Lexington Parks Advisory Board holds its first meeting after voter backing of new parks tax
Originally published by WEKU.
There will be more decisions to come as it relates to addressing deferred maintenance needs in Lexington’s parks. That effort is being buoyed by voter backing of a new local parks tax. Parks and Recreation Director Monica Conrad gave an update to members of the Parks Advisory Board Wednesday. Afterward, she said many projects will be found in the parks’ master plan.
“And some of them will require more community feedback. We know that there’s a neighborhood feature needed, but we need to engage the neighborhood again on what that exactly is…whether that’s a playground or a trail extension or whether that’s a new pickleball court,” said Conrad.
The new parks property tax is expected to generate about $8 million annually. Conrad said it’s difficult to say if that much money will be expended each year on projects.
Wednesday’s meeting was the first since voters approved the new parks property tax. It came after a campaign, which included knocking on lots of doors. One of the organizers of the effort was David Lowe. He said it was an endeavor that hit home with more than 60% of voters.
“I think we found something that could be fixed. It was a fixable challenge and we spent the last several months really being dedicated to help solve that challenge and the voters agreed,” said Lowe.
Lowe said the city is blessed to have an incredibly talented and dedicated parks team. He said it’s a well-trusted group that has been given more resources to do more good in Lexington in all areas of town. Parks Board Chair Victoria Meyer became emotional in thanking those involved in the referendum drive. She said later her kids were raised with opportunities to play in parks and the same for her grandchildren.
Lexington Parks and Recreation is a financial supporter of Weku.
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Originally published by WEKU.
Republished with permission.
