Vail Valley Partnership’s board of governors encourages a “Yes” vote on the Mountain Recreation ballot initiative in May.
While increasing the cost of living through a new mill levy gives us some pause in supporting this initiative, we support the goals and outcomes of the ballot initiative and believe the pros far outweigh the cons. We are appreciative of the Mountain Recreation board members having made, in our opinion, significant and meaningful improvements to the fall 2021 ballot measure by listening to stakeholder feedback and looking to implement tiered pricing for in-district and out of district facility and program users, tying the measure to revenue rather than a flat mill levy, and adding a sunset provision – all things we support and encourage.
Of specific note to the business community, the District has reduced the tax-funding needed by increasing private fundraising based on public feedback sessions. Importantly, these facility improvements offer the ability to help provide physical space for much needed community assets such as community space for nonprofits and early childhood in addition to improving our communities’ recreational assets. The improvements add to the quality of life in western Eagle County and support our workforce. Eagle County’s demographics are changing and we must find ways to further engage and retain our younger population. The growth in western Eagle County in the past 10+ years – and forecasted growth in the next decade and more – solidify the need for improved and expanded recreational facilities throughout the district (regardless of municipal boundaries). It is our belief that this is good for the business community due to enhancements in non-ski recreation opportunities, which increases the quality of life…leading to the potential to increase employee retention and attraction.
YES FOR ALL ACCESS REC
FAQ – ALL ACCESS REC OVERVIEW – ELECTION INFORMATION
THE ISSUE
Mountain Rec’s facilities are unable to keep up with the increasing demand from our growing population. They’re missing key amenities needed to serve all ages, and due to their age, they’re in need of significant capital improvements. Their seasonality is also restrictive; there are few programs for teens and seniors, while nearly all kids programs have long waiting lists. Lastly, construction costs are on the rise. The window of possibility is closing.
THE SOLUTION
Mountain Rec has conducted extensive outreach over the past four years, collaborating with residents, businesses, governments and nonprofits to prioritize the most important improvements. The result is All Access Rec, a scaled down version of the 6A measure from last November’s ballot. It’s an investment in health and quality of life for the valley’s working families, seniors and teens.
WHAT’S CHANGED
The Mountain Rec board listened to your feedback after the November 2021 election and made changes to reflect your input. These include:
- A 33% cost reduction without sacrificing top priorities of the plan.
- A sunset provision so the increased mill levy can go away upon repayment.
- Discounts and benefits for residents of the District.
A YES VOTE BY YOU MEANS:
- Transforming current facilities into community centers for less than the cost of a Netflix subscription or a few good cups of coffee per month.
- Getting a workout in while your kids practice. Or better still, while watching your kids practice!
- Improved amenities across the district for all; baseball, softball, volleyball, pickleball, skating, hockey, soccer, lacrosse, football, swimming…you name it.
- A BIG ounce of prevention; data confirms that an active community makes fewer trips to the clinic, hospital, or mental health care provider.
- A permanent home for noonball.
- Fewer and shorter program waiting lists in Edwards, Gypsum and Eagle.
- Prioritizing a 2nd sheet of ice in Eagle, full-time year-round ice on the existing sheet.
- More fields for lacrosse, soccer, football.
- Improved locker rooms. The addition of women’s/girls locker rooms.
- Enhanced trailhead amenities and outdoor recreation programming.
- One pass for all the district’s facilities for one low rate.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
- The original cost of All Access Rec has been lowered significantly. The public’s original wish list totaled nearly 100 million dollars.
- The district’s foundation is diligently working with community partners to raise additional funds, with $6.4 million already raised. The plan and goal is to fund phases 2 and 3 via public private partnerships, with no additional cost to the public. But we have to succeed at the ballot box with phase 1 first.
- With the passage of All Access Rec, significant additional grant dollars also become possible. These funds can be used for additional amenities or to retire the mill early.
- The district’s work to reduce costs reinforces its conservative fiscal track record. Its previous mill levy increase came nearly 20 years ago, and its last bond was paid off 10 years early.
No matter where you live, you or your kids play on fields, courts and ice rinks across the district. An investment in ANY of our service hubs benefits everyone, regardless of address. All Access Rec is a wise investment in our community’s overall mental and physical health. With its passage, our parents, our kids and THEIR kids will always have a place to play. Together, we can make our valley a better place to live. Today and for generations to come.
Want more info and FACTS? Follow the links below for more information!
FAQ – ALL ACCESS REC OVERVIEW – ELECTION INFORMATION