Derby Allocates $40.5M in Sales Tax for Parks & Trails

Derby will dedicate 45 percent of its Derby Difference sales tax revenue to parks and trails, investing an estimated $40.5 million based on projected collections of $45 million annually.

The city manages more than 500 acres across 20 parks and 14 green spaces. A 2022 parks master plan identified nearly $90 million in needed maintenance and improvements. The sales tax funding will address many of those projects.

Initial improvements include renovations at Crane Park, Woodlawn Park, Spring Creek Park and Riley Park, with updates to playgrounds, restrooms and shade structures. The city also will redevelop High Park, Garrett Park and Hand Park, adding splash pads, pickleball courts, enhanced trails and field improvements.

Additional work includes turf replacement at Madison Avenue Central, playground and ballfield resurfacing, trail maintenance, skate park improvements and completion of Decarsky Park Phase 2. The city will use sales tax funds to purchase equipment including mowers, tractors and trucks, freeing general fund dollars for other priorities.

Voters approved the Derby Difference sales tax to address infrastructure needs without raising property taxes.