Although often taken for granted by the public, parks and playgrounds, the swimming pool and the borough recreation center in Northampton play an important role in the community.

Such quality-of-life programs and facilities cost large sums of money to operate.

Realizing the importance and impact of such resources, the borough in 2013 is budgeting $476,050 for its "culture-recreation" activities, including upkeep and salaries.

Offsetting the expenditures for its prized parks and recreation lands, buildings and activities is an estimated $316,300 next year, a tad under the $320,544 budgeted this year. The major source of revenue projected for 2013 is $116,000 in membership fees, a slight decrease from $117,000 allocated for this year. The recreation center on Lerchenmiller Drive, its multiuse basketball courts, fitness center and varied year-round programs, is the only such center run by a municipality in the area.

While public swimming pools are not the draw they once were, borough Manager Gene Zarayko in his report to council said he expects pool ticket sales will generate $58,000 in 2013, which is slightly more than this year.

Recreation daily passes will yield $43,000. Recreation rentals are projected at $21,000, with $5,000 in donations to the recreation center and activity fees expected to generate another $50,000. The youth dances at the center, held bimonthly except during the summer, draw in upward of 200 boys and girls who pay a $5 admission fee.

"The borough is fortunate in having a community swimming pool," Zarayko said. The 1950s era pool, which often undergoes upgrades, is slated for repainting. Also budgeted is $600 for a deejay for two Dip-N-Dance events. The budget also sets aside $58,372 for salaries and wages, including $53,330 for summer pool personnel.

The Northampton Recreation Center, which opened Nov. 5, 2000, has $108,356 built into its budget. This includes $49,939 for the manager's salary and $43,387 for the part-time staff. Instructors for its numerous programs cost $4,000.

The borough is appropriating $16,000 for the Northampton Area Public Library, a figure which represents $800 more than this year.

"A public library is a tremendous resource which can add significantly to the knowledge and well-being of the residents of a community," Zarayko said. "The borough is fortunate to have a very fine library available for its residents."