On November 8th, voters will decide on a $60 million parks and recreation General Obligation (GO) Bond. If approved, the bond will fund the development of 9 park projects throughout the city, including four brand new parks and renovations to five existing parks. These projects will include many of the features residents have requested, like new playgrounds, picnic shelters, pickleball and basketball courts, a skate park and pump track, open green space, splash pads, and more. The bond will also support the addition of 8 miles of new greenways within the park projects.

Community input led to the development of the concepts and plans for these nine park projects. More than 33,000 responses from residents during the public input process over the last six years helped determine the locations, features, and amenities the public wants at each park location.

The bond referendum includes funding for 9 total park projects spread throughout the city, allowing residents from all parts of Concord access to parks, greenways, and open green spaces.

Across all 9 projects there are:

J.E. "Jim" Ramseur Park will be located in the northwest area of Concord, near Cox Mill Elementary School. It will include open green space, an amphitheater, splash pad, adventure-obstacle playground, basketball and pickleball courts and a dog park.

Wilson Street Park will be located on the eastern side of the city and will connect to the McEachern Greenway near Cabarrus Avenue and Branchview Drive. This will be a woodland fairy themed park featuring earth formed play mounds, labyrinth maze, enchanted fairy door path, bridge crossings, outdoor classroom, and a nature playground.

The David Philips Park will be located behind the David Philips Activity Center located on Burrage Road. It will feature an activity zone, playground, archery skill training area, treehouse, orchard garden, aviary, and nature trails.

The Poplar Tent Trailhead park is located on the western part of the city and will connect to the Hector H. Henry Greenway near Cox Mill Road. This park will feature parking and restrooms for trail-goers, shelters, a playground, small cricket pitch, and open spaces.

The Marvin Caldwell Park is located in the Logan Community. Renovations at this park will include the addition of covered basketball courts, a new playground, multi-use field, splash pad, new optimist shelter, new amphitheater, new youth baseball fields, and a community garden.

James L. Dorton Park is just steps away from the Afton Village area. Renovations to this popular park include an expansion to the current parking lot, field renovations, disc golf expansion, and a new playground. This park connects to the Coddle Creek Greenway and will include renovations to the stream located along the greenway.

Hartsell Park, located in the Silver Hill neighborhood and home to the historic Hartsell High School gymnasium and classrooms, is one of the city's most popular recreation centers. Renovations to this park will include the addition of a splash pad, pickleball courts, ballfield improvements, and activity zone, and outdoor learning zone.

Academy-Gibson Park, located just off Kerr Street, will include exciting renovations such as a pump track, skate park, field renovations, pool expansion, and recreation center renovations. Another exciting feature of this park will be the sculpture garden that will connect the newly renovated park to ClearWater Arts Center and Studios.

WW Flowe Park, located just off Highway 49, is home to some of the most utilized baseball fields in the City. Renovations to this park will include open spaces for outdoor yard games, a new restroom building, a small and large dog park, pickleball courts, multi-use field renovations, new shelters, and a loop trail.

A bond referendum is a voting process that gives you, the voter, the power to decide if the city should be authorized to raise funds through the sale of bonds.

General Obligation (GO) bonds are the most effective and least costly financing option available to cities and towns for projects like these. Given the city's excellent credit rating and financial management, Concord can borrow money at low interest rates and issuance costs.

If voters approve the bond referendum on November 8th, the city will have the authority to borrow up to $60 million in GO Bonds.

The bonds must be repaid within 20 years. Financing these projects over 20 years allows future citizens who will also benefit from the projects to contribute towards paying for them.

In order to finance the annual debt service on the bonds and to cover the operation, maintenance, and capital improvements associated with these park projects, city leaders believe a future property tax rate adjustment will be needed. City leaders have indicated the maximum amount needed would be an additional 3 cents per $100 of valuation. Concord's current property tax rate is $0.48 per $100 valuation - the same rate since 2013 and significantly lower than neighboring counties and municipalities. City Council will decide on any future property tax rate adjustments.