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Proposition No. 1
Submitted by The City of University Place
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS - $10,350,000
Official Ballot Title:
To develop and improve park lands at Cirque/Bridgeport Park, Homestead Park, Curran Orchard Park, and Colegate Park to provide playfields, playground equipment, and walking trails, and to acquire land for open space and parks, shall the City of University Place issue general obligation bonds in the principal amount of $10,350,000, maturing within 20 years, and payable out of annual property tax levies in excess of regular property tax levies, as provided in Ordinance 253?
Explanatory Statement:
The Parks 2000 program for $10,350,000 represents the next major step toward developing a comprehensive parks system for a wide range of ages and interests. In public meetings and community surveys since City incorporation in 1995, University Place residents identified lack of parks and loss of open space as major concerns. Compared to cities of similar size, University Place lags far behind in park land and improvements. In 1997, the City completed a Comprehensive Plan for Parks, Recreation and Open Space and purchased several sites for future parks. Projects to be completed within five years include: $6 million to develop Cirque-Bridgeport Park with trails, three sports fields, skateboard park, picnic shelter and children's play structures; $1.5 million for trails, water feature and picnic areas in Homestead Park; $500,000 for irrigation system, events stage, and play areas at Curran Orchard; $300,000 to improve sports fields with matching funds from the U.P. School District; $50,000 for a children's playground at Colegate Park; $500,000 for trail improvements and conservation easements; and $1,500,000 for land and greenbelt acquisitions, grant match and contingency. Improvements and land acquisition will be funded through voter approved bonds; current City revenues will support maintenance and operations.
Statement For:
Parks are an investment for all of us. Parks enhance our quality of life, improve our health by promoting physical fitness, and add beauty. They provide safe places to play and help reduce crime by offering recreational opportunities for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
Our City has improved roads, installed sidewalks and streetlights, increased police protection, and purchased park lands. Now it's time to make our parks plan a reality. Bond passage is essential for any major park improvements to occur. Passage of the bond will allow current park funds to be used for maintenance. This is the next step toward developing a comprehensive parks system for our community.
During the past two years, citizens have contributed numerous ideas through public hearings, committee meetings, and surveys. This park bond is affordable . It offers a well-balanced approach toward providing activities for all ages and interests to enjoy. Now is the time to make our dreams a reality. The bond includes playfields, playgrounds, walking trails, a skateboard park, covered picnic shelters and open space in parks throughout the City.
Passage of this bond will give us the opportunity to enjoy life in a relaxed and healthy environment. Finally, we can have the parks we've all waited for! Invest in our community for today and for the future…..Say Yes to Parks on February 29.
Statement prepared by : Ron Williams, Beverly McConaghy and Linda L. McCallum
Statement Against:
Fellow Citizens of University Place:
Parks and Recreation is an essential part of our community. We need park lands, fields, a community center and other amenities to make our community whole. However, the parks plan as laid out and modified by the city council is not an acceptable plan. There is no community center being built and no funding for operations or maintenance. After four years of planning, the city council cut the community center and maintenance in the final hours. Our current parks are not being maintained to an acceptable level. Recreation programs have been cut. Why pay more taxes for less service? Make our government/city council responsible for all of our needs. Under the current plan the taxpayer is being asked for $125 per year. (Based on a $150,000 home). This is for a passive parks plan with no community center or maintenance. We will be asked a number of times, under the current plan, to approve other bonds for building a community center and maintenance. Each election will cost between $20-30,000. The city council needs a comprehensive plan that will fulfill the needs of our community far into the 21st century. This plan does not achieve those goals. Join us….Vote No to Parks.
Statement prepared by : Former Park District Commissioners, Michael Adams and Brian Halquist
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