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City Lights: City will benefit from park vote
by Melissa Russell, Parks & Rec Director · Op-Ed · October 31, 2014
On Nov. 4th, two votes will be held in the city limits of West Branch for the purpose of improving four community parks: Beranek Park, Lions Field, Wapsi Creek Park and the new park space in Pedersen Valley.
Public measure X would allow the City of West Branch to borrow $4 million to make all the proposed improvements to West Branch parks.
Public measure Y would extend the Local Option Sales Tax for 10 years to provide funding for the improvements.
Passage of both measures would allow the city to add numerous amenities to the existing and future parks including additional trails, improved turf, accessibility improvements, restrooms, playground equipment, adequate parking, updated lighting, additional sand volleyball courts, storm water management, and the first city-owned ball fields.
The City of West Branch, the Park and Recreation commission, and a citizen steering committee conducted a survey of residents in January and February regarding park improvements.
Priorities were based on the responses in the survey. Further input regarding the layout of the parks and priority amenities was gathered from citizens at a park design charrette held on April 24th.
The suggestions of the West Branch Park improvements were based on several proven benefits of park space:
• Promote public health
• Improve psychological and social health.
• Provide a safe place to play for adults and children
• Help children and adults learn
• Build healthy, stable communities
• Foster community interaction
• Drive tourism
• Improve the quality of life for existing residents
• Encourage residential and commercial growth
• Increase municipal revenue
I encourage all citizens, regardless of your position on this issue, to exercise your right and VOTE.
Polls will be open on Nov. 4th from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Cedar County residents vote at West Branch Town Hall and Johnson County Residents vote at Iowa City Church of Christ.
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