Metro Parks Tacoma Board of Commissioners will consider at its May 24 meeting whether to place a $60 million parks improvement bond before the voters in the November 2004 general election.
A Citizens Advisory Committee has been studying the need for parks improvements and the finances of a potential bond measure for a year.
They are scheduled to bring forth their recommendation at the May 24 board meeting. Park commissioners also will take public comments on this issue.
As currently written, the bond measure includes $35 million for neighborhood park and playground upgrades (including security lighting, fencing and restrooms), $17.5 million for Point Defiance Park improvements and $7.5 million for refinancing current debt.
If approved by Tacoma citizens, the bond measure would add approximately $18 ($1.50/month) per year in property taxes for owners of a $150,000 home.
In determining the projects to include in the bond, the advisory committee drew on information gathered via telephone, print and web surveys, public meetings and focus groups over the last 18 months.
In all, weve heard from more than 2,000 Tacoma residents, said Cliff Herman, chair of Citizens Advisory Committee. The priorities that emerged were neighborhood parks, safety, Point Defiance Park, waterfront access and taking care of what we have.
We are sensitive to peoples concerns about paying more taxes during this time of a slowly recovering economy, said Jack C. Wilson, executive director for Metro Parks Tacoma. But we also believe that preserving and investing in our parks system is an important public policy issue that merits consideration by the citizens of Tacoma.
Citizens last approved a Metro Parks Tacoma bond measure in 1986.
The board meeting will be held Monday, May 24, 6 p.m. at Metro Parks Tacoma headquarters, 4702 S. 19th St. Tacoma.
For more information or a complete list of parks projects included in the proposed bond measure, call 253/305-1021, or visit metroparkstacoma.org
Founded in 1907, Metro Parks Tacoma operates more than 80 parks, 7 community centers, five swimming pools, three athletic complexes, Meadow Park Golf Course, the Tacoma Nature Center at Snake Lake, and numerous attractions including Fort Nisqually Living History Museum and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
