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Clark County parks officials outline services and ask voters to renew levy; city commission endorses measure
Summary
Clark County Park District leaders described the system's assets and programs and asked voters to approve a 10-year replacement levy at the same 0.6-mill rate. The Springfield City Commission unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the levy.
Lianne Castillo, parks director for the Clark County Park District, told the Springfield City Commission that the district manages roughly 2,000 acres across 33 parks, 30 miles of paved multiuse trails and a range of facilities including playgrounds, athletic venues, a water park and an ice arena.
"Funding our parks is more than just supporting, support for maintaining parks. It's an investment in the people, the health, and the long term vitality of Clark County's residents," Castillo said during a work-session presentation. She described partnerships with organizations such as OSU Extension, the Master Gardeners and local service clubs to expand programming and maintain spaces.
Hal Goodrich, chair of the Committee for Parks, asked the commission to endorse a replacement 10-year levy on the Nov. 4 ballot that would keep the district's current 0.6-mill rate. Goodrich said the rate would cost "approximately $21 annually per $100,000 assessed value," generate about $1.9 million a year and provide roughly 75% of the district's property-maintenance funding.
Commissioners praised the parks' role in economic development and community life and discussed program volume. "We probably offer, close to a thousand programs every year," Castillo said when asked how many activities the district runs. Commission members said they would return to the agenda later in the meeting with a resolution of support.
The commission voted 4-0 to adopt a resolution urging Springfield voters to support the Clark County Park District levy on the Nov. 4 ballot. The resolution is nonbinding and simply expresses the commission's support for the ballot measure.
The park officials did not request municipal funding changes during the meeting and did not present proposed ordinance language; their presentation focused on services, usage and the levy's expected revenue and maintenance priorities.
