The City of Kentwood will present voters with a millage proposal supporting parks and trails improvements later this year.
Kentwood’s City Commission unanimously approved a millage late last year for improving parks, trails and recreational facilities. The 1 mil proposal will appear on the August 2nd ballot. The parks advisory committee engaged with residents and business leaders reviewing current parks and trails use and demand based on community growth.
Kentwood’s park system covers more than 400 acres. It manages 15 parks and currently maintains 13 miles of non-motorized trails.
The millage would not only improve parks and trails, but also fund the construction of what’s being called a “multigenerational” community recreation center on the City campus and remake the area around City Hall into a gathering space,
The money would also expand programming and staffing.
Park improvements would be prioritized over 10 years. Trail improvements and construction would be scheduled in year one with repairs and enhancements to follow. The City campus amenities construction would coincide with the building of the new community recreation center in year two.
The millage rate of one mill equates to a residential homeowner with an assessed taxable value of $100,000 would pay $100 annually.