Proposition 3 - $3.9 Million in G.O. Bonds for Artificial Turf Fields

Q: What is the purpose of Proposition 3?
A: If Proposition 3 is approved, artificial turf surfaces and drainage would be installed at the Adair- Kennedy baseball facility and the Melvin Park softball facility. The turf surfacing would be similar to the surfacing at the small field adjacent to the Juneau- Douglas High School. When not reserved for baseball/ softball games or practices, the fields could be used for other sports including football and soccer.

Q: Why construct artificial turf fields at Adair- Kennedy and Melvin Parks?
A: Softball and baseball players have long sought turf fields, in large part because Juneau’s weather limits the length of outdoor sport seasons and most of Juneau’s sports fields are hard, devoid of grass, rocky and, often, quite muddy. Players using artificial turf experience fewer injuries, in part because the fields include granulated rubber infill that absorbs the impact of falls and also because turf fields can be safely used during more types of Juneau weather, providing a stable surface and ample traction for players to run, slide, and pivot. Players also like turf because it allows increased playing time (snow melts more quickly, allowing players access to the fields earlier in the spring).

Q: If Proposition 3 is approved, how will it affect property taxes in Juneau?
A: The CBJ estimates that the total debt service costs, assuming an interest rate of 4.6%, will be $495,000 annually. This amount of debt service would require an annual tax levy of $12 per $100,000 of assessed property value for each of the next ten years.