Metrowest Daily News 6/26/11: State budget cuts slash into summer fun. Budget cuts have forced many state and local parks and recreation programs to scale back or find creative ways to maintain services, even as advocates say more cash-strapped families are seeking cheap ways to enjoy the outdoors this summer. Since 2009, Massachusetts has closed at least seven state parks, including Ashland State Park, and swimming areas, which may face further cuts in next fiscal year's budget. Facing financial pressures of their own, towns and cities have often trimmed parks and recreation funding, turning to everything from fees to fundraising to restructuring departments to keep programs afloat. Wayland and Sudbury, for example, are approaching their second year sharing a parks and recreation director. Several towns have consolidated parks departments with public works. Arlington voters this month approved a $6.5 million override to maintain town services, which will in part stave off cuts in park maintenance and higher field-use fees.