Lagoon to open earlier, offering better access for the community.
The commission also launched a rapid response system for park issues. Residents can now report problems, and most are resolved within 24 hours. Safety in parks is another priority. BREC hired a security consulting firm and set up an operations center with live cameras in all parks. Staff can monitor activities and respond immediately when needed.
Future plans include reorganizing staff roles, privatizing event management, and ensuring summer camps are fully staffed. Simmons emphasized that these changes create opportunities for employees to demonstrate their skills while keeping taxpayer funds efficient.
By combining workforce adjustments, technology, and specialized services, BREC aims to provide a more effective, safe, and responsive parks system. Simmons said the goal is clear: deliver high-quality programming and services to the Baton Rouge community now and in the future.