Park district is the right answer

Published 12:43 am Friday, October 3, 2008

First, I would like to congratulate the North Bend city staff, forward-thinking members of the City Council and the County Council for their efforts in supporting the creation of a metropolitan park district to save Si View.

City staff and many members of the task force created to look at alternatives for saving Si View spent countless hours working out a reasonable plan – specifically, Susan Kelly and Gardiner Vinnedge, as well as city staffers Sara Barry, Tonie Cook and Mayor Joan Simpson.

Why is a metropolitan park district the right answer? Because it can control its own destiny, through the voters and its elected board. Five members of the community would be elected to serve on the board to oversee operations. They would develop budgets, control spending and push programming to offset expenses. The board members would have a vested interest in the facility and its continuing success.

Control of the facility would also gain a more regional approach since the board members can live anywhere within the district, not just within the city.

So the plan proposed is not North Bend taking over the facility, but a park district including everyone with a 98045 ZIP code taking it over. The city, which is in its own financial crisis, would not bear the burden.

But the voters will decide.

Voters in the 98045 ZIP code will be asked to allow the formation of this Si View Metropolitan Park District in February, if all goes according to plan. With a successful vote, a maintenance and operations levy can be imposed and Si View can remain open. The key here is the vote, and I urge all supporters to get out there and canvass your neighborhoods. It only takes one look to Snoqualmie where a $9 million capital bond and $745,000 in maintenance and operations costs are looming in the eyes of voters to realize that Si View is a great investment. We are getting a good facility for no capital costs and minimal maintenance and operations costs.

But I also think this is an all-or-nothing deal. We should use the money the county has designated for mothballing the facility to keep it open for as long as possible. If the vote fails, then the voters have spoken and the city of North Bend should take the property, declare a portion of it surplus, sell that portion and use the funds to maintain the piece that is not sold. For example, the building could be sold and the grounds saved for public use. I admit, it’s not a very pretty thought and that is why a “yes” vote will be so critical.

So step in where you can help. Tell your neighbors we have to save Si View.