LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Louisville voters may soon be asked whether they're willing to pay more in property taxes to improve the city's parks system.

The For Parks Education Fund, which launched Tuesday, said it's working to inform the public and begin discussions with Metro Council about placing a measure on the ballot that would ask voters whether they support raising property taxes by $0.0225 cents per $100 of taxable property to create a dedicated parks fund. 

The fund said this equates to around $1 extra per week for the average homeowner and would generate around $18 million annually for parks.

"We know there may be real questions being asked about this measure, how it would work, what it would cost, whether it is the right approach," said Brooke Pardue, the fund's chair. "Louisville deserves honest answers to all of those questions, and that is what we are here to provide." 

To reach the ballot, Metro Council would first need to vote on whether to refer the measure to voters. If it's referred to voters, Louisville residents would then vote on it directly in November. If it passed then, it would be enacted in 2027.

Phillip Brooks, who said he regularly frequents Louisville parks, especially Cherokee Park, said he's not sure how he'd vote on a tax increase but likes the idea of more funding for them.

"I'd have to take time and see," he said Tuesday. "I wouldn't mind funding the parks, building them up (and) making them more beautiful than what they already are."

There are 120 public parks in Louisville, and, if the measure was approved, the funding would only go to capital improvements, new playgrounds and pedestrian paths, community centers and green spaces. The For Parks Education Fund said Louisville's park system has $177 million in deferred maintenance.

"This conversation belongs to all of Louisville, not just the people who already have a seat at the table," Pardue said.

Metro Council President Brent Ackerson hasn't responded when asked if council members have discussed the measure.

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