Pleasant Hill Wants to Spend $77 Million on Parks. Here's Why.

Photo byBay Area Telegraph

PLEASANT HILL, CA - Voters in Pleasant Hill will soon decide on Measure S, a $77 million bond measure aimed at upgrading and expanding the city's parks and recreation facilities.

The Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District's Board of Directors has placed the measure on the November 5, 2024, ballot. If approved, Measure S would fund projects to modernize and improve local parks, many of which are in need of renovation.

The funds would come from the sale of bonds, with money earmarked for specific projects identified by the district. Proposed improvements include enhancing trails, playgrounds, and sports facilities.

One major project is the construction of a new park with sports fields near the Pleasant Hill Library. The community pool, which is over 70 years old, would also undergo renovation under the measure.

Other upgrades include installing accessible bathrooms in parks, improving conservation efforts through upgraded irrigation systems, and adding safety features like security fencing and lighting.

Recreational activities such as pickleball are set to benefit from expanded facilities. The measure would also fund upgrades to existing parks, including new picnic tables, shade structures, and benches.

The district plans to repair and replace paved surfaces and other grounds to eliminate safety hazards.

The cost of Measure S will be covered by property taxes, calculated based on the assessed value of homes. Homeowners would pay an estimated $19 per $100,000 of assessed value, meaning a home assessed at $500,000 would see a tax increase of about $95 annually starting in 2025.

Measure S follows the passage of Measure E in 2009, which raised $29 million for projects like the Senior Center and Teen Center. Residents will continue paying off bonds from Measure E, which cost $14.10 per $100,000 of assessed value, alongside Measure S.

To ensure the bond funds are used appropriately, Measure S includes accountability provisions. Funds must be spent only on the specific projects listed, with no more than 5% used for administrative costs.

An independent citizens' oversight committee would monitor spending, and annual performance and financial audits would be conducted and submitted to the California State Auditor.

Critics have raised concerns about the financial implications of the $77 million bond measure. The district already carries $27 million in debt from previous measures, and adding another $77 million could push its total debt to $100 million.

Voters will decide the fate of Measure S on November 5. For more details about Measure S and its impact on local residents, visit the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District's website.

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