Columbia voters approve park sales tax extension; voter turnout is 11 percent

A park sales tax extension ballot measure has been overwhelmingly approved by Columbia voters.

Tuesday’s vote total was 7,202 in favor, with 1,760 opposed. The one-eighth cent park sales tax extension proposal required a simple majority for passage.

Columbia Parks and Recreation says the extension will generate $31-million over ten years. Boone County clerk Brianna Lennon says 10.78 percent of Columbia’s 83,000 registered voters cast ballots on Tuesday.

Parks and Recreation plans two new nature centers, four new neighborhood parks and major renovations at numerous parks, including Twin Lakes and Rock Quarry park.

There was no organized opposition to the ballot measure.