Bond Information
About the Parks Improvement Bond
Approved by voters with an overwhelming 68.1228% “yes” vote, this $42.9 million bond issue is funding the construction and development of a variety of aquatics and youth sports projects throughout the City of Spokane. The City’s five outdoor neighborhood swimming pools are being replaced. A brand new outdoor neighborhood swimming pool has been constructed in Shadle Park. Additionally, 10 spray pads have been built in parks throughout the City, many in locations where wading pools have recently been closed. The bond is also funding development of Phase 1 of a new Dwight Merkel Sports Complex on the Joe Albi Stadium site located north and slightly west of the current Stadium. Phase 1 will include softball and soccer fields, a skateboard park, a BMX bike course, play equipment, trails and improved parking. In addition to funding from the bond, improvements at the Stadium Complex will also be funded by $4 million from the sale of park property that was approved by City voters in 1999 and subsequently held in reserve.
Youth Baseball
Approximately $3 million as been earmarked to replace, upgrade or rebuild 9 - 11 fields through the City of Spokane appropriate for Youth Baseball. Construction will begin in late Fall 2010, after the new Merkel softball complex is open. Currently staff is meeting with representatives of all of the major youth baseball organizations to get their input on what to build or renovate, and where.
Roles & Responsibilities
City Council:
Placed Bond Question on Ballot
Approved Interim Financing
Approves Going to Bond
Appoints Citizen Advisory Council
Park Board:
Appointed by City Council, Semi-Autonomous Governing Board
Primary Responsibility for all Phases of Project
Responsible for all parks contracts over $42,000
Responsible for all land use decisions within city parks
Responsible for all uses of pools and city recreation & sports facilities
Park Staff:
Director appointed by Mayor
Follows Park Board direction on all phases of park operations
Responsible for executing all phases of bond project
Responsible for cost tracking and control within budget limits
Responsible for advising Park Board and Advisory Committee on all phases of bond project
Parks Bond Citizens Advisory Committee -
Ref: City Council Resolution 2007-0112
A. The Advisory Committee shall, prior to approval of a bond ordinance by the City Council approving the sale of bonds for the construction of any improvements, present a report to the City Council consisting of an opinion of the adequacy of the following:
1. The construction cost and budget estimates for all aspects of the bond projects,
2. The maintenance and operation budget, including capital replacement and repair funds, for all aspects of the bond projects, and
3. The location, design and amenities of the improvements to the Joe Albi Stadium site, the neighborhood pools and spray pads and the baseball fields.
B. The Advisory Committee shall provide, at a minimum, quarterly reports to the City Council on the status of the expenditure of bond proceeds and the progress of on-going construction projects.
Official name: Parks Bond Citizen Advisory Committee
Mission: To assist the Parks Department in several aspects of the Parks and Recreation Bond, including the development of a public input process, the construction cost estimates, and the maintenance and operation budgets. The Advisory Committee will also assist the Parks Department to identify the improvement to be made at the Joe Albi Stadium Complex and the location, design and need for additional baseball fields. The Advisory Committee, in conjunction with the Park Board and the Parks Department, present a report to the City Council regarding the construction costs, budget estimates, maintenance and operation costs and the location, design and amenities of the improvements prior to the construction of the improvements and issuance of bonds for the construction.
The Advisory Committee shall consist of at least seven and no more than 11 members from the community that represent a cross section of interest to include but not be limited to: Spokane Youth Sports Association, Spokane Softball Association, Community Assembly, a representative from youth baseball, Spokane Regional Sports Commission, Spokane Swim Team, and representatives of the construction industry, property management industry and accounting industry.
Members:
Jeff Halstead, Chair
Eric Armstrong
Karen Bell
Mark Casey
Rob Crow
Hanna Franchino
Philip Helean
Jim Kimmel
Frank Knott
Todd Marsh
