We have an opportunity on August 17 to help preserve and improve Si View Community Center and Park and to begin improvements at Tollgate Farm by voting in favor of Proposition 1, a much needed parks bond.
Many families are sticking around their home and enjoying the various amenities in their own towns, as evidenced in the record numbers of Si View users. Faced with a tough economy, homeowners are reevaluating and investing in their own homes and community, recognizing and valuing their greatest assets.
It is in this vein that a parks bond comes to our Valley residents. We need to invest in and take care of what we have in our own backyard so that we and our children’s children can continueto enjoy and recreate at Si View; and begin to recreate at Tollgate Farms.
Our awesome historic community center, built in 1938, leaks on rainy days, has a cracked foundation violating current standards, has a deteriorating original log exterior and has broken windows and rain gutters. There is minimal outdated play equipment, uneven and poorly draining playfields, and limited access to the full park boundaries.
Although there are many users at Si View, the fees paid simply do not cover all of the costs of maintaining an old building and swimming pool, and the cost of programming. The Farmers Market with live music, Friday Night Family Nights, specialized recreation for people with disabilities, Festival at Mount Si, and other events enjoyed by so many, are subsidized by park district funds. There is a need for a capital bond!
At Si View, this parks bond would fund the replacement of the leaky roof, failing siding and seismic upgrades to the 70-plus year old structure. The bond would also fund renovation of the playfields to make them safer, provide playgrounds, concessions, picnic shelter, sports court and a perimeter trail for walking and biking. The bond will also fund a parking area, rest rooms, playground, and trails at Tollgate Farm, creating access to this beautiful site for the first time.
Since its inception, the Si View Metropolitan Park District has acted fiscally responsible, recently earning an unusually high bond rating. The district is committed to partnering with other entities to bring quality parks and rec opportunities to our Valley in a cost-effective manner. The district continues to address the deferred maintenance and capital projects to preserve and make safe the Community Center and Parks.
Please consider our Valley gems that we have here in the community. Honor and value our treasured assets with your “yes” votes on Si View Parks Bond, Proposition 1.
Susan Kelly
Si View MPD Commissioner and North Bend resident
