Derby is well-known for its extensive parks system. Our parks staff manages more than 500 acres of parkland, 20 developed parks and 14 green spaces, including playground structures and a variety of equipment and landscaping. 

Parks and trails maintenance and improvements were identified as a top priority by Derby residents in the 2023 Community Survey. City Council intends to spend 45% of the new Derby Difference sales tax on parks and trails maintenance and improvements that is estimated to generate ~$45M in revenue. 

The 2022 parks master plan identified nearly $90 million worth of maintenance and improvement items for the city's park systems. While the proposed Derby Difference sales tax would not be able to fund all of the proposed improvements in the Master Plan, it would provide funding to allow many to occur. Examples of sales tax projects include the following:

• Revitalization of several neighborhood parks including playground updates, restrooms and shade structures. See Amber Ridge Park rendering example. 
• Neighborhood park improvements proposed in the first few years of the sales tax include Crane Park, Woodlawn Park, Spring Creek Park and Riley Park. 
• Redevelopment of Derby's larger parks (High, Garrett and Hand Park). Amenity improvement examples include splash pads, pickleball courts, enhanced trails and field improvements. See park concept plans. 
• Renewal of playground and ballfield turf areas for Madison Avenue Central, Garrett, and High Park
• Trail maintenance and improvements
• Rock River Rapids improvements
• Decarsky Park Phase 2 completion. See park renderings. 
• Skate Park improvements
• The purchase of parks equipment such as mowers, tractors, skid steers, trucks, etc. using sales tax funds rather than the general fund (property tax) typically used to purchase them.