Bond Information
About the Parks Improvement Bond
Approved by voters with an overwhelming 68.1228% “yes” vote, the $42.9 million Parks Improvement Bond is funding the construction and development of a variety of aquatics and youth sports projects throughout the City of Spokane. In addition to funding from the bond, improvements at Dwight Merkel are being funded by $4 million from the sale of park property that was approved by City voters in 1999 and subsequently held in reserve.
AQUATIC CENTERS
After just one year of construction the City now has six brand new outdoor aquatic centers. All six, A.M. Cannon, Comstock, Hillyard, Liberty, Shadle and Witter, are ready for the 2010 swim season. In addition to open swim and regular aquatic programs these six aquatic centers are available to rent by the public for birthday parties, corporate parties, family reunions and other events. Each facility offers a variety of amenities such as water slides, zero-depth entries, shaded areas, lap pools and more.
SPLASH PADS
Additionally, 11 new splash pads have been built in parks throughout the City, many in locations where wading pools were previously closed.
DWIGHT MERKEL SPORTS COMPLEX
Work continues at the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex as soccer, softball, BMX, skateboard and trail activities get ready for a 2010 grand opening. There are six full size natural grass soccer fields, two full sized synthetic athletic fields equipped with lights, a concession and management building and community bathrooms. The softball complex consists of five softball diamonds and a pavilion containing concessions, bathrooms, and meeting space. The complex also features a BMX track, skate park, neighborhood park with splash pad, a walking trail and one youth baseball field.
YOUTH BASEBALL
Planning is also well underway for the $3 million dollar development and improvement of youth baseball fields throughout Spokane. Through the planning process five different parks have been identified for development. These parks are Chief Garry, Underhill, B.A. Clark, Liberty and the aforementioned baseball field at Dwight Merkel Sports Complex.
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
