PROPOSED CAPITAL BOND + LOCAL OPTION LEVY
TO REPLACE THE POOL & INVEST IN PARKS,TRAILS, & RECREATION
The HRVPRD Board of Directors unanimously approved Resolution 23/24#3 and Resolution 23/24#4 to add a proposed capital bond and local option levy before district voters at the May 21, 2024 election. This decision was informed by years of community input, multiple studies, and a parks and recreation master plan accepted by local agencies.
History of the HRVPRD
1948: Pool was built on current site by City of Hood River.
1988: Hood River County voters passed formation of HRVPRD to save the 1940s era pool when the city decided to shut it down. HRVPRD becomes a special purpose government entity & begins collecting taxes, separate from the city or county.
1992: Voters passed a measure expanding Parks & Recreation District Charter to manage parks and trails, without increasing the tax rate.
1997: Oregon tax law changed with Measure 50, freezing taxing rates permanently and requiring voter approval for future measures. HRVPRD tax rate is $0.3498 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
1988
HRVPRD Board receives the keys to pool & deed from the City of Hood River.
1992
HRVPRD expands to manage parks & trails.
Recreation Programs
In 2023, there over 3,200 registrations for recreation programming.
HRVPRD Over the Last Few Years:
7 New Parks built by HRVPRD in the last 25 years: Rotary Skate Park, Odell Community Park, Golden Eagle, Culbertson, Hazelview, Barrett and Morrison Park.
6 new miles of trails added, including the Indian Creek Trail & the Westside Trail.
34 acres of future parkland and trails secured since 2020 for preservation, development, and trail connections.
Community Recreation Offerings Revitalized: HRVPRD took over recreation programming (sports, day camps, enrichment) from the school district.
Pool Enclosure Study
In 2017, consultants found the pool had 3-5 years of useful life left.
Master Plan
Was Adopted by 5 local agencies in 2020, and guided by community input.
Westside Park Study
HRVPRD bought 20 acres of l future parkland after being informed by the master plan, the Westside Park Feasibility Study, & community input.
HRVPRD Challenges
The pool is in need of replacement: Any major malfunction in the competition pool filter, the boiler, tent walls, or pipes may cause immediate closures and costly repairs.
Funds from the Hood River County School District to support recreation offerings will end in September 2024.
The community-guided Parks Master Plan identified priorities: more parks, sports fields, natural areas, trail connections, & indoor recreation space. The current tax rate, one of the state’s lowest Parks and Rec District rates, cannot support any significant new park development.
HRV Parks and Recreation owns no multi-purpose rooms, gyms, or fields, limiting recreation scheduling and access.
Timeline of Community Engagement and Finding Solutions:
From 2017-2023 - Extensive Community Input was received through stakeholder interviews, multiple English & Spanish focus groups, tabling events, local group meetings, online surveys, open houses, & two statistically valid surveys.
Ballot Measure Details
Operational Levy
If the measure passes tax revenue would be used for: Operations & Maintenance
Take Care of Public Resources. HRVPRD has one full-time maintenance employee who works out of a 10’x14’ shed in the aquatic center parking lot. A levy would fund operations of expanded parks & trails. Without a levy, maintenance duties would not increase (trash, bathroom cleaning, and landscaping, and maintaining new parkland).
Operate an Expanded Pool with a Community Center. If passed, tax revenue would support services & maintenance of a bigger pool & community center, which would require more supplies and staffing. Without the levy, current staffing levels could affect operating hours, programs, and facility support.
Provide recreation opportunities for youth & adults. In 2021 the School District transferred Community Education (recreation programming) to HRVPRD with funding for 2 employees through Sept 2024. If passed, levy would continue funding for recreation programs & reduce barriers to access. Without the levy, program costs could increase, and options would be limited.
Length: If passed this tax would continue for 5 Years (will need renewal)
Tax Rate: $0.43/$1,000 Assessed Value
Estimated Cost for Average Household: $95 per year
General Obligation Bond
If the measure passes tax revenue would be used to: Build Pool, Parks, & Trails
New Pool with Community Center & Recreation Space. If passed, a new pool & center would be built to include amenities such as: warm water therapy & recreation pool, competition pool, family changing areas, fitness area, space for community use & recreation programming, and gymnasium. Without bond funding, the current pool would continue to deteriorate until it’s no longer feasible to operate.
Build Westside Park. If passed, tax revenue would be used for the development of Westside Park which would include picnic areas, trails, playground, natural area, and multi-use field for softball, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and more (20 acres on Fairview and Belmont by Westside School). Without bond funding, the parkland would stay vacant open space.
Purchase & Preserve Parkdale Park as a community park. This land is privately owned, and HRVPRD has an exclusive option to purchase the property, If approved, bonds funds would be used to purchase the parcel. Without bond funding, the district would release its option agreement, and the parcel may be sold privately.
Make Park Improvements & Key Trail Connections. If approved, bond funds would connect the missing links on the Indian Creek Trail & Westside Community Trail. Without bond funding, the trails may remain incomplete.
Length: If passed this tax would continue for 25 years
Tax Rate: $1.27/$1,000 Assessed Property Value
Estimated Cost for Average Household: $279 per year
MORE INFORMATION ON THE PROPOSED BALLOT MEASURES:
