Next week, Urbana voters will decide on a proposed referendum that will provide more support to the Urbana Park District by boosting property taxes. Even though on the surface it seems like a matter students should have little concern about, that isn’t the case.

If passed, the referendum would increase the tax rate 25 cents per 100 dollars of assessed value, bringing the rate to 95 cents up from 70 cents. Under the new rate, the owner of a 250,000 dollar property would pay an additional 207 dollars in property taxes a year.

To cope, it’s likely that Urbana landlords will raise rent prices for everyone, including students. The question for students then becomes, “Is it worth it?”

For anyone who’s visited one of our local parks or who has taken advantage of its recreation programs and facilities, the answer is a no-brainer. But to the average student, who may not have a lot of familiarity with Crystal Lake Park or any of the other facilities available to students, the prospect of paying to support community recreation centers and natural areas when the University campus has these things already may seem like an unnecessary burden, even with refunds for some student fees available.

However, this referendum presents an opportunity for us to give back.

Far too often, the student body is criticized as being disengaged, unattached and generally apathetic about anything that doesn’t involve getting our degrees, getting jobs and getting out of Champaign-Urbana. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.

By paying a little bit more every month, we can ensure the Urbana Park District is able to keep up with increasing costs to maintain and expand a mutually beneficial part of this community. More than that, we can ensure that we leave this place a little better off than we came.

It’s no secret that university communities who have a strong connection with their surrounding communities enjoy advantages and opportunities others can only wish for. Not only does a great park system improve property values, it also enhances the reputation of the institution that supports it.

If the referendum passes, students should consider taking advantage of the services that the park district provides not only for their own benefit but to support something that will be here and available for others to use long after we’ve moved on.

Many people plant trees to leave their mark on places they’ve been. We’re lucky to have a tree, of sorts, already here. It’s worth taking care of for others to enjoy.