Parks Bond Frequently Asked Questions
A measure on the ballot for the General Election will request voter approval to issue general
obligation bonds up to $17 million to acquire, preserve and protect open spaces, water quality,
habitat, and parkland. Following are some of the questions received. For additional
information, contact Steve Martin, Parks and Facilities Manager, at 503-718-2583 or
steve@tigard-or.gov.
What is the Park and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB)?
The PRAB is a group of seven Tigard citizens who volunteer to study and make
recommendations to the City regarding parks, open space, recreation planning, and funding.
How long has the PRAB been evaluating properties and how many have they evaluated?
The PRAB has been evaluating properties since 2004. They have evaluated over 100
properties.
How many properties are currently being reviewed by the PRAB for purchase?
There are around 60 properties still available that the PRAB is evaluating. The City would not
purchase all 60 properties, however PRAB recommendations would be of high priority.
Has the City purchased any parks recommended by the PRAB?
Several of the most highly recommended properties have been purchased - The Jack Park
addition, Heritage Park, Price Park, Senn Park, and the purchase is pending for the Summer
Creek Property. The Summer Creek Property was identified by the PRAB as one of the highest
priority properties for acquisition in Tigard.
How would the bond funds be spent?
At least 80% of the funds would go to land acquisition for open spaces, parks, or trail corridors.
The Summer Creek property adjacent to Fowler School requires approximately $2 million
dollars to complete the transaction. There are some adjacent parcels that would also be
considered for purchase. Up to $1.7 million would obtain parkland in the downtown area.
Who decides how the bond money is spent?
The PRAB, with input from Tigard citizens, would recommend what properties should be
purchased and what properties and trails would be improved. Purchases over $50,000 would
be approved by the Tigard City Council.
Why hasn’t the City named specific properties other than Summer Creek?
The PRAB will meet prior to the bond measure to decide if they should make public some of the
properties they have considered for purchase. The Trust for Public Land (TPL) has secured an
option to purchase Summer Creek. The PRAB would only make additional possible property
purchases public if an option on the land could be obtained so that the price would not change
after the money became available.
What can the bond funds be used for besides buying land?
Up to 20% of the bond funds would go to improvements and development on some of the
existing parkland we own, for instance Summerlake, East Butte, Senn, and possibly, the
Summer Creek property after it is purchased. Some work would be completed on new
properties that would be purchased. There are several major sections of the Fanno Creek Trail
still to be built, along with other trails, such as the Pathfinder Trail, Tualatin River Trail and the
Westside Trail that require major portions constructed for completion.
Would there be money available for trails?
Yes, some of the money would be used for trails. The 20% portion set aside for improvements
and development would also be used to build some of the Fanno Creek trail or other trails
around Tigard.
Will any safety concerns be addressed with this money?
According to the Tigard Police Department, incidents in the parks are nearly nonexistent. If a
resident would bring a recommendation to the PRAB regarding a safety concern, the PRAB
would consider the recommendation.
Why a park bond now?
The timing of the economic downturn has resulted in conditions where the City can purchase
more land - for less money - while it is still available. The City would issue bonds which would
be paid off over the next 21 years after issuance. The economy is predicted to improve, and
when it does land would not be as affordable as it is now.
There are weeds along City streets and sidewalks now; why acquire more land?
According to Tigard City Municipal Code, the areas along public streets and sidewalks are the
responsibility of the adjacent homeowner; they are not parks. The street maintenance fee
would help address some of the landscape maintenance in the right-of-way (ROW) of the larger
collectors and arterials in future years.
Would this money be used for park maintenance?
No. Maintenance and park replacement facilities are not eligible for funding by this bond, nor
would this money be used for employee salaries.
Would this money be used for recreation programs?
No. This money would not be used for a recreation program.
Can the money be used to construct a recreation facility?
Yes; however there are no current plans to use the money for a recreation facility.
Wasn’t a bond for the Tigard-Tualatin Aquatic Center just approved?
The Tigard-Tualatin aquatic center is a group of citizens dedicated to keeping the pools open.
They are not affiliated with the City of Tigard or the parklands.
Has the City ever asked for bonds for land before?
Back in the 1980’s, a park bond was used to improve Cook Park, Summerlake Park, Jack Park,
Woodard Park, Fanno Creek Park, Englewood Park, and the Greenway system of open spaces
and trails. Many of the current parks were purchased and developed with those bond funds.
Does the City currently have any bonds out?
There is a $13 million general obligation bond for library construction. It is a 20-year bond
(issued December 2002) for 18 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. The cost for an average
homeowner (median assessed value of $207,000) is approximately $37 per year.
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November 2, 2010 Ballot:
Measure No. 34-181
City of Tigard Measure Election to Acquire, Preserve and
Protect Open Spaces, Water Quality, Habitat, and Parks:
View Details Here
November 2, 2010 General Election:
Washington County Candidate and Measure Filings
Tigard Parks on the Web:
View Tigard Parks
Download Tigard Parks Brochure
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