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Parks Referendum
On Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, a Special Election will be held for Apple Valley residents to consider a Parks Referendum. The referendum will have two separate questions.
Question 1 would authorize the City to issue general obligation bonds in the amount of $66,750,000 to fund improvements to parks, recreation facilities, and the trail system.
Question 2 is contingent on the passing of Question 1 and would authorize the City to issue additional general obligation bonds in the amount of $6,500,000 to fund the replacement of the Redwood Community Pool.
The Parks Referendum is being presented as a direct response to residents’ requests for improvements to our parks, trails, and recreational facilities. It is a result of thorough research and public input that clearly identified existing deficiencies across our present parks system. We have listened to your comments and concerns, and believe the proposed projects are essential projects for our City.
We invite you to review the information on this website, ask questions, discuss it with your neighbors, and above all, vote on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. If you have questions, please contact Eric Carlson, Parks and Recreation Director, by email at eric.carlson@applevalleymn.gov or by phone at (952) 953-2310.
An informational brochure about the Parks Referendum was sent out to all Apple Valley residents in mid-September. You can also view the brochure here.
The growth of Apple Valley has increased demands on the parks and recreation system. Reinvesting in our City’s parks and recreation facilities will help continue to provide for our residents, protect property values, enhance the natural environment, attract new residents, and draw visitors to local businesses, which in turn helps support the local economy. During the pandemic, the City saw extraordinary use of our parks and trails. This trend has continued and reinforces the fact that parks are essential and the need for reinvestment and improvements across the entire system are important to residents.
Apple Valley residents continue to play a key role in helping identify the needs of the community by providing input on how to reinvest in our parks, trails, and recreational facilities, as well as how to protect our natural resources. Residents have provided feedback through social media, social pinpoint comments, email, informational meetings, and two statistically accurate phone surveys.
Date |
Items |
Fall 2021 | Held joint a meeting with City Council and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee to explore community interest in a potential Parks Referendum |
Winter 2021/2022 | Hired consultants to assist with concept development |
Spring/Summer 2022 | Engaged residents to gather ideas from the community |
Summer 2022 | Reviewed multiple concepts developed from the community engagement process |
Fall 2022 | Created list of preferred concepts |
Winter 2023 | Shared expanded list of concepts, the investment needed, and tax impacts of those projects |
March 2023 | Conducted Survey #1 to learn answers to the following:
• Are Apple Valley residents currently supportive of a Parks Referendum?
• If yes, what projects are Apple Valley residents interested in supporting?
• If yes, how much of a tax increase is the typical Apple Valley resident willing to vote for to help support improvements to the parks and recreation system?
|
April 2023 | Reviewed phone survey results and created a revised list of potential projects |
May 2023 | Shared revised list of projects, the investment needed, and the tax impact of those projects based on the results of Survey #1 |
June 2023 | Conducted Survey #2 to learn answers to the following:
• Is the revised list of projects a priority for residents?
• Is the proposed tax impact supported by residents?
• Are there projects not supported by residents? |
July 2023 | Developed Parks Referendum package:
• Created final list of projects supported by results of Survey #2
• Calculated investment needed to construct projects
• Determined tax impact needed to support projects |
Aug.–Nov. 2023 | Inform residents of the following as it pertains to a Parks Referendum:
• List of projects
• Necessary investments
• Tax impact
• Miscellaneous information |
Sept. 22, 2023 | Absentee Voting begins |
Oct. 20, 2023 | Direct Balloting begins |
Nov. 7, 2023 | Parks Referendum Election Day |
Spring 2024 | If Parks Referendum passes, begin construction of projects |
Date |
Time |
Location |
Monday, Sept. 18, 2023 | 9 a.m. | Microsoft Teams – Virtual Meeting
Meeting ID: 264 940 591 909
Passcode: EzfCw8 |
Monday, Sept. 18, 2023 | 7 p.m. | Municipal Center – 7100 147th St. W. |
Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 | 3 p.m. | Meeting ID: 252 568 276 232
Passcode: VU44jT |
Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 | 6 p.m. | Municipal Center – 7100 147th St. W. |
Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023 | 6 p.m. | Municipal Center – 7100 147th St. W. |
Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023 | 6 p.m. | Redwood Park Building – 311 150th St. W. |
Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 | 9 a.m. | Municipal Center – 7100 147th St. W. |
Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 | 10:30 a.m. | Microsoft Teams – Virtual Meeting
Meeting ID: 232 206 078 434
Passcode: Uxiame |
Monday, Sept. 25, 2023 | 6 p.m. | Municipal Center – 7100 147th St. W. |
Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023 | 9 a.m. | Microsoft Teams – Virtual Meeting
Meeting ID: 211 521 105 247
Passcode: tEJL4i |
Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023 | 6 p.m. | Municipal Center – 7100 147th St. W. |
Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023 | 3 p.m. | Microsoft Teams – Virtual Meeting
Meeting ID: 275 280 936 521
Passcode: ynHeV8 |
Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023 | 6 p.m. | Municipal Center – 7100 147th St. W. |
Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 | 9 a.m. | Municipal Center – 7100 147th St. W. |
Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 | 10:30 a.m. | Microsoft Teams – Virtual Meeting
Meeting ID: 287 142 260 602
Passcode: gmajFV |
Monday, Oct. 30, 2023 | 3 p.m. | Microsoft Teams – Virtual Meeting
Meeting ID: 280 726 043 912
Passcode: uCLNtp |
Monday, Oct. 30, 2023 | 6 p.m. | Municipal Center – 7100 147th St. W. |
Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023 | 6 p.m. | Municipal Center – 7100 147th St. W. |
Referendum Projects
Below are the projects proposed for the referendum. Please note that the plans shown in this section are conceptual in nature. If the referendum is successful, City staff will work with architects and seek resident input on the final plans.
- Improve Trails
- Protect Natural Resources
- Preserve Park Amenities City-Wide
- Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center
- Apple Valley Community Center and Senior & Event Center
- Redwood Park Master Plan
- Kelley Park Master Plan
- Hayes Park Youth Baseball & Softball Complex
- Hayes Arena
- Redwood Community Pool
BALLOT QUESTION 1 PROJECT
Improving and Adding New Trails
The City has nearly 19 miles of trails inside our parks. This investment would include resurfacing approximately 75% of our existing trails and creating new trails to fill in some of the gaps found in our trail system.
BALLOT QUESTION 1 PROJECT
Protecting Our Valuable Natural Resources
Wooded and natural areas across Apple Valley need attention. Reforestation efforts will be increased to preserve these valuable resources and protect the natural environment.
With this investment, the City would create natural prairies, develop pollinator and bee-friendly areas, and plant new trees.
BALLOT QUESTION 1 PROJECT
Preserving Park Amenities Throughout Our City Parks
With 51 parks covering 700+ acres, Apple Valley residents have excellent access to parks and trails. Many of the amenities such as existing playground equipment, tennis/basketball courts, etc. need to be replaced after decades of service to the community. Updating existing park amenities to ensure they are meeting current codes is important for the safety of all who use the park system. Residents of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities use the park and trail system to stay active and healthy, participate in sports (youth and adult), and meet new friends and neighbors. A well-maintained, accessible park system is important to help provide a high quality of life within the community.
This investment includes replacing playground/skate park equipment, tennis/basketball courts, ballfield backstops/benches, lighting, and irrigation systems, and making other miscellaneous improvements across the entire park system, including the construction of additional pickleball courts.
BALLOT QUESTION 1 PROJECT
Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center Proposed Improvements
With about 70,000 annual visitors, the AVFAC is a popular amenity in our community. Opened in 1999, it is now 24 years old.
Proposed Improvements
Mechanical systems need to be replaced to improve energy efficiency and water conservation. Current slides and other features need refurbishment to ensure they can be enjoyed for the next 15–20 years. With approximately 70,000 visitors annually, the AVFAC is a popular amenity in the community.
BALLOT QUESTION 1 PROJECT
Apple Valley Community Center
Opened in 1989, the Community Center is now 34 years old. The facility’s four (4) gyms are in good shape and are used by the community for basketball, volleyball, badminton, pickleball, and other activities. The remainder of the building’s restrooms, meeting rooms, and locker rooms need updating. The building’s skylights, roof, and mechanical systems also need to be replaced to bring the facility up to current standards and to save energy. More than 125,000 patrons visit the Community Center each year.
Apple Valley Senior Center
Constructed in 2009, the Senior Center & Event Center is just 14 years old. The facility provides a wonderful asset to the area’s senior population. Between 1990 and 2020, the Apple Valley 60+ population has grown by nearly 15,000 seniors. The growing senior population needs additional space for programs and activities so all seniors can continue to stay healthy and be involved. The facility has over 40,000 visitors annually.
Proposed Improvements
Proposed improvements to the Community Center and Senior Center include an expanded coffee lounge for seniors, additional program space, fitness space, an indoor playground for families, and updates in the meeting rooms and lobby areas of the community center. In this proposal, the Community Center and Senior Center would be joined to create one building.
BALLOT QUESTION 1 PROJECT
Redwood Park
The park is 12 acres and is divided by County Road 42. Currently, the park has a parking lot, outdoor pool, playground, sand volleyball, tennis, basketball, a building, two shelters, ballfields, and other amenities. The pool and building are both 58 years old and have far surpassed their useful life.
Proposed Improvements
The park master plan for Redwood includes the complete replacement of the existing building, removing the pool, and adding an inclusive playground, interactive splash pad, a new building/shelter with restrooms, courts for tennis/pickleball/ecuavoley, and on-site parking.
The Master Plan includes a pedestrian tunnel under County Road 42. The pedestrian tunnel is part of a County Road 42 improvement project being funded by Dakota County and is not a part of the Parks Referendum. The City and Dakota County are working cooperatively to ensure the pedestrian tunnel is incorporated into the Redwood Park Master Plan.
BALLOT QUESTION 1 PROJECT
Kelley Park
The park is 5.6 acres in size and has multi-family housing on three sides. The park currently has a parking lot, restroom building, shelter, splash pad, playground, small stage, and other miscellaneous amenities.
Proposed Improvements
Enlarging the performing area at Kelley Park would provide a better experience for both performers and attendees. A larger restroom facility, new playground and interactive splash pad, basketball court, public art, and additional on-site parking are planned with this investment.
With an improved Kelley Park, it is envisioned that additional concerts and events such as festivals, movies in the park, community theatre opportunities, private party rentals, etc., can take place.
BALLOT QUESTION 1 PROJECT
Hayes Park Youth Baseball/Softball Complex
A four-field youth baseball/softball complex is proposed. The fields would replace the existing four fields on the Westview Elementary School property and would have covered dugouts, scoreboards, irrigated turf, and approximately 240-foot outfield fences, and they would be lighted for evening games/practice.
BALLOT QUESTION 1 PROJECT
Hayes Arena
Built in 1995, Hayes Arena is 28 years old and has outdated refrigeration equipment. The arena is mainly used for ice hockey and figure skating programs. The facility supports the hockey teams from Apple Valley High School and Eastview High School (boys’ and girls’) and Apple Valley’s two youth hockey associations (Apple Valley Hockey Association and Eastview Hockey Association). It is estimated that 75,000 people visit the arena annually.
Proposed Improvements
Improvements at the arena would include updating the refrigeration equipment and replacing the rink floor and the dasher boards.
BALLOT QUESTION 2 PROJECT
Redwood Community Pool is 58 years old and at the end of its useful life. The proposal includes a complete replacement of the pool, pool shell, mechanical system, and support building. If approved, the new pool would replace the proposed interactive splash pad outlined in the Redwood Park Master Plan. If approved, a single building/shelter would be constructed to support the needs of the park, inclusive playground, and new pool.
QUESTION 1 | REDWOOD PARK AMENITIES | QUESTION 2 |
---|---|---|
X | Inclusive Playground | X |
X | Building/Shelter | X |
X | Courts | X |
X | Parking | X |
X | Splash Pad | |
Outdoor Pool | X | |
X | Restrooms | X |
Tax Impact, Ballot Questions, and Voting Information
QUESTION 1: Monthly Tax Impact of $66,750,000 G.O. Bonds Issues with 20-year Repayment | Home Market Value | QUESTION 2: $6,500,000 G.O. Bonds Issues with 20-year Repayment |
---|---|---|
$13.24 | $250,000 | $1.29 |
$16.31 | $300,000 | $1.59 |
$19.53 | $352,000 | $1.90 |
$22.45 | $400,000 | $2.19 |
$25.33 | $450,000 | $2.47 |
$28.15 | $500,000 | $2.74 |
Tax impact is estimated based on certain assumptions, including estimated issuance of $66,750,000 and $6,500,000 respectively in general obligation bonds with a repayment period of 20 years and estimated bond rates as of 6/30/2023.
CITY QUESTION BALLOT
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
DAKOTA COUNTY
MINNESOTA
November 7, 2023
INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS
To vote, completely fill in the oval(s) next to your choice(s) like this: ⬬
__________________________________________________
To vote for a question, fill in the oval next to the word "YES" for that question. To vote against a question, fill in the oval next to the word "NO" for that question.
QUESTION NO. 1 CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENT OF
PARKS & RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
"Shall the City of Apple Valley be authorized to issue its general obligation bonds, in an amount not to exceed $66,750,000.00 to provide funds for (i) the improvement of the city's park system and facilities, improvements to existing recreational trails and the construction of new recreational trails and the preservation of natural resources, (ii) improvements to the Apple Valley Community Center/Apple Valley Senior & Events Center, the Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center, the Hayes Arena and (iii) the construction of a youth baseball/softball complex."
⬭ YES
⬭ NO
BY VOTING "YES" ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION,
YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.
CITY QUESTION BALLOT
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
DAKOTA COUNTY
MINNESOTA
November 7, 2023
INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS
To vote, completely fill in the oval(s) next to your choice(s) like this: ⬬
__________________________________________________
To vote for a question, fill in the oval next to the word "YES" for that question. To vote against a question, fill in the oval next to the word "NO" for that question.
QUESTION NO. 2 CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENT
OF REDWOOD MUNICIPAL POOL
"If City of Apple Valley question 1 is approved, shall the City of Apple Valley be authorized to issue its general obligation bonds, in an amount not to exceed $6,500,000.00 to provide funds for construction of a municipal swimming pool and related facilities at Redwood Park."
⬭ YES
⬭ NO
BY VOTING "YES" ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION,
YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.
Voting Information
You must be a registered Apple Valley resident to vote. Not registered? You can save time and register now by clicking on this link or registering at the polls on Election Day. To vote for a question, fill in the oval next to the word "YES" for that question. To vote against a question, fill in the oval next to the word "NO" for that question.
Absentee Voting
Absentee voting begins Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. Residents may request an absentee ballot by contacting Dakota County Elections at elections@co.dakota.mn.us. You may also vote in person at the Apple Valley Municipal Center or Dakota County Western Service Center. Voted absentee ballots must be received at the City or County by 8 p.m. on Nov. 7, 2023. Click here for more information.
Direct Balloting
Direct balloting runs from Friday, Oct. 20 through Monday, Nov. 6, 2023. Direct balloting allows residents who vote in person to place their ballot directly into a ballot counter instead of sealing it into an envelope for later processing. Both the Apple Valley Municipal Center, located at 7100 147th St. W., and the Dakota County Western Service Center, located at 14955 Galaxie Avenue, will offer direct balloting beginning Oct. 20, 2023. Both locations will also be open for voting on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Voting at the Polls
Vote on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, from 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
Find Your Polling Place and More Information
Click here to find your polling place and more information about voting.
Stay Engaged and Informed
We encourage residents to talk with their neighbors and spread the word so everyone is aware of what is being considered. If you have questions, please contact Eric Carlson, Parks and Recreation Director, by email at eric.carlson@applevalleymn.gov or by phone at (952) 953-2310.
- Why is the City putting forward an investment plan for the park system at this time?
-
As our City has grown, there has been an increased demand of our parks and recreation system. Reinvesting in our City's parks, trails, and recreational facilities will help us continue to provide for our residents, protect property values, enhance the natural environment, attract new residents, and draw visitors to local businesses, which helps support the local economy. The Parks Referendum is being presented as a direct response to residents’ requests for improvements to our parks system. After thorough research and public input, the proposed projects have been identified as priorities by the community.
- What is the plan the City is proposing to voters?
-
After gathering valuable input from residents and parks and recreation system users over the last two years, the City has developed a two-question Parks Referendum plan, Question 1 asks residents to consider an investment of $66,750,000 to fund priorities outlined by the community. The investment plan would include:
- Improve Trails
- Protect Natural Resources
- Preserve Existing Park System Amenities
- Reinvest in the Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center
- Improve the Apple Valley Community Center and Senior & Event Centers
- Implement the Redwood Park Master Plan
- Implement the Kelley Park Master Plan
- Construct a Youth Baseball and Softball Complex
- Update the Mechanical Equipment at Hayes Arena
Additionally, Question 2 asks residents to consider an investment of an additional $6,500,000 to fund the replacement of the Redwood Community Pool and associated building. Question 2 can only pass if Question 1 passes.
- Who came up with this plan?
-
Apple Valley residents played a major role in shaping this investment plan. Residents were asked for their input to help establish priorities over the course of the last two years through meetings, social pinpoint comments, emails, surveys, etc. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) also played a significant role in the community engagement process. Results from two statistically accurate community phone surveys helped the PRAC narrow down options and priorities. Since then, we have continued to listen to feedback and views through events, surveys, and other activities. Based on this feedback, City staff developed a long-term plan to invest in our parks and recreation system and the services it supports.
- Will my taxes increase all at once?
-
If the referendum is successful, the City will likely sell the bonds over a three- to four-year period. This will mean that the increase in property tax impact will also be spread over three to four years.
The City may sell approximately 25% or 33% of the bonds in 2024, 2025, 2026, and/or 2027. Once bonds are sold in a particular year, they will not impact your property taxes until the following year. As an example, if the City sells bonds for four consecutive years beginning in 2024 (2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027) the increase in property tax impact would begin in 2025 and continue for four consecutive years (2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028) and then remain constant for the remainder of the 20-year period until the bonds are retired.
Question 1 Example
Tax Impact of $66,750,000 G.O. Bonds Issued with a 20-year repayment Year Bonds Sold Median Valued Home Annual Amount 2024 $16,687,500 2025 $16,687,500 $58.59 2026 $16,687,500 $58.59 2027 $16,687,500 $58.59 2028 $58.59 Total $66,750,000 $234.36 Tax impact is estimated based on certain assumptions, including a median value home valuation of $352,500 and an estimated issuance of $66,750,000 in general obligation bonds with repayment period of 20 years and estimated bond rates as of June 30, 2023.
Question 2 Example
Tax Impact of $6,500,000 G.O. Bonds Issued with a 20-year repayment YearBonds SoldMedian Valued Home Annual Amount2024$1,625,0002025$1,625,000$5.702026$1,625,000$5.702027$1,625,000$5.702028$5.70Total$6,500,000$22.80Tax impact is estimated based on certain assumptions, including a median value home valuation of $352,500 and an estimated issuance of $6,500,000 in general obligation bonds with a repayment period of 20 years and estimated bond rates as of June 30, 2023.
- If the referendum passes, is there a way for me to receive any property tax relief?
-
If the referendum passes, property owners may be eligible from the State of Minnesota for a “Special Refund” of their property tax payments if they increase over a certain percentage.
Under state current law, the special refund requirements include:
- There are no income restrictions
- You owned and lived in the same home on January 2 of each year
- Your home's net property tax increased by more than 6% in one year
- The net property tax increase was at least $100
- The increase was not because of improvements you made to the property
Program requirements are subject to change by the state. The refund is claimed on the MN Homestead Credit Refund form M1PR, it can be completed and filed electronically directly on the Department of Revenue website.
- Will the City use local contractors for this project if the Parks Referendum passes?
-
By law, any public project with a value greater than $175,000 must be bid and awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. The City will use a process that informs and encourages local bidders, while still respecting the state law. If local contractors are the low bidders, the City will use local contractors.
- Can't we wait a few more years to make improvements?
-
The longer we wait to address the issues, the more our needs are likely to grow, and the longer residents will have to wait for services and amenities that they have been asking for. Further, it's likely that construction costs will continue to increase each year. Ultimately, voters in Apple Valley will decide whether now is the right time to make these investments.
- Have Apple Valley residents been involved in the planning process?
-
Yes, a variety of local groups have shared their views and ideas, including families, civic groups, businesses, parents, and City staff. The City conducted meetings with various community groups who use our parks and recreational facilities, including senior residents, art groups, teenagers, and athletic associations. Feedback from residents continues to shape the plan and will be critical as the City moves forward with planning.
- Why aren't there detailed drawings of the proposed new construction?
-
Cities do not typically invest in developing detailed design plans until funding for a project has been authorized. If the Parks Referendum question(s) pass, more detailed drawings will be developed and available for public review, comment, and input before plans become final.
- How much will this Parks Referendum cost and how will it be funded?
-
If the referendum passes, your property taxes will increase for a period of 20 years depending on your property value. Anticipated property tax impacts for each question are as follows:
QUESTION 1:Monthly Tax Impact of $66,750,000 G.O. Bonds Issues with 20-year RepaymentHome Market Value QUESTION 2:
$6,500,000 G.O. Bonds Issues with 20-year Repayment$13.24 $250,000 $1.29 $16.31 $300,000 $1.59 $19.53 $352,000 $1.90 $22.45 $400,000 $2.19 $25.33 $450,000 $2.47 $28.15 $500,000 $2.74 Tax impact is estimated based on certain assumptions, including estimated issuance of $66,750,000 and $6,500,000 respectively in general obligation bonds with a repayment period of 20 years and estimated bond rates as of 6/30/2023.
- What are the other funding sources the City plans to use?
-
The Parks Referendum, if passed, will be the primary financial source for these improvement projects. The City will leverage referendum dollars to try and attract additional dollars through grant opportunities at the regional, state, and federal levels. Other financial contributions may include sponsorship and donations from local organizations and/or businesses.
- What is happening with the new Youth Baseball/Softball Complex?
-
As a part of Question 1, plans include creating a four (4) field youth baseball/softball complex behind the Hayes Community Center by changing the configuration of four (4) existing fields that already exist. Reconfiguring the fields into a wheel-style layout is desired by youth baseball/softball to improve the experience of those players and spectators. The fields would have covered dugouts, scoreboards, irrigated turf, and approximately 240-foot outfield fences. They would be lighted for evening games/practice, which would increase the number of games/practices that can be played without purchasing more land or building more fields.
- I thought the City was going to use synthetic turf for the Youth Baseball/Softball Complex?
-
The State Legislature passed Amara's law in 2023. The law places a ban on the non-essential use of poly-fluoroalkyl (PFAS) beginning in 2032. Based on the fact that most, if not all, synthetic turf contains PFAS, the City isn’t interested in installing a product that is planned to be banned in the near future. If a synthetic turf product is proven to not contain PFAS the city would consider the product. Installing synthetic turf is advantageous to youth baseball/softball to allow for earlier access in the spring, more games to be played, fewer cancellations because of weather conditions, and less regular maintenance by park maintenance crews.
- What is happening at Redwood Park?
-
Question 1 of the Parks Referendum would provide funding for an inclusive playground, splash pad, a new building/shelter with restrooms, and new courts for basketball, volleyball, tennis, pickleball, ecuavoley, and other improvements. If Question 1 passes the existing community pool and building will be removed. Question 2 allows voters to consider the replacement of the community pool and pool building. If Questions 1 and 2 pass, Redwood Park would have an inclusive playground, a new community pool, a new building/shelter supporting the inclusive playground and community pool, and new courts for basketball, volleyball, tennis, pickleball, ecuavoley, and other improvements.
QUESTION 1 REDWOOD PARK AMENITIES QUESTION 2 X Inclusive Playground X X Building/Shelter X X Courts X X Parking X X Splash Pad Outdoor Pool X X Restrooms X - What is happening at Kelley Park?
-
The City of Apple Valley partners with the Apple Valley Arts Foundation to host the popular Music in Kelley Park concert series. The popularity of the concert series supports a slightly larger venue that will improve the experience of both the performers and concertgoers. With an improved Kelley Park, it is envisioned that additional concerts and events such as festivals, movies in the park, community theatre opportunities, private party rentals, etc., can take place.
- Will the City be making strides to improve the environment?
-
If the Parks Referendum passes, we plan to make many improvements that will benefit the environment we all live in. We will have the opportunity to:
- Utilize solar panels when it makes sense both environmentally and economically to reduce our dependence on electricity.
- Install higher-efficiency HVAC equipment to reduce our dependence on electricity and natural gas.
- Update and install LED lighting systems to reduce our dependence on electricity.
- Replace R-22 refrigeration equipment to help protect the environment.
- Recycle old playground equipment in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
- Improve our natural environment with prairies and pollinator gardens.
- Plant trees and native plant material.
- Update aquatic facility equipment/splash pads to reduce our dependence on our groundwater supply and minimize waste.
- If the Parks Referendum passes, what happens next?
-
If the Parks Referendum passes, City leaders will work to develop specific plans for each of the proposed projects. There will be public meetings scheduled for residents and neighbors to review plans before making final decisions. Improvements will likely begin in the spring of 2024 on some of the smaller projects (i.e. playgrounds, courts, trails). Some of the larger projects (Community Center, Aquatic Center, Redwood, Kelley) would take more time to plan, bid, and hire contractors. Overall, it will take three to five years to finish all the proposed projects.
- What happens if the Parks Referendum isn't approved?
-
If the Parks Referendum isn't approved, City leaders would consider various options, including an increase in property taxes, to support needed projects that are focused on safety. Many of the projects being proposed would not happen, or there would be significant delays in making improvements. City Council members believe that residents should have the opportunity to decide whether a Parks Referendum is the best way to fund these improvement projects.