Scenic View along the Neuse River Trail by Julie Z. Russo

  A Raleigh Parks Bond Referendum kick-off press conference that included two former Raleigh mayors and N.C. State and NFL football players was held at John Chavis Memorial Park in Raleigh on Oct. 17. Officials are gathering support for the $91.775 million bond referendum for parks and recreational facilities that voters will decide on this Nov. 4 ballot.
   The bond referendum with broad bipartisan support calls for more than $41 million in park and facility improvement projects, another $27 million in land acquisition development, and $23 million for greenway and cultural resources projects. These additional funds would go towards improving or building new playgrounds, recreational facilities, art and historic centers, greenway projects and parks throughout the city.
   Leaders like Raleigh City Manager Ruffin Hall encouraged voters regardless of political party to support the bond referendum stating that Raleigh has one of the best park systems in the country. This bond referendum if passed will be paid for by citizens amounting to a 1.72-cent increase in Raleigh’s property tax rate that would take effect on July 1, 2015. The last bond referendum was in 2007 when residents of Raleigh overwhelmingly approved $88.6 million in park improvements. These improvements, including $30 million for construction of the Neuse River trail and acquisition of 2,000 acres of land for park or greenway use along the river, are nearly complete.
   The new bond referendum is based on a Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources System Plan approved by the Raleigh City Council in May 2014. The system plan was developed during a 16-month public hearing process to create a plan to shape the direction of parks over the next 20 years based on population growth and the priorities of Raleigh residents. Nineteen areas have been identified for park improvement including arts, greenways and trails, active adults and children including those with disabilities, historic resources, and teen education.
   N.C. State football alums Torry and Terrence Holt were among the press conference speakers who credited the public park system in their home of Gibonsville, NC to their success as athletes. The Holt brothers, who went on to play pro football for the St. Louis Rams and the Detroit Lions respectively, are serving on the Raleigh Parks and Recreation Advocacy Committee, to gather voter support for the referendum. It is a common practice for voters to finance major capital improvements like parks, streets, and utilities services in North Carolina and the US. A part of the referendum that would go towards protecting open space and wetlands is important for ecological and recreational reasons. These habitats support diverse wildlife as well as protect nearby residential areas from flooding, while trails and community centers offer residents opportunities to enjoy nature and other cultural attractions.
   If approved by voters, owners of a $150 k home would pay about $25 more a year and owners of a $300 k home would pay about $51 more a year. On the official ballot to appear Nov. 4, voters will need to “flip the ballot” over to find the check mark for the referendum. To learn more visit http://www.parks.raleighnc.gov.

Photo on the Homepage: (from left to right): Former Mayor Charles Meeker, City Council-Woman Mary Anne Baldwin, City Councilman John Odom, former NC State and NFL Football Player Torry Holt, Former Mayor Smedes York, Former NC State and NFL Football Player Terrence Holt, and City Councilman Wayne Maiorano.