Our View: Post-bond success
Albi Stadium additions approved in the $43 million bond issue on last month’s general election ballot.
One student named Skyler wrote: “Thank you so much for voting to make pools and fountains for the summer. The summer is going to be great for the kids and the parents, but the parents have to pay. The parents are willing to pay because they love us. I love going to pools to swim. I wish I could give you all a hug.”
Nearly 69 percent of voters said yes Nov. 6 to one of the biggest public works projects in the city’s history, and this majority vote got everyone’s attention, from the adults who agreed to pay for the bond to the children who will benefit most from it. Now, the hard work begins.
In mid-December, Spokane Parks and Recreation will seek public input on how best to implement the bond projects. The bond will pay for 10 splash pads to replace the wading pools taken out of parks a few years ago, plus five replacement pools at Cannon, Comstock, Hillyard and Witter parks, and a new pool in northwest Spokane. The bond also will pay for additions to Albi Stadium, making it into a four-season recreation area.
The entire community will be watching to see how well the bond money is spent. Its success – or failure – will remain in voters’ minds when future bond issues come before them. Success will require:
“Strong leadership: Mayor Mary Verner announced this week that she will conduct a national search to replace Parks Director Mike Stone. The announcement prompted some controversy and division among Parks Department employees. When leaders change, and employees are unsettled, decisions and projects can get delayed. It’s imperative that Verner find the right parks leader, put him or her in place promptly and make bond implementation the highest priority.
“Getting stuff built: The instinct to get public input on pool amenities and locations within parks is sound. But the planning shouldn’t stretch on too long. The public will be eager to see what they are paying for. The tentative plan calls for at least some of the splash pads to be in place this summer and all improvements to be near completion by December 2009. All good. Getting that first replacement pool in quickly will boost citizen confidence, because voters want to see their money translate to brick and mortar.
Same goes for the Albi improvements. Stakeholders hold differing opinions on exactly what should be at Albi. But the sooner taxpayers see some tangible use of their money – perhaps those hiking trails – the sooner they’ll believe that change is finally coming.
“Keeping citizens informed: Explain any delays. Trumpet pools and Albi amenities that finish ahead of schedule. Cut a dozen ribbons. Invite the third-graders from Roosevelt Elementary who will have plenty of hugs and thank-yous for all.