Pleasant Hill, CA – Voters in Pleasant Hill will soon decide on Measure S, a $77 million bond measure aimed at upgrading and expanding the city’s parks and recreation facilities. The Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District’s Board of Directors placed the measure on the November 5, 2024 ballot.
If passed, Measure S would fund a range of projects designed to modernize and improve local parks, many of which are in need of renovation, the department says. The funds would come from the sale of bonds, with the money earmarked for specific projects identified by the District.
Proposed Improvements
Measure S would provide the resources to enhance trails, playgrounds, and sports facilities. One major project includes building a new park with sports fields near the Pleasant Hill Library. The community pool, which is over 70 years old, would also be renovated under the measure.
Other upgrades include installing accessible bathrooms in parks, improving conservation efforts through upgraded irrigation systems, and adding new safety features like security fencing and lighting. Popular recreational activities such as pickleball are also set to benefit from expanded facilities.
Additionally, the measure would fund upgrades to existing parks, with new picnic tables, shade structures, and benches planned. The district would also repair and replace paved surfaces and other grounds to eliminate safety hazards.
Cost to Homeowners
The cost of Measure S will be covered by property taxes, calculated based on the assessed value (AV) of homes. Homeowners would pay an estimated $19 per $100,000 of AV, meaning that a home assessed at $500,000 would see a tax increase of around $95 annually starting in 2025. The tax is based on assessed value, not market value, and homeowners can find their AV on their county tax statement.
Measure S follows the passage of Measure E in 2009, which raised $29 million for projects such as the Senior Center and Teen Center. Residents will continue paying off bonds from Measure E, which cost $14.10 per $100,000 of AV, alongside Measure S.
Accountability and Oversight
To ensure that the bond funds are used appropriately, Measure S includes several accountability provisions. The funds must be spent only on the specific projects listed in the measure, with no more than 5% of the proceeds used for administrative costs.
An independent citizens’ oversight committee would monitor the spending, and annual performance and financial audits would be conducted and submitted to the California State Auditor. The results of these audits would be made available to the public to maintain transparency.
Additionally, any entity owned or controlled by a District Board member who voted on placing Measure S on the ballot is prohibited from bidding on projects funded by the measure, further ensuring impartiality.
While Measure S promises significant improvements to Pleasant Hill’s parks, critics are raising concerns about the financial implications of the $77 million bond measure. The district already carries $27 million in debt from previous measures, and adding another $77 million could push its total debt burden to $100 million.
Next Steps
With a focus on improving parks, promoting safety, and modernizing facilities, Measure S offers a potential transformation of Pleasant Hill’s parks and recreation areas. Voters will decide its fate on November 5.
For more details about Measure S and how it may impact local residents, visit the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District’s website.
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