Desert Recreation District | Measure P Frequently Asked Questions

 

Desert Recreation District (DRD) is the largest park and recreation district in California, covering 1,887 square miles and serving over 432,000 residents across the greater Coachella Valley. DRD manages and maintains more than 49 parks and recreation facilities, including parks, fitness centers, pools, and more. By contributing to healthier lifestyles, a sense of belonging, and increased tourism, DRD plays an essential role in the economic and social well-being of the region.

 What area does the Desert Recreation District serve? 

DRD serves a large swath of the Coachella Valley, including the communities of Bermuda Dunes, Cathedral City, Coachella, Indio, Indio Hills, La Quinta, Mecca, North Shore, Oasis, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Shumway Ranch, Thermal, and Thousand Palms.

What challenges does the Desert Recreation District face?

DRD currently faces an ongoing structural deficit as the costs of maintaining the parks, facilities and programs to our communities continues to rise. To maintain the financial health of DRD, budgetary reductions have been made, however, without an additional stable funding source, the Board will have to consider cutting programs and services our communities rely on.

Additionally, many DRD facilities are aging and require basic repairs and upgrades. This includes removing asbestos, lead paint and mold, providing safe drinking water, and repairing bathrooms, gas and sewer lines, and outdated electrical systems and wiring. If we do not address these issues soon, facilities maintenance costs will continue to rise and programs may be impacted.

 What is Measure P?

Desert Recreation District’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to place Measure P on the November 3, 2026 ballot. If approved by voters, funds from Measure P would be able to help:

●       Update cooling centers for residents and seniors to help during times of extreme heat

●       Help address homelessness in our parks and recreation areas

●       Provide safe drinking water at all parks and facilities

●       Update aging gas and sewer lines and remove asbestos and mold where found

●       Maintain safe and clean children’s play areas and support youth gang and drug prevention programs

●       Update park bathrooms and recreation centers

●       Clean up trash and litter at parks, trails, and open spaces

 How much would Measure P cost? 

Measure P would cost 5¢ per building square foot for those who own property within the Desert Rec boundary. This means that single-family homes would pay less than large commercial property owners. No tax would be collected on buildings smaller than 500 square feet or lots that have no buildings.  

For example, a 1,500 square foot home would be $75 per year, or $6.25 a month. 

 Would senior citizen homeowners be exempt from the cost?

Yes. Income qualifying senior citizens 65+ who own their homes would be eligible to apply for an exemption from the cost of the measure.

How can I be sure funds from Measure P would be spent as voters intended?

Measure P would include strict financial accountability:

●       All funds would be locally controlled and could not be taken by the State or used for other purposes

●       Annual audits and public financial disclosures would ensure proper use of funds

 What changes to park services are likely if there is no new funding?

Without an additional source of local funding, DRD would be forced to make significant cuts to our programming and close facilities. Iconic facilities such as the North Shore Beach and Yacht Club as well as vital community resources like the Pawley Pool in Indio may be forced to close. Programs our children and seniors depend on, critical park and recreation facilities maintenance, and the number of community services offered would have to be reduced or cut.

 Who could vote on a Measure P?

All registered voters who live within the Desert Rec District boundaries are eligible to vote on Measure P.

 What is the voting threshold needed to pass a Measure P?

Measure P would require a 66.7% yes vote to pass the parcel tax measure.
When is the election?

Measure P will be on the ballot this November 3, 2026. Ballots will be mailed to registered voters first week of October. If you have specific questions about your voter registration, please visit the Riverside Registrar of Voters’ website at www.voteinfo.net.