* replacing or renovating deteriorated park facilities;

* developing park land owned by, or leased to, the City;

* upgrading underdeveloped parks and facilities;

* protecting urban “natural areas”;

* acquiring new park lands;

* adding bicycle/pedestrian connections; and

* upgrading the Salem Senior Center.

The measure would:

* make facility improvements to most of Salem’s parks. Most parks have deteriorated or obsolete facilities, including play equipment, restrooms and security lighting, which do not meet the minimum standards established by the Comprehensive Park System Master Plan.

* improve equity in Salem’s park system by developing park land in unserved areas. New or improved park and recreation facilities anticipated to be funded with bond proceeds include 11 neighborhood parks, two natural areas, and an approximately 46-acre Ballfield/
Community Park built on land leased from the Oregon Corrections Department.

* develop already owned or leased park land. Of the total 155 acres of park land anticipated to be developed, 115 acres are already owned or under long-term lease to the City.

* allow for acquisition and development of approximately 40 acres for new park sites. Approximately thirty acres would be developed as community park sites with athletic fields for youths and adults. Approximately ten acres may be used for the possible placement of a future aquatic or other park facility.

* increase protection of natural areas and wildlife habitat within the Salem Urban Growth Boundary. Funds would be available to acquire and preserve wetlands, tree stands, wildlife habitat and other significant natural areas.

* provide safer pedestrian/bicycle connections between parks and other public facilities. Funds available could be used to develop new or improved pedestrian/bicycle routes, providing better access and safer connections between public facilities.

* upgrade the Salem Senior Center. Funds would be available to renovate, furnish and equip the 25 year-old Senior Center.

Bond proceeds remaining after the above projects are completed would be used to finance capital construction and capital improvements for park, recreation or aquatic facilities.

Passage of Measure 24-79 would result in an estimated increase in property taxes of $0.24 per year per $1,000 of assessed value. The estimated maximum tax impact on the owner of an average Salem residence with an assessed value of $150,000 is $36 per year or $3 per month. The estimated tax cost for this measure is an ESTIMATE ONLY based on the best information available from the county assessors at the time of estimate.

A separate five-year local option operating levy, Measure 24-80, has been placed on the November 2002 ballot that would pay for maintenance and operation of the new or improved park and recreation facilities. Both measures, if approved, would increase the estimated tax on a Salem property with an assessed value of $150,000 by less than $60 per year or $5 per month.

Submitted by,

Salem City Council