Why does Columbia build parks during a recession?

Grasslands Park, 21 East Clarkson Road, was dedicated on Oct 10, 2009
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The below article was written by Michael J. Hood, Director of the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department. It was submitted to the Columbia Business Times.
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Recently, Columbia Parks and Recreation dedicated two new neighborhood parks — Grasslands Park at 21 E. Clarkson Road and Auburn Hills Park at 4101 Derby Ridge Drive. In addition, public park meetings have been underway for long-range planning of Bonnie View Park at 3300 Rollins Road and the new regional park in southeast Columbia, which consists of Philips Park and the Gans Creek Recreation Area. These parks are in the early planning and design stages, with development scheduled in the coming years.

In these tough economic times, several might ask the question: Why is Columbia building or acquiring more parks? The simple answer is: These parks were promised to the voters who approved the 2005 Park Sales Tax ballot issue. Columbia citizens voted to extend the 1/8 cent Park Sales Tax to fund specific park acquisition, development and renovation projects. The Parks and Recreation Department is working diligently to complete these projects and fulfilling our commitment to the voters.

Even though these issues were promised, does it still make sense to keep funding what some might think is a nonessential service? Although life and safety issues are critical, consider that Columbia's parks:

• are used by 90 percent of Columbia residents
• increase property value for surrounding homes
• preserve green space and natural habitat
• contribute to a community’s quality of life (helping to attract and keep employers and jobs)
• provide affordable or free family recreation
• provide a place for community events
• provide avenues for fun, relaxation, stress relief, enjoying nature and exercise

A national poll commissioned by the Trust for Public Land in July 2009 asked more than 2,000 U. S. adults this timely question: During this period of economic difficulty, have you and your family changed how much you make use of public parks and playgrounds? The results revealed a definite increase in the use of public parks and playgrounds, especially among park users with children in the household.

Some might also wonder if this is a good time to be buying park land. Alan Front, a senior vice president of the Trust for Public Land, was quoted in the April 27, 2009, Los Angeles Times as saying: “Property values are not today what they were a year ago. So every dollar that is invested…probably buys a little bit more habitat, a little bit more recreational trail, a little bit more scenic vista than it bought a year ago. For bang for the buck, there’s never been a better time.”

The acquisition and preservation of parks and green space is something that must be done when the opportunity presents itself. Communities that do not take opportunities to preserve valuable natural resources when they can might ultimately have regrets. Stephens Lake Park is a great example of taking advantage of such an opportunity. Columbia voters chose to preserve it for a park rather than letting it be developed for commercial ventures. Stephens Lake has become a popular destination for Columbians; on many days you will find it filled with people splashing on the spray-grounds, walking the trails, fishing and otherwise enjoying the park. It is host to weddings, family celebrations and community events.

It is difficult to think of Columbia without a Stephens Lake Park or even a Cosmo Park. More than 50 years ago, the City Council made the decision to turn the old municipal airport into a regional park that is now home to some of the finest athletic fields in the Midwest. These sports fields generate hotel room bookings, restaurant visits and retail sales that would otherwise go elsewhere in our state.

So, as you hear announcements of new park land purchased, new parks developed or renovations of existing parks, it is our hope that you see it as a reminder that your Parks and Recreation Department is working hard to keep its commitment to those projects and facilities that were approved with the Park Sales Tax. Difficult choices must be made during this trying economic period, but when it comes to ensuring the health of our planet — and our children and grandchildren — some choices just shouldn’t be that hard. After all, a promise is a promise.