On the weekends, Pelican Park is full of activities. Fields are crowded with kids. There are sporting events, fundraisers and lots and lots of people. That’s why park leaders, like Director Kathy Foley, are hoping voters will see why they need a renewal of a three mil assessment.

“It is almost half of our budget, so that is what pays for mowing the grass, marking the fields, utilities, insurance and all of the other issues,” according to Foley.

The millage has been on the books since the 1980’s but leaders say it’s more critical than ever that they get the money.

Because of the park’s popularity, ABC26 Political Analyst and WGSO Political Commentator Jeff Crouere says the issue stands a good chance at the polls, “One million people use the facility every year, that’s a lot of voters so I think the people that are going to be going to the polls are going to be motivated to support it.”
 
Voters may also be motivated as well by the park’s recent expansion of services. Workers just finished Phase Three according to Foley, “Three new softball /baseball game fields, two new soccer/football fields and middle of December we’ll be opening our first skateboard park,” said Foley.
 
The park is also adding six multipurpose fields that will open in April. Foley said the money won’t be used for any construction, just to maintain the existing and new facilities.

“We like being known for clean bathrooms and good quality fields and this will allow us to be able to continue this for the public,” said Foley.
 
Crouere said timing could also be key for the park as the measure goes before voters on the next ballot.

“The turnout is going to be very low so normally that favors proponents of an issue like this either an increase or a renewal so they can mobilize their supporters and get enough people out to the polls to get it passed,” noted Crouere.
 
Voters will make the final decision on November 17th.

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