“Captain Jim” Ellis leads children on a treasure hunt at the Epworth Park Festival in Bethesda. The Epworth Park Board thanks residents for voting in favor of a new, continuing levy.

BETHESDA — Village voters approved a new levy to support Epworth Park on Tuesday, passing a 1.5-mill park levy by a 331-203, according to unofficial vote otoals released on election night.

The levy will raise a property owner’s tax bill on a home with a market value of $90,000 and a taxable value of $31,500 by about 13 cents per day, or $47.25 per year.

Park board member Debbie Mason said the board got the word out to village residents, saying the levy would be necessary for maintenance, insurance and upkeep of the park facilities and reservoir ballfields.

Other expenses include mowing and maintaining the shelters and restrooms.

The park will continue to provide a location for family reunions, service group meetings and other gatherings at the park’s three shelters. The multipurpose walking trail continues to attract visitors, and Mason has pointed out the variety of activities such as fishing, basketball, baseball, playground activities and picnic spots.

She said the park has enjoyed increased use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent improvements such as bridges and landscaping were completed with the help and donations of a spirited community of residents and businesses.

Future plans include asphalting the parking lot and upgrading the fence, maintaining ballfields and installing new roofing on the dugouts.