Published September 18, 2024
MetroParks on the November ballot: A letter from CEO Karen Hesser
Hello MetroParks Friends,
In case you’ve missed the news, Five Rivers MetroParks has a levy on the ballot for the November 5 election. This is the first time Five Rivers MetroParks has asked Montgomery County voters to approve a second levy.
You may ask, “Why now and what will this levy fund?”
As for “Why now?” that answer is quite simple: Our community loves its MetroParks – and their appreciation is evident with more than 2 million visits to the parks each year. An incredible 96% of residents live within a 10-minute walk, bike ride or drive, of a MetroPark and we need your help to maintain the parks at the levels you want and deserve.
With this levy, MetroParks will be able to:
- Ensure safe picnic areas, restrooms, play areas, programs, trails, roads and bridges.
- Preserve green space and protect our region’s natural heritage.
- Protect natural areas, wildlife habitats and water quality.
- Provide a variety of outdoor recreation and educational program opportunities for all ages.
- Host outdoor festivals, events and performances that residents enjoy and that help draw visitors.
- Attract, hire and retain knowledgeable, helpful MetroParks staff.
Without this levy, our ability to provide opportunities to connect to nature will be compromised. The agency will be forced to delay repairs and maintenance that keep trails and facilities accessible, clean, and safe for the public – and the agency will not be able to provide major repairs and replacements for decades into the future. MetroParks risks significant additional cuts to programs and special events while keeping some vacant staff positions unfilled. Additionally, MetroParks will not be able to complete planned upgrades and replacements to essential amenities at the parks, such as restrooms, trails, and play areas. The levy is 1.0 mills for a term of 10 years. This represents a cost of under $3 per month per $100,000 of appraised property value.
Election day is November 5 and early voting begins October 8.
Gratefully,
Karen L. Hesser CPRP, Chief Executive Officer
