Former Parks Director Speaks Out AboutThe Proposed $24 Million Bond for Parks
OCTOBER 5, 2024
You will be asked to approve a $24 million dollar Parks bond resolution in the coming weeks. Before moving forward, I urge you to consider holding an open and transparent discussion on the council floor, a discussion that not only serves the best interests of our community but also addresses the future needs of the City of Evansville Department of Parks and Recreation.
Here are some key points to consider during your deliberations:
1. Financial Sustainability: How much additional financial burden can the Parks Department and its budget realistically sustain? In 2022, the department issued a bond of up to $10,000,000 for various new and ongoing maintenance projects. Approving the new proposal would increase the total bonded amount of the department to $34 million dollars. Any future bond should include a restricted fund dedicated solely to maintenance, not new projects, to ensure fiscal responsibility.
2. Current Bond Payments: As of now, without a new bond of $24,000,000, the annual payment on existing bonds is approaching $5,000,000. Regardless of the source of these funds, this represents a significant financial commitment that can heavily impact any budget. Adding to this burden without careful consideration could jeopardize the department’s ability to meet other essential needs.
3. Strategic Planning: Before approving another bond, it would be wise to establish a process to identify the current and future needs of the Parks Department. This should not be another study or plan conducted by an outside consultant but rather a community-driven initiative leveraging local expertise. The goal should be to develop a sustainable plan that preserves our community’s green spaces while enhancing the quality of life for all residents.
4. Maintenance Priorities: According to the National Parks and Recreation Association (May2024), a city the size of Evansville, with its number of parks (46), should allocate 38% of its yearly budget to maintenance and operating expenses. Over each of the past five years, however, less than 10% has been allocated for these purposes. This discrepancy must be addressed to ensure that our parks are properly maintained and continue to be a source of pride for our community.
As a community, our primary focus should be on developing a clear and actionable vision for the future of our parks, one that prioritizes sustainability over accumulating more debt. I hope you will consider these considerations and advocate for a thoughtful, strategic approach that benefits the entire community.
