Mt. Vernon asks voters to improve parks, one of ‘greatest assets’

By: 
Steve Chapman

Shown is an artist’s rendering of what Mt. Vernon’s Spirit of ’76 Park would look like if the parks tax on the Nov. 2 ballot is passed. The upgrades would include new ball fields, more parking, a new concession stand, pool repairs—plus a new lazy river, as well as several other improvements. The tax would also fund all new activities at the park such as a climbing wall and a zipline tree swing. The sales tax enacted with the ballot measure would not only capture sales tax from local consumers, but also out-of-towners spending their money in Mt. Vernon. (Photo submitted)

‘76 Park upgrades include new sports fields, climbing wall, new concession stand, more parking
 
When Mt. Vernon residents go to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 2, they will be asked to approve a one-half-one-percent sales tax to help pay for repairs to the city pool and improvements to the Spirit of ’76 Park.
Mt. Vernon City Administrator Max Springer said the city pool’s water loss must be fixed as soon as possible.
“The pool needs some major repairs to stop the leakage of 30,000 gallons per day during operating season,” he said.
The pool would get more than just repairs though. Springer said that the sales tax would also help to pay for the pool to receive some major upgrades, which would include “adding a lazy river, a zero entry with beach and children’s feature, a climbing wall and a zipline tree swing.”

The tax would also help to pay for improvements to the Spirit of ’76 Park. According to an artist’s rendering provided by Olsson Engineering, the park would get a new baseball/softball field, extra parking lots that would provide parking for a total of 200 vehicles over what the park’s current parking lot provides, a new playground, a sand volleyball court, a new soccer/football field, a new concession stand with restrooms and ADA compliant parking stalls. Springer said there would also be some updating of the other parks.

If the tax passes, Springer said, it will be in effect for 20 years and is expected to raise $9-million in funds for the city’s parks. If the tax doesn’t pass, Springer said, the city will continue to improve its park system, but might not be able to do so as quickly.
“We will continue to make improvements as we have the funds available,” he said.

Springer also said that the tax would be an investment in a resource that many people in the community use.
“Our park system is one of our greatest assets,” he said. “We have a lot of people utilizing our parks system through the year.”
 

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Lawrence County Record

312 S. Hickory St.
Mt. Vernon, MO, 65712
www.lawrencecountyrecord.com

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