Dubuque County Conservation is putting an $18 million bond issue to voters on November 3 for park improvements. Ever since Covid, the increased county park usage has remained strong. The county parks master plan, approved in 2021, has been the guiding force to determine project priorities. Citizens said they want clean water, natural areas and habitat, updated parks and recreation amenities, trails and connectivity, and accessibility.
However, with many types of recreational venues, such as parks, marinas, and golf courses in addition to constant water quality and land restoration projects, the Conservation Department has been juggling restoration, repairs, and maintenance as funding has diminished. The Telegraph Herald reports that the county’s approved capital expenditures have diminished from $1.6 million in 2023 to $386,187 in 2026. With such severe cuts and limited grant opportunities on the state and federal levels, the park system will suffer, according to the County Conservation Board President George Davis and County Conservation Board Director Brian Preston. Much of the bond monies will go to deferred maintenance. Preston has also explained along with these recent cuts, state funding has limited county property tax increases to 2%, so no assistance will be coming from the state soon.
The $18 million bond request will cost $6.50 per $100,000 of evaluation, thus costing the average Dubuque homeowner with a $300,000 home about $19.50 per year. The bond will be taken out in $5 million dollar increments to avoid paying extra interest.
Specific improvements listed include developing the new Locher Lake in Cascade with an entrance, boat ramp, parking lot, and pit latrine. In the future, connecting a trail to the city of Cascade is also in the works. Restoring the shoreline along the North Fork of the Maquoketa River at Locher Recreation Area is necessary as well. Other projects involve new pedestrian bridges at Swiss Valley Nature Preserve, expanding the Heritage Pond parking lot, completing streambank restoration and water trail access on the Heritage Trail, and adding primitive trails and an ADA-accessible route to the beach at Finley’s Landing. Water trail accesses are planned for Durango, Budd Road, and Twin Springs.
Allocations include 30% of the bond monies going toward habitat, stream, shoreline, and wetlands restoration and water quality projects; 40% for park infrastructure, campground and accessibility improvements, and recreation facilities; and 30% for trail improvements, connections, accessibility and parking lots as well as bridges. More specifics can be found at Dubuque County Land and Water Legacy.
Tri-State Trail Vision advocates for the passage of this bond. Trail improvements will occur in all the county parks, the Heritage Trail will be successfully maintained, and water trails and access points will be developed. Due to thoughtful leadership, the plans are specific, cost-effective, and timely. We have an excellent county park system with a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, giving the public multiple reasons to vote for the bond’s passage! Outdoor recreation is a necessity for good mental health, and we should all enjoy the lovely outdoors.
