New Philadelphia Mayor Urges Support for Issue 9 Parks Levy
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Oct. 29, 2026) – Mayor Joel Day is asking residents to back Issue 9 — the city’s five‑year, 2.4‑mill parks and recreation levy on Tuesday’s ballot. He says the measure would generate about $1.3 million a year for upgrades across all city parks, including restroom and changing‑room improvements at Tuscora Park and plumbing repairs at the pool.
Day says Waterworks Park needs new restrooms along with ballfield, boat‑ramp, and skate‑park upgrades. Southside Community Park requires bridge and trail repairs, and the dog parks, soccer fields, pollinator garden, and parking areas all need ongoing maintenance.
He calls Issue 9 a visible investment in “one of New Philadelphia’s greatest assets.” The county auditor estimates the levy would cost residents $84 per year per $100,000 of property value.