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1. Don’t my property taxes pay for Liberty’s parks?

Did you know that the average family in Liberty pays $37.50 a year in property taxes to support parks? That means each and every family member has access to the parks, playgrounds, trails, tennis courts, disc golf course, dog park, play fields, spraygrounds, and more, for less than $3.15 per month. Tax dollars actually fund only about 18% of the funding needed to operate the Parks and Recreation Department facilities, programs, and services each year

2. How responsible is the department with tax dollars?

Liberty Parks & Rec staff works hard to be responsible with tax dollars afforded to the department. The department generates between 66-70 percent of its operating costs through fees and charges annually, which is more than double the national average. Studies show the average Parks and Recreation agency recovers its operating costs only 29-34 percent through fees and charges for programs and services.

3. Why can’t we recover 100% of our operating costs like a for-profit business would?

The simple answer is because the Parks & Recreation Department is not a for-profit agency. As an arm of local government, it is expected that we do not turn away families or children in need and that we utilize our facilities in partnership with other public agencies to best serve taxpayers. Ensuring school students have space for theater activities or the Silver Center has space to convene, or high school swim teams’ needs are met are just a few of the expectations placed on our parks and recreation facilities.

4. What kinds of opportunities do we subsidize outside of our community partnerships?

Liberty Parks & Rec does not turn away any child because of the family’s inability to pay.  With the Foundation’s help we are able to offer program and youth sport scholarships to families who qualify for free and reduced lunch programs at the schools.  The department also subsidizes about $20,000 per year in Liberty Community Center memberships for families in need, for which there is no reimbursement.

5. Can’t we get grants to help offset costs?

Sure, and we do. The department regularly applies for and receives grants for specific programs and services exceeding $200,000 per year. Most grants, however, are extremely competitive and are for specific projects, not general operating costs. Others are grants intended to be passed on to residents to subsidize fees and charges paid for membership services. 

6. The City of Liberty just passed a Use Tax, part of which is dedicated to Liberty Parks & Rec projects. Why should I support the Foundation’s Annual Campaign?

Yes, the citizens of Liberty overwhelmingly supported the passage of a Use Tax on April 3.  For the Parks & Rec Department, a portion of Use Tax revenues will help fund specific capital improvements at City Park, neighborhood parks and the Liberty Community Center. Donations to the Annual Campaign helps maintain the department's annual operations that otherwise would not be covered by user fees and taxes.

7. How has the Liberty Foundation used the donations received in the past?

All donations received by the Liberty Foundation are dedicated to supporting the programs services, and facilities of the Liberty Parks and Recreation Department. 

The Liberty Parks and Recreation Foundation has been recognized widely for its youth sports and program scholarship fund. This program assists families in need with registration fee subsidies to enable children to participate in youth activities alongside their peers. In addition to supporting the foundation’s scholarship program, projects funded in 2017 include:

• $25,000 contribution to install a new playground outside of the Liberty Community Center Child Watch.  This project is made possible for supplemental funds from the Parks Special Obligation Bond.
• New lobby furniture at the Liberty Community Center. (completed)
• Funbrella shade structure around the kids’ fountain at the Liberty Community Center’s outdoor pool.
• New play equipment geared for 2-5 year-old children at one of Liberty’s existing park playgrounds.
• Video and sound equipment upgrades for the Liberty Performing Arts Theatre. (completed)

Your tax deductible contribution will support the programs and services for Liberty kids, families, and community. 

All donors will receive information at the end of the campaign year, recapping funds raised and outlining how funds were used.