With economy in question, Raleigh pulls vote on Dix Park funds from November ballot

"I say this with a heavy heart," she said in asking to pull a bond referendum for city parks, including the first phase of redevelopment of Dix Park, from the November ballot.

"We have not only a pandemic to deal with but also an economic crisis looming," Baldwin said.

The issue of the parks came up Tuesday as the council wrapped up a virtual meeting with a presentation by Brad Johnson, of the parks, recreation and greenway advisory board.

"Since we asked you to do this work, so much has changed," Baldwin told Johnson.

"We are going to get through this, and I hope next year will be a great year for our parks system," she said.

The bond would have asked the voters to approve funding for maintenance and investment across the city parks system, including updates to playground equipment, new tennis courts and greenway connections.

The council was considering asking for funding at one of three levels – $150 million, $200 million or $250 million – with a sizable chunk of any total going toward converting the former Dorothea Dix Hospital property south of downtown into what planners envision as a "destination park" for the region.