A skater uses a ramp at the skate park at Memorial Park in San Anselmo on March 24, 2021. (Sherry LaVars/Marin Independent Journal)
San Anselmo will restrict its Measure A parks funds for its largest and most-used park as it continues to develop new renovation plans there.
The Town Council offered consensus to staff at a meeting on April 23 to continue to channel the town’s Measure A funds — a county parks tax that provides approximately $100,000 annually — to amount to 70% for Memorial Park and 30% to the open space fund.
Mayor Eileen Burke said Memorial Park is the town’s most used recreational resource, but acknowledged other parks should have a cut of town funds outside of Measure A.
“I don’t think that means we should ignore other parks,” Burke said. “It’s just kind of where the money comes from is the real question.”
Councilmember Brian Colbert agreed.
“If you’re not a line item, then you’re constantly advocating from behind the eight ball,” he said. “I am unconvinced that there shouldn’t be some form that parks other than Memorial are taken care of.”
Measure A levies a quarter-cent sales tax to support parks and open space, sustainable agriculture and recreation in cities and towns. It was first approved in 2013 and affirmed by voters in 2022.
Since 2013, the Town Council has developed an annual plan that defines the allocation of the town’s annual Measure A funding. The 70%-30% split between Memorial Park and the open space fund was established that year and has been renewed since then.
The council averages about $100,000 a year in Measure A funds, with about $70,000 going toward Memorial Park renovations and improvements.
In total, Measure A is estimated to generate approximately $16 million per year. The town receives 4.89% annually.
Opened in 1926 at 1000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., the 3.2-acre park includes sports fields, a playground, a garden, a skate park, a snack shack, tennis and basketball courts, grassy areas, a picnic area, hiking access and restrooms.
Measure A funds have contributed to gradual improvements to the park that have cost more than $675,000.
The current master plan process being developed for Memorial Park will guide additional work there. The improvements would potentially include tennis, pickleball and futsal courts, and restrooms.
Other town parks include Creek Park, Faude Park, Hilldale Pocket Park, Imagination Park, Lansdale Park, Robson-Harrington Park and Sorich Park.
Town staff voiced their support for the decision, despite upcoming projects throughout the town and noted how a split in the funds could be used.
“If council adopts the new methodology for the allotment of Measure A funds, staff would present an annual work plan, we would look at inefficiencies and areas where resources could be used to support all town parks and recreation programming,” said Danielle Mauk, director of community services.
Stanley Radtke, chair of the Open Space Committee, said the funds were essential the purchase and preservation of open space, such as the recent acquisition of 9.5 acres in Upper Hawthorne Canyon.
“We are in agreement with that continued split,” he said.
