Parks Millage Renewal – Proposal A

November 4, 2008, is an important date for the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission (WCPARC). On that day, voters will be asked to renew a ten year ¼ mill levy, first adopted in 1988 and subsequently renewed in 1998, that will enable WCPARC to continue to provide a wide range of recreational opportunities for County residents; to protect and restore important ecosystems, and manage the award winning Natural Areas Preservation Program; and to lead the effort to develop a countywide non-motorized trail network connecting communities, parks and activity centers. This year, the Commission is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Established in 1973 with a handful of roadside picnic sites, continuing public support has produced a County parks system that now encompass over 3,500 acres of land in 25 parks and nature preserves – with nearly 800,000 visitors each year!

Over the past ten years, this millage has enabled WCPARC to accomplish many things, from the development of new facilities at both Rolling Hills and Independence Lake parks, to the acquisition of additional parkland to meet future recreational and open space needs (a more comprehensive list of projects and activities appears on the back of this page). Renewal of this millage – which states its purpose as “the acquisition, development, operation and maintenance of a County parks system” – is critical to the continued availability of our parks system. If renewed, the Commission and staff are poised to continue the legacy of success established 35 years ago. Park Master Plan updates have recently been completed to guide future growth and ensure that the broad recreational interests of County residents are met.

The Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission takes pride in providing a wide variety of safe, clean and affordable recreation throughout the County, and deserves our continued support. While survey data indicates broad public interest for parks, recreation and open space in Washtenaw County, it is important the voters understand that the current ballot proposal is a renewal, and not a new tax.

In addition to promoting active and healthy lifestyles, a fundamental concept that is reflected in the WCPARC Mission Statement is a “…particular emphasis on preserving fragile lands, water quality, wildlife habitat, and creating pedestrian and greenway connections…” This overarching theme is reflected in everything we do, from acquisition and development priorities, to our daily maintenance and best management practices, to our interpretive programming and environmental education.