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CW recreation bond issue and levy on Nov. 2 ballot
(by Linda Dillman - August 17, 2010)
What is the price of recreation in Canal Winchester?
The Canal Winchester Joint Recreation District (CWJRD) placed a 1.27 mill, $10 million, 30 year bond issue and a 0.86 permanent operating levy on the Nov. 2 ballot. If both issues pass, the cost for a $100,000 home would be $65 in additional annual property taxes for the proposed 50 acre recreational complex.
Funding from the bond issue would be used to purchase and develop park land with access off of Gender and Groveport roads and the levy would be used to operate and maintain the site.
The proposed expansion of Roger Hanners Park encompasses baseball, softball, soccer, football, and multi-purpose fields for children and adults, tennis and basketball courts, walking trails, and a 72,000 square-foot field house. Included in the design are a dog park and a remote-control boat and fishing pond.
CWJRD Chairman Bob Toledo said the park expansion is a result of a survey conducted jointly by the village of Canal Winchester and the CWJRD, which is operated primarily by volunteers. Thousands of children participate in sports programs offered through the CWJRD on fields and in gyms throughout the area.
"Right now, we're partnering with the schools and the village," reported Toledo during the Aug. 16 Canal Winchester Village Council meeting. "We're using school facilities, Hanners Park, and churches. Obviously, we're running out of space. When we got the survey back, we put the results into the plan. We came to an agreement on the price with TS Trim (for the property). At the size we are now, it's time to step up to the next level."
A pair of t-ball fields would be relocated and playground equipment installed for the benefit of children not involved in organized sports. The basketball courts are designed on varying levels and two adult-size lighted softball fields would be constructed, in addition to a spray park with streams of water shooting up and down.
Shelter houses, restrooms, and a concession stand are also part of the proposed recreation complex, as is a 1.5 mile fitness trail and a field house, with space for indoor flag football, basketball, volleyball, and a walking track.
"We called other park districts and this one is modeled after New Albany's," said Toledo. "Everything that is on this plan was on the survey. We want to make sure this park has something for everyone. The park will be used year round."
Councilwoman Leah Turner called the concept fabulous.
"I don't think we could do much better for our kids," said Turner. "It is tremendous. I hope we can get everybody's support. I support it 120 percent."
For senior citizens qualifying for the Homestead Exemption Act, the annual cost for the same $100,000 of valuation falls to approximately $49. In addition, if the levy passes, Toledo reported program registration costs would drop by $25.
"Even if you never step foot into the park, it will help with home values," added Councilwoman Bobbie Mershon, who said the CWJRD will have information available regarding the recreational complex at the village's annual Labor Day Festival.
| Comments (1) |
On October 6, 2010 John said:
I have 2 concerns that I would appreciate being addressed. The first is, specific clarification of the amount I would be taxed PER YEAR?
My other question would be, is there any "hidden fees", not yet made publicly known associated with this levy? An example is, would a Canal Winchester resident be required to pay any further cost to use ANY facilities once they are built? Rental fees? etc? Thank you very much in advance as your reponse may be used to help my family make a more informed decision. |
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