An Oregon city is so strapped for cash that it has fenced off all its public parks and is shutting down its museums, and potentially its library, to cut costs.
Independence, about 12 miles southwest of Salem, began closing its city parks Monday, starting with the city’s largest green space, Riverview Park. The city shared photos on social media showing metal barricades and signs citing “insufficient funding” at several sites. Closures will continue throughout the week as staff secure each park, according to the city’s website.
The park closures are expected to save Independence about $41,000 a month, according to KOIN. But the cuts have frustrated residents, particularly families who rely on the parks as places to get outside and spend time together and for children to play…