Voters in Stafford yesterday approved borrowing $29 million to improve parks in the county.
With all of the votes counted, the parks measure passed with 54 percent.
The money will be used to build athletic facilities, including a $6.7 million baseball complex at Chichester Park.
The bond will also fund development of the Belmont to Ferry Farm Trail, the Dominion Virginia Power Easement Trail and the Cannon Ridge Trail.
The referendum allocated $6 million to expand the number of rectangular fields in parks across the county.
Virginia American Youth Football Alliance President Travis Scott said he was happy to see the referendum pass. "This is great news. Obviously, the county is in need of more fields, so hopefully sports teams won't have to fight over fields anymore."
According to Barry Hill, general manager of the Stafford Area Soccer Association, finding space to practice in Stafford has gotten very difficult. "Right now, it's very tight," he said. "Everyone's looking for green space to use."
Area swim teams have been in a similar predicament, with only one area pool open year-round.
"The swim teams have been really tightly scheduled at our only year-round pool at Woodlands," said George Washington District Supervisor Harry Crisp.
At the polls, several Stafford residents said they were in favor of the referendum.
"I was glad to see on the ballot an opportunity to see our parks improve," said James Boyles, 54 of South Stafford.
Supervisor Mark Dudenhefer of the Garrisonville District said he was glad to see Stafford County take action. "We have a problem and this is the solution, and the people of Stafford said 'Go for it,'"
Aaron Richardson:
Email: arichardson@freelancestar.com