Some favor 'small' tax hike, parks survey shows

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Nearly 47 percent of respondents to a survey about Yakima parks said they would support a "small" tax increase for the parks division budget.

The other respondents were split between undecided and "no" votes, indicating that such a move might still face majority opposition.

Nearly 60 percent of the respondents said they were undecided about whether forming a parks district independent of the city would be a good idea, even if no additional tax dollars were required.

Although the nearly 900 respondents had concerns about finances, many of them showed enthusiastic support for recreation services in general, particularly swimming pools.

About half said they would support a tax increase for a specific facility, such as an aquatic center. Again, the rest were roughly split between being against an increase or undecided. Previous talks among Selah, Yakima and Union Gap have failed to advance the question to voters.

The results of the survey, mailed out last spring, were released last week at the first of three meetings. The parks division is using the results to prepare a comprehensive plan. The document is scheduled to be done by December or January.

Parks division director Ken Wilkinson said he is staying away from interpreting the results until the public meetings are over.

The remaining meetings are Monday at the Southeast Yakima Community Center and Tuesday at the Harman Center. Both start at 5:30 p.m.

No residents commented on the survey at the Wednesday meeting, and Wilkinson said he is hoping for more input

Franklin, Randall and Kissel were ranked as the top parks. Walking trails, pathways and open spaces were the top uses. More walking trails and swimming pools topped the list for what people wanted more of, along with pathways.

About half said they had visited the Harman Center, where many activities are held for senior citizens.

About half of the respondents said they would prefer online registration for park programs and facility rentals. The city is looking into that capability, Wilkinson said.

All but 9 percent of respondents said they thought it would be OK for the city to sell advertising in seasonal program guides in order to raise revenue. Wilkinson said that's something else he is examining.