What Will The 2025 Levy Resources Be Used For?

The three major capital initiatives for the GRD 5-Year Operating Levy are the Rotary Pavilion (at RVP, includes restrooms and concessions), the Wildwood Playground safety surface, and Pickleball Courts. The aforementioned list is not in any specific order. The GRD will continue to aggressively seek grants and private funding when it is appropriate to stretch the community’s tax dollars.

The operating initiatives will remain the same as the previous levy — Maintenance/Capital Equipment, Increasing Programming, Support Staff, and Medical Benefits — where we will strive to enhance our programming and facilities, while efficiently managing resources and minimizing expenses.

Does This Levy Have Anything To Do With The Discussion About A Community Center And/Or Pool?

This operating levy was and is entirely autonomous from that discussion. If you would like to learn more about this discussion, please don't hesitate to contact the Executive Director of the GRD, Andy Wildman, or a Board of Trustees member.

When Will I Be Able To Use A “Real” Restroom At RVP?

The Rotary Pavilion at RVP, including public restrooms and a concession stand, is one of the district’s priorities. Some of the architectural work and project permitting, specifically in the floodplain, has already been completed. Additional permits will need to be obtained as we proceed. The district is reluctant to announce a completion date as the permitting process is outside of our control. However, the project remains one of our top priorities, and we will move as quickly as possible to bring it to fruition.

What Is The Situation Of the Playground Safety Surface At Wildwood Park?

We are aware that the pour-in-place safety surface needs to be replaced. The average life expectancy of such a surface is 8-10 years, depending on usage and foot traffic. The playground was reconstructed in 2017. We are examining multiple options for replacing the surface, and other additional structures to mitigate the heat generated by the previous material on the surface and how we might incorporate some shading for sun relief. The GRD is collecting quotes to replace the surface, as this is one of the GRD’s priority projects.

How Much Does This Cost Me?

This is a renewal 5-year, 0.75 mill operating levy. For every $100K of home value, that equates to $1.50 per month in taxes OR $18 per year. This renewal levy will expire at the end of the year 2030.

What Is The Current Status Of The Cyber Incident Involving The GRD?

The GRD and its entire leadership team continue to diligently work through the Cyber Incident identified on January 29th, 2024. We are working with industry experts, and based on their advice, we cannot go into detail about the incident. We can report that the GRD has not spent taxpayer money to solve this issue. The GRD’s leadership team takes responsibility for managing the community tax money seriously. The community’s trust in the district’s fiduciary responsibility is paramount for the future. Our goal was not to allow the incident to affect daily programming and facility management negatively; we have accomplished that and more, having a record year. We look forward to being able to share the details of the incident when it is appropriate.

How Was The Money Spent That Was Generated From The 2020 Levy?

​In November 2020, Granville voters approved a 0.75-mill, five-year operating levy to support the Granville Recreation District (GRD), generating approximately $384,525 annually through 2025. These funds have been allocated to both capital improvement projects and operating expenses.​

Capital Improvement Projects:

• COMPLETED Paved Parking Lots: GRD contracted with the Shelley Company to pave gravel parking lots at Raccoon Valley Park and Wildwood Park for $713,093.04. The pavement project was completed in the Fall of 2023. Some areas remained gravel due to floodway designations.

• COMPLETED New Maintenance Facility: Raccoon Valley Park's new maintenance facility was completed in December 2022. The previous facility was repurposed to store program materials, ranging from arts and crafts supplies to sports equipment. The new facility is climate-controlled, which should increase the life expectancy of maintenance equipment. ​

• New Rotary Pavilion with Upgraded Concession Stand and Restrooms: To enhance park facilities, plans include constructing a pavilion featuring an upgraded concession stand and restrooms. The Rotary Club of Granville has committed ​$100,000 towards the project.

• Pickleball Courts: The addition of pickleball courts was part of the improvement plans to diversify recreational offerings in Granville. The original concept was to construct two courts. We now aim to raise additional resources, thereby increasing the district’s capacity to build more than two courts.

Operating Expenses:

• Maintenance Equipment: Updating maintenance equipment is a crucial aspect of an organization’s ability to maintain its properties. Since 2020, the GRD purchased an ABI Infield Groomer, a Kubota tractor, a zero-turn mower, and a new maintenance truck. These purchases allow us to effectively and efficiently maintain these properties and their ever-increasing usages.

• Increased Programming: The GRD is always looking to add to it robust inventory of programs. Recently added programs include driver’s education, select soccer, additional summer camps, and after-school programming

• Capital Equipment: There is always a need for ongoing capital, such as fencing, storage sheds, wrestling mats, new water lines, and bridge work (trailways.) This equipment has a longer life expectancy than direct supplies and requires minimal general maintenance. The GRD has made an effort to plan expenses effectively, aiming to avoid deferring purchases. 

• Support Staff: The district successfully hired additional staff to support programming and maintenance efforts.

• Medical Benefits: Since the inception of the GRD in 2010, the district has not had a sustainable medical benefits plan. In the fall of 2021, in collaboration with Creekstone Benefits, the district developed a sustainable benefits package. The cost of insurance per employee is currently under $10,000, which enables the district to obtain and retain quality staff.