Parks and Rec finalizes ballot measures

If the bond passes, the Parks District will build a new pool complex next to Jackson Park, thanks to a planned land swap with the City of Hood River. The new pool complex would have competition and recreation pools, a community center, a gym, recreation space and updated locker rooms. There would also be classrooms and flex space for fitness and increased recreation programming. The bond would also pay for the District to purchase the Parkdale “Park,” a four acre green space in downtown Parkdale that is currently privately owned. The District has an option to purchase the property, but not the funding. Development of the Westside Park would also be covered by the bond, including open green space, a natural area, and at least one flex field that can accommodate a variety of sports.

Trail connections would be included in the bond’s funds as well.

The levy would provide operating dollars, according to the District. Its original property tax of $0.34 cents per $1,000 of assessed value is one of the lowest in the state. In comparison, The Dalles is $0.86. The Parks District’s property tax rate of $0.34 was originally set to maintain the simple outdoor pool built in 1948; the rate was set in 1997 when the special district was established. Since then, the District has added numerous parks, trails, and lately, recreational programming to its services. The current maintenance team is one employee, working out of a shed in the parking lot. The District also hopes to expand its recreational programming with a focus on after-school programs for youth.

“If you know anything about the pool, you know it is failing. But the levy is also a critical need. Our limited staff cannot keep up with our community’s demand for its pool, parks, trails, and recreation,” said Board President Nan Noteboom.

The District’s plan would replace Collins Field with a flex field at Westside Park. The current tennis courts, which are managed by the City of Hood River, are no longer being maintained. The District would replace them with two to four new courts at Golden Eagle Park.

The local restaurant industry is supporting the measures with a fundraising dinner for the campaign. “Big Night” features five local chefs plating one course each for 50 guests; all of the proceeds will be donated to the District’s Political Action Committee, Yes-Yes for Parks and Rec, to fund the campaign. Tickets for Big Night sold out in March.

More information is available on the District’s website, www.hoodriverparksandrec.org, and the campaign website, www.yesyespnr.com. Questions can be emailed to yesyespnr@yahoo.com.  A bilingual community meeting about the ballot measures is scheduled for April 18 at 7 p.m. at the Mt. Hood Town Hall. Aquatic staff are offering a series of public information sessions about the ballot measures, with an optional tour of the pool’s mechanics in each session. Information sessions with optional pool tours are set for April 12 at 7:30 a.m.; April 12 at noon; April 13 at 9 a.m.; and April 18 at 5:30 p.m.