Q: How do Waco’s parks contribute to the local economy?

A: The department’s contribution to the Waco economy exceeds an estimated $37 million each year. Facilities within the park system cater to local and regional groups. Cameron Park, Cameron Park East and Riverbend Park Complex attract regional and statewide audiences. In 2006, the 42 special events that Parks and Rec brought in brought in nearly $9 million, and City Athletics brought in a little more than $12 million.

Q: Which parks will receive the walking trails?

A: If approved, there will be new paved walkways installed at Mitchell Park, Crestview Park, Buena Vista Park, Seley Park, Bell’s Hill Park, Council Acres Park, Kendrick Park, Viking Hills Park, Gurley Park, Alta Vista Park, Jaycee Park, Chapel Park, Renaissance Estates Park, and Harris Creek Park. [See map.] These attractively designed trails will give Waco citizens a safe place close to home where they can walk or bike.

Q: Does anyone go to Cameron Park?

A: Yes! Not only is Cameron Park a precious commodity to Waco citizens, but it is regularly used for statewide and national events. The rugged mountain biking trails of Cameron Park are among the best in the state, drawing multiple national events each year. In addition, the disc golf course at Cameron Park is top notch, bringing scores of out-of-town visitors to Waco.

Q: Is Cameron Park safe?

A: Chief of Police Alberto Melis reports that there were only 18 reported incidents in Cameron Park in the period between May 10, 2006 and March 6, 2007. During that same period, there were 23,941 incidents reported for the entire City of Waco. In a recent Waco Tribune-Herald front page story, J. B. Smith reported that the “Cameron Park safety record is strong.”

http://www.wacotrib.com/hp/content/news/stories/2007/03/25/03252007waccameronsafe.html

One reason is that the Waco police department patrols the park in addition to a dozen park rangers. http://www.wacotrib.com/hp/content/news/stories/2007/03/25/03252007wacparkrangers.htm

With passage of the bond, Cameron Park and Cameron Park East will receive even more lighting, enabling even greater security in the sundown hours.

Q: Why is the South Waco Recreation Center being remodeled?

A: Currently the South branch of the library is housed within this Rec Center. However, the South branch library is moving out to an independent location, and the Center needs remodeling to utilize the newly vacated space. Renovations will provide a wellness area, locker rooms, toddler rooms, and more so that the Center can better serve the community. The renovations will also make the building ADA accessible.

Q: What will Waco lose if we don’t approve this bond for parks?

A: Waco will lose the potential economic impact of Cameron Park East if these improvements are not approved. The park needs the capability to support crowds in the thousands for the annual drag boat races and other such events that occur in the area. These large crowds that flood in annually need larger restrooms, improved parking, bleachers, and lighting.

If these renovations are not made, Waco will lose its standing as a premier river front for events and will lose the millions in tourist dollars that are brought in. Cameron Park East alone brought nearly $3 million into the Waco economy in 2006  through athletic events, music festivals, disc golf and horseshoe tournaments, in addition to two enormously popular drag boar races. We can’t afford not to make these improvements.

Q: How do the proposed park improvements positively affect our citizens?

A: The proposed improvements will promote tourism, benefit arts and cultural programs, improve public health, help children learn through parks and recreation experiences, create safer neighborhoods by protecting green residential spaces, and encourage community revitalization and engagement.