A massive $22.1 million parks and recreation bond was passed in Webster Groves on Tuesday, giving the city the green light to begin the journey of myriad projects under the umbrella “Destination WG!”
The funding will be used for what city leaders call a once-in-a-lifetime, transformational investment for the city — beginning with the full replacement of its aging aquatic center.
More than 66% of voters favored the bond, Prop W, according to unofficial election results from St. Louis County — securing the minimum four-sevenths supermajority (more than 57.14%) needed to pass.
“I am grateful for the strong support of our community for Proposition W,” Webster Groves Mayor Laura Arnold said. “Our voters have once again made a clear statement in favor of a vibrant and exciting parks and recreation system, and committed the resources needed to achieve it.
“I hope that all our community engages fully in our community conversations during the planning of each of the projects in the Destination WG! portfolio,” she continued. “No matter your vote, these are projects we will all enjoy for years to come.”
The bond is a no-tax-increase measure, meaning the city will extend its existing debt rate without raising taxes by selling up to $22.1 million in bonds to fund the projects.
In addition to a flagship project — a $12 million water park — a dozen others have been slated. Those projects have been deemed “likely,” pending the actual costs for each investment following research and design expenses, which will also be funded by the bond money.
The list includes a $2.5 million outdoor performance park (also being referred to as a civic space); a new park at the city’s entrance on Big Bend near Maplewood; a splash pad and water play features at Ivory Crocket Park; the replacement of the city’s skate park; walking paths at Southwest, Larson and Memorial parks; ice arena repairs and improvements including reconstructing the rink slab, bleacher replacements, an ice arena cooling tower and HVAC in the rink lockers; ADA playground features; installation of solar panels in parks and recreation facilities; tennis court repairs; athletic field upgrades; and replacement and improvement of park building roofs, restrooms and other facilities.
Collectively, “Destination WG!” will allow the city to reenvision its park spaces for the next several decades, according to Webster Groves Parks and Recreation Director Scott Davis.
With voter authorization secured, city leaders are already moving forward.
During a city council meeting Tuesday night, Webster Groves council members unanimously approved (on condition of Prop W passing) an owner’s representative services contract with Avison Young of Brentwood not to exceed $132,500.
City officials said an owner’s representative brings considerable experience and knowledge of construction to the table on behalf of the city. The firm will represent the city’s interests throughout the water park’s construction process.
Details of the proposition drew criticism from some residents for not including an indoor pool as part of the city’s aquatic center replacement project.
City officials struggled with the decision, concerned that annual operating expenses would leave the city with a recurring deficit of nearly $260,000.
The new water park will, however, be built to provide a foundation for an indoor pool if the community chooses to approve separate funding for it in the future, officials said.
The outdoor performance park being planned at Memorial Park has been identified, in part, for its proximity to the city’s water park and its opportunity to be used for events and activities there as well.
Webster Groves City Manager Marie Peoples thanked residents on Wednesday for their support.
“The passage of Prop W marks a significant investment in parks and recreation amenities that will benefit residents now and well into the future,” Peoples said. “We now embark on the next phase: Engaging in community conversations to plan specific project-related amenities in preparation for construction and implementation. Stay tuned for upcoming community engagement events.”
10 Charter Amendments Passed By Voters
Voters on Tuesday also approved all 10 amendments to the city’s charter, which were proposed following a year-long comprehensive review by a board comprised of citizens. Each required a simple majority to pass.
The amendments bring the city’s charter, which had not been fully reviewed since the 1960s, up to date and in line with federal and state laws.
An amendment eliminating the requirement that the city judge be a resident and elector of Webster Groves was the only change that passed by a small margin, with about 55% of the vote, according to unofficial St. Louis County election results.
City Manager Peoples thanked voters for digging into the technical nature of the charter amendments and helping bring the charter in line with state law and reflecting who Webster Groves is as a city.
“We also owe a debt of gratitude to the Charter Review Advisory Board for their work on reviewing and proposing charter amendments,” she said.
Additional recommended charter changes — such as increasing council member and mayor compensation, and moving to a hybrid representation system comprised of both ward-based and at-large council members — will require additional discussion and are expected to be put to voters on future ballots.
Hasemeier
Three Candidates For 3 Positions On Council
In addition to Prop W and the charter amendments, Webster Groves’ April 2 ballot included three city council members for three open seats.
Newcomer Jamie Hasemeier will join incumbents Karen Alexander and Emerson Smith on the Webster Groves City Council. Council Member Sarah Richardson did not seek reelection and Hasemeier filed for the open seat, but an election was still required to be held due to Webster’s population.
Hasemeier has served on the Webster Groves Sustainability Commission for several years, two of those as chair. She and her husband are raising their four children in Webster.
