In November 2008, the citizens of Tempe gave their approval for the largest investment ever in the city’s open space system with their approval of bonds authorizing the renovation and restoration of Tempe’s parks.
Park Renovation Construction
However, the majority of all City of Tempe Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), including all Park Renovation construction projects, were put on hold until sometime in the future when the current economic situation changes. Property valuations have been declining significantly in the last few years. This is the basis for the taxes which support the various CIP projects throughout the City. As the property valuations have declined, so has the amount of tax revenue based on those valuations.
With the decreased property valuations, the City is now at its bonding capacity limit. It can't sell any new bonds to pay for any new construction such as park renovations, a fire station, street projects, etc. While we were given the approval by the voters and Council for these projects, we no longer have the revenue or bonding capacity to sell new bonds for the construction of these projects. The majority of the property tax revenue must go towards the payment of those bonds already sold.
The renovation of Hallman, Daley, Scudder, Goodwin, Clark and all other park renovations are on hold for the foreseeable future.
Council Approved Park Renovation Priority List
Approved Park Renovation Master Plans
• Evelyn Hallman Park
• Daley Park
• Scudder Park
• Goodwin Park
• Clark Park
• Clark Park Aquatics Facility
• Svob Park
• Meyer Park
• Selleh Park