Blue Springs parks issue should go on the ballot

After a presentation on the new park proposal by an outstanding committee’s recommendation and a unanimous vote by the City Council, the mayor vetoed it!

How very disappointing for not only those who have worked so hard on this proposal: the Park Department, those who served on the “Renew the Blue” section that made the recommendation for these projects, and the City Council. This was an effort by many that has taken over a year to develop and ready for the recommendation, and – with one person’s no vote – all efforts have been lost.

Yes, the economics of the time are difficult. Gas, food, general items are getting higher, but if we can provide recreational activities for our citizens to enjoy so they can stay in Blue Springs, gas would be saved and we would help our citizens enjoy life here. I really feel strongly that this issue should be placed on the ballot. If you agree that the citizens should have the opportunity to vote on this issue, I encourage you to contact the mayor and City Council person. We need to provide recreational opportunities for all.

Some history: A recommendation by those on the Renew the Blue committee for Community Needs, after study of more than a year, felt that the parks, a community center and upgrading of the swimming pool were needs of Blue Springs. Another committee was formed to develop the plans to turn these suggestions into reality. The committee was composed of Dave Wright, chair, RTB chair, school board, StandUp Blue Springs; Sissy Reed, City Council, Realtor; Lyle Shaver, City Council, property manager; Sheila Solon, City Council, account coordinator; Tom Woods, former mayor, builder/developer; Greg Grounds, former mayor, county legislator, attorney; Jennifer Casey, local and state PTA leader, BS EDC, parent; Kyle Jones, Chamber of Commerce, builder/developer, Lisa Franklin, BS EDC, Aquila EDC, Tom Evans, former school board, local business owner, Linda Edison, chair of Parks Board, retired educator; Todd Pelham, assistant city administrator; Christine Cates, city finance director; Merideth Parrish, city public relations director.

The proposal is for a 20-year, half-cent sales tax for parks that would have raised money for several significant projects, including a new recreation center and pool, a new indoor/outdoor pool complex, and a Southside park. Chairman Wright said the half-cent sales tax would cost a family with an annual income of $75,000 about $125 annually, assuming that they shop primarily in Blue Springs.

Blue Springs has had no significant park improvement projects, except the golf course and Grounds Park, since 1990. Lee’s Summit and Independence have both added several recreational facilities for the enjoyment of their citizens and again, Blue Springs will be falling behind in development.

I agree with Councilman Edmonson that if we do not acquire land for a park in the south side of town, it will be gone and there will not be any place for a park in that area. This is not fair to those in the south part of town. Also, Councilman Fowler reminded everyone that the swimming pool is around 30 years old and is in need of improvements that will require a new pool being built. The school district helped build the present pool and the swim teams at the Blue Springs High School use the pool, so the district would contribute 50 percent of the cost for the indoor pool. The Park Department and a citizens committee studied the pool needs and with the help and recommendation of a consultant found that a new pool was needed rather than trying to “fix-up” the present pool.

 Life in Blue Springs can offer more to our residents if we all share in this cost, so I hope that an opportunity to vote on this issue will be given to us citizens. Let the citizens decide, rather than one person making the decision for us.

Jonna Merritt lives in Blue Springs.