Sheler

Parks department director

Rainier Vista tops list for bond funds

Lacey voters pass parks measure

LIONA TANNESEN THE OLYMPIAN

LACEY -- Neighbors of the Rainier Vista Community Park should be the first to see work start on a Lacey park.

Lacey's $9.98 million parks bond became a sure winner Thursday.

The bond was passing by 62.55 percent after the second ballot count Thursday, and too few ballots remain to change the outcome.

"From my perspective, we certainly appreciate the community's support," said Jim Sheler, the Lacey Parks and Recreation Department director.

"I think it was very much a statement from the community that they want a very positive quality of life in Lacey."

About 100 ballots remain to be counted, said Carol Pfaff, an elections specialist.

Fewer than 50 absentee ballots are likely to trickle in, said Steve Homan, Thurston County elections manager.

A third count will take place Tuesday, and the election will be certified March 22.

Thirty-one percent of registered Lacey voters -- or about 5,600 -- cast their ballots. The bonds will be sold before work on the parks starts, Sheler said.

The city also will look at using some of the bond money to help get grants. Then, work should begin on Rainier Vista.

Multisport facility

The plan calls for three softball and baseball fields, soccer-field improvements, restrooms, a playground, tennis courts, picnic areas, sand volleyball courts, walkways, parking and concessions.

The city also might place a neighborhood skate park -- not to be confused with the idea for a regional park for bikes, skateboards and in-line skates -- at Rainier Vista.

The city has other options for the neighborhood skate park, but Rainier Vista makes the most sense because it is in a central location, Sheler said.

The next step will be to upgrade existing parks, including Homann, Wonderwood, Long Lake and Huntamer.

Liona Tannesen covers Lacey and courts for The Olympian. She can be reached at 360-754-5427 or ltannese@olympia.gannett.com.

On the Web:

- Election results: Lacey Park Development Bonds (Thurston County Auditor)

- City of Lacey

For more local news go to the South Sound section.

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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