A new foundation for the Homestead Valley Community Center will be poured sometime in the next two weeks as part of a $1.2 million renovation funded by a voter-approved measure in 2009. The County of Marin also contributed $150,000 to help fund improvements.
Construction workers are removing the existing foundation and digging trenches to prepare for the new foundation, according to Marin County Parks Principal Planner Steve Petterle. The renovation includes upgrades to accessibility for the disabled, stairs, plumbing, heating, ventilation, electrical components, and other exterior and interior work.
The Homestead Valley Community Center is just outside the Mill Valley city limits at 315 Montford Ave., off Miller Avenue.
Community Center renovation design began in January 2011 and included Parks staff and architects Goring & Straja conducting meetings regularly with community representatives. Construction began in mid-April 2013 and is scheduled to be completed in fall 2013.
“Homestead residents deserve credit for investing in their own community,” said Marin County District 4 Supervisor Steve Kinsey, who represents Homestead Valley. “Community centers strengthen neighborhoods. That's why Homestead residents deserve a high-five for reaching into their own pockets to improve the one they have. In recognition of Homestead's self-help spirit, I'm pleased the County added funds that are helping them stretch their dream.”
The County leases the Homestead Valley Community Center to the nonprofit Homestead Valley Community Association (HVCA), which offers a variety of community programs at the site. The County spends about $76,000 each year on Community Center maintenance from ad valorem taxes collected within the local community each year, and fees generated from the programs also contribute to facility maintenance.
Homestead Valley comprises County Service Area (CSA) 14 and is one of 32 CSAs in unincorporated Marin County. CSA 14 was formed in 1967 to provide local park recreation facilities and services. In 1973, voters within the boundaries of CSA 14 approved a $600,000 bond issue to acquire open space and park properties and facilities, including the Community Center.
In 1993, CSA voters in Homestead Valley approved another $300,000 bond measure primarily to provide improvements to the Community Center, and those bonds were paid off in 2001.
Revenue in CSA 14 is generated by annual ad valorem taxes, which amounted to $165,358 in 2010. Historically, 60 percent of those funds are devoted to maintenance and operation of the Community Center and 40 percent to parks and open space maintenance, including fire fuel reduction. In addition, a $60,000 contingency fund is maintained by the County.
In 2009, CSA voters approved Measure A, an additional tax of $125 per improved parcel for Community Center repair and renovation and open space fire hazard reduction. The tax affects 952 parcels, increases each year by 2 percent and does not have a sunset date. In the past three years, an average of $121,000 has been raised annually by the new tax.
The Community Center, pool and grounds are available for rent for group conferences, team-building retreats, reunions, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and other special events. It is open year-round, and the pool is open from late April through late October. For more information, call 415-388-0137.