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Parks backers stymied Medford measure failing in early returns By JIM DAVIS Do Medford voters want an indoor pool? Are they satisfied with existing parks? Were they scared by so many money measures? Supporters of a Medford parks bond were asking themselves those questions Tuesday as they saw their bond measure failing 44 percent to 56 percent, or 3,435 votes to 4,338. Jim Foucault, a Medford parks commissioner and one of the measure's main supporters, said he was surprised at the numbers. "We really need to find out what's most important to folks," Foucault said. "We're going to have to do something to improve the parks." If the measure passes, Medford will be able to use the money in the next six years to purchase new land for parks, renovate several parks and trails and build an indoor swimming pool. The $17.5 million, 20-year bond was estimated to cost taxpayers 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. That means the owner of a $100,000 home would have paid an additional $50 in property taxes each year. The Medford Parks Commission asked for the bond after years of discussions and after employing a consultant to draw up a plan for parks in Medford. The single most expensive item on the bond proved to be the most controversial: a recreation/aquatic center at Hawthorne Park. The 41,000-square-foot center would have had pools for younger and older swimmers and carried a $6.5 million price tag. Jim Kusnerik, general manager of Superior Athletic Club, organized a committee -- Fair Game -- to oppose the bond specifically because of the center, saying it would take away business from his two private clubs. He said that other club owners agreed with him, and he placed a sign outside the business calling the bond "pork." He was out of town on Tuesday night and could not be reached for comment. If the bond had passes, the city will use the money in a six-year improvement plan. In addition to the center at Hawthorne Park, the bond would buy land for six new parks -- two 25-acre community parks and four 7-acre neighborhood parks. The money also would pay for improving seven parks, doing everything from building restrooms to paying for new water fountains to bringing in new playground equipment. Also, the bond would pay for seven miles of hiking trails in Medford, completing the city's portion of the Bear Creek Greenway. The bond would pay for upgrading the Santo Center. If the bond passes, the measure would be the first successful bond for Medford parks in 25 years. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1998, Medford, Oregon USA