Local News
Surveys first step toward developing park
Parks Dept. to ask for additional funds for land studies
By CARLA KNAPP
Pharos-Tribune associate editor
The $200,000 federal grant recently awarded to the Logansport Parks and Recreation Department will eventually help the city develop a new 80-acre sports and recreation complex. However, before the city can utilize any of the grant money, the Parks Department will need a little more.
When the new city council takes office in January, an additional appropriation for the Parks Department will be one of the first items for consideration. Parks Administrator Jan Fawley said the department will request money from the non-reverting parks operating fund to complete a boundary and topographical survey of the 80-acre Huston Park property.
Fawley indicated the study will probably cost around $11,000 but the Parks Board resolution, passes unanimously last week at the regular meeting, stipulated the department can request up to $15,000. Fawley noted that the fund has a year-end balance of more than $32,000.
Terms of the grant state that the money cannot go toward land surveys or any design or engineering studies, so that money will be used for a trail, playground, picnic shelter, parking lot and interpretive nature materials.
Because of that limitation, Fawley said the department has not yet begun the design process to develop a vision for the park.
“We’re still trying to find the money to do a professional design and engineering study,” she said.
The land, which sits north of the Eel River and south of Smith Street, was donated to the city by the Harry Huston family. The city accepted the donation in June and the land is currently being held by the Memorial Hospital Foundation so that it can be used for a match for the grant, which Fawley noted the city can apply for multiple times.
The land was donated with the stipulation that it be developed into public parks. Fawley said she hopes it can include sports fields, trails and possibly an outdoor amphitheater but any plans at this point are informal.
“We do have a serious shortage of soccer, softball and football fields. That’s in our master plan and the Huston Park will start working to relieve some of those shortages,” she said.
Fawley also noted that construction is still a long way off and that even the projects covered under the grant probably will not be ready for public use until mid to late 2009.
Carla Knapp can be contacted at (574) 732-5150 or via e-mail at carla.knapp@pharostribune.com
- Local News
-
-
A prescribed problem
Some attempt to use the police as their prescription pad. Others “shop” around for multiple doctors. A few resort to theft. Whatever the means may be, the end results are the same — the abuse and misuse of prescription drugs.
-
Scam artists target people in debt
State Attorney General Greg Zoeller has issued a warning to all Hoosiers of a widespread scam that involves bogus debt collectors preying on unsuspecting people.
-
McCrea tells story of 'My journey'
Tom McCrea built the house he lives in. He raised crops, cattle and hogs on land his ancestors first tilled generations before him. Over the years, he worked many long days supporting a family that includes two daughters and a wife he married in 1948.
-
3 area men make DOC Most Wanted list
Three men from Logansport area communities appear on the latest most wanted list from the Indiana Department of Correction.
-
Summer comes to a close
Labor Day weekend may not mark the official end of summer, but many still consider it their chance for one last summer hurrah.
-
Senior competition
It was an opportunity for more than 200 seniors to rekindle old friendships and rivalries.
-
Spencer Park sting nets 2 arrests
An undercover operation netted two arrests at Spencer Park.
-
Historic car makes special appearance
Logansport’s historic ReVere is participating in a special occasion this weekend.
-
Recovered and more
Last month, someone broke into the Emmaus Mission food pantry and stole a large quantity of meat, along with money from a cash register.
-
Restaurant lawsuit moves to federal court
With just a single sheet of paper, the city attorney says Bernadine Thimlar could open a restaurant downtown, but instead her lawsuit against the city of Logansport is headed to federal court.
- More Local News Headlines
-
