Hood River Parks and Rec prepares for bond and levy measure

The HRVPRD board is opting for a two-part financial ask: a bond will pay for a new pool, development at the new Westside Park, purchase of the Parkdale Park, and various trail connections. A five year levy will give them operating dollars to keep up with increased users and capacity. The group plans to pursue long term operations funding within the next five years.

The current aquatic center is aging. Its infrastructure regularly malfunctions or fails, and tent panels tear, costing thousands just to be repaired, and even more to be replaced. With the acquisition of the Westside Park across from Westside School, the district seeks funding for its development, including the possibility of additional multi-purpose ball fields. As previously reported by Columbia Gorge News, they could also purchase the Parkdale Park, which is currently privately owned.

The Parks and Rec District also needs operating dollars; bond money cannot solely be used for capital improvements. The levy would allow parks and rec to hire additional staff, including full-time life guarding staff to meet an ongoing need that students cannot fulfill. The current Rec Desk programming, funded by a three-year grant from the school district which expires later this year, has already exceeded expected capacity. Levy dollars would also fund expansion of recreational programming; Recreation Director Jaime Rivera is already looking into expanding after-school programming based on outreach and feedback.

The bond will be for between $1.11 and $1.29 depending on the final options for the pool and community center. The lesser amount would build a new facility with “fitness space” but no gym, on the existing site; the higher amount would build a new facility next to Jackson park, with gym and a public splash pad integrated with the park. The planned operations tax levy is of around .41 per $1000 of assessed property value. The combined levy and bond would cost the average homeowner between $335 or $374, depending on the final options for the pool / community center.

Board President Nan Noteboom said, “We did a lot of outreach and research and the message from our community was clear. Go big. Our constituents consistently and loudly said they want a top-notch facility and amenities.”

At the recent work session, the Board met with volunteers and staff to discuss the ballot proposals. After setting up a PAC, they will use donations to fund the campaign. Noteboom also discussed one expected source of campaign funds: A fundraising dinner sponsored by and featuring local chefs and the local restaurant industry. The campaign will focus on making sure voters understand the need for both proposals to pass, said Noteboom. “Our community demands great parks, trails, and recreational programming, and we badly need a new pool. But we need operating dollars to maintain all of those amenities.”

Board members recognize the difficulty of any municipal funding requests, but said they are driven by users’ feedback and the cost of maintaining a failing pool. The two proposals will appear on the May 2024 ballot.