Park leaders ask Springfield City Commission to endorse Clark County Park District levy

Leanne Castillo, parks director for the Clark County Park District, and Hal Goodrich, chairman of the Committee for Parks, presented an overview of the county park system to the Springfield City Commission and asked the commission to endorse a November 4 replacement levy.

The presentation said the 10-year levy would remain at a 0.6 mill rate and cost taxpayers about $21 annually per $100,000 of assessed value, producing roughly $1.9 million a year — about a $500,000 increase over current revenues. "The levy money will fund about 75% of the maintenance of our parks," Goodrich said.

Castillo framed the levy request by summarizing park assets and usage. She said the district manages about 2,000 acres across 33 parks and facilities, 30 miles of multiuse trails, 18 playgrounds, 52 athletic venues, a water park and an ice arena, and 13 nature preserves protecting nearly 12 miles of river, about 20 acres of ponds and lagoons, and 164 acres of wetlands. "The combined efforts of the Clark County Park District and National Trail Parks and Recreation District are an essential piece of the quality of life for our community," Castillo said.

Castillo said the district hosts a wide range of programs and events, including the Springfield Art Council summer series and large community gatherings that draw thousands to Veterans Park. She told commissioners the district offers "close to a thousand programs every year," serving participants from roughly six months old to "120 years old," and emphasized partnerships with groups such as OSU Extension, Master Gardeners, Kiwanis Club and the Hillandia Garden Association at Snyder Park.

Goodrich provided voting history and financial context for the levy request. He said the park district first won a levy in 2011 with 57% voter approval after several earlier defeats, and passed a subsequent 10-year levy with 66% approval that carried every precinct. Goodrich described the current measure as a replacement levy that would maintain the existing millage while addressing deferred maintenance and operating shortfalls. He added that the district's operating expenditures are "one-third the national median" and its per-capita costs are "one-fifth of the national average," citing a national parks survey.

Commission discussion included praise for park leadership and a procedural recommendation. One commissioner said, "I'm going to recommend at the end of the legislative agenda that the commission offer a resolution of support for the Clark County Park District levy." The commission then voted unanimously to conclude the work session; the roll call showed four affirmative votes from commissioners present and one commissioner absent.

Goodrich also noted yard signs available to supporters and encouraged volunteers. Castillo and Goodrich asked commissioners for continued partnership and said levy funds would be used in part to address deferred maintenance and preserve park services the presentation described as central to community quality of life.

Ending: The commission did not vote on an endorsement during the work session. A commissioner indicated the body will consider a formal resolution of support during the legislative agenda later in the meeting.