City Leaders Outline How $1.5 Billion Bond Package Would Support Columbus Recreation and Parks Department
Columbus
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther today joined City Council President Shannon G. Hardin
and fellow city and community leaders to outline how the proposed $1.5 billion
bond package on the ballot this fall would support the Columbus Recreation and
Parks Department. Specifically, Issue 15 would allocate $200 million for
planned capital investments in parks, playgrounds and facilities without
raising or imposing any new taxes.
“Our parks and community centers are central to who we are and who we aspire to
be,” said Mayor Ginther. “It is essential that we continue to grow and
strengthen our incredible parks system so that everyone can enjoy the broad
range of benefits they provide, and so we can realize our full potential as a
vibrant, dynamic and diverse community.”
If
approved by Columbus voters, funding would be allocated as follows:
- $100 million: Planned renovations and replacements
- $48 million: New greenway and park development
- $14 million: Acquisition for future parkland
- $14 million: Small program projects for rental, golf and sports
facilities
- $10 million: Large program projects for rental, golf and sports
facilities
- $8 million: Emergency replacements
- $6 million: Unanticipated, time-sensitive high-priority projects
“Columbus
parks represent our values: open to everyone, free, and owned by the
community,” said Council President Shannon G. Hardin. “If it is not for all,
then it’s not for us. We know that parks are for all of us.”
Voted
bonds allow the city to borrow money to pay for capital improvements at a lower
interest rate, saving residents millions and allowing the city to invest more
in neighborhoods. Recent examples of projects paid for by bond funding include
the renovation of the Scioto Southland Community Center, construction of the Linden
Community Center, the expansion of North Bank Pavilion, the renovated Goodale
Shelterhouse, the John Burroughs Park renovation, Olentangy Trail expansions
and improvements, the lower field and skatepark at Tuttle Park and the Wyandot
Lodge Construction at McKnight Outdoor Education Center.
“We
see time and again the tangible impact of these improvements on our residents,”
said Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Director Bernita A. Reese. “By making
the investments we need to continue our progress and plan for future, we will
build a parks system that strengthens our city’s quality of life and lays the
groundwork for greater opportunity and excellence.”
The
bond package – Issues 14-18 – will be
voted on by Columbus residents in the general election on November 8. Early
voting is currently underway at the Franklin County Board of Elections at 1700
Morse Road. For more information, visit: https://vote.franklincountyohio.gov/