-- — When Batesville residents were surveyed in 2009 about future park upgrades, “the No. 1 thing people wanted was trails,” Batesville Parks and Recreation Board President Bob Fitzpatrick pointed out Jan. 18.

The first sign of the first phase was the recent sight of felled trees along State Road 229 at Brum Woods.

Parks Commissioner Mike Baumer and employee Larry Schutte cut down the least amount of trees to allow the 6-foot-wide handicap-accessible asphalt trail  to wind through the woods. “We’re doing most of the work ourselves to save money.” 

They also rented a chipper to crunch brush that was removed to widen and clean up the existing path in preparation for the paving.

Baumer had a surprise for the board. He already attained a $98,067 grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to construct the route from Brum Woods, south on the east side of Mulberry Street, east through a vacant lot to the corner of Pohlman and Park avenues at Liberty Park.

At a recent seminar, an IDNR official asked, “Hey, could you use an additional $51,933?” Baumer enthusiastically said yes, because that will allow the trail to go to the new baseball complex.

Kevin Foster, Schneider Engineering, Indianapolis, project manager,  is working on a drawing for the newest section. Ground will be broken by contractor Paul Rohe Co., Aurora, in March or April.

A compromise was reached about the trail’s width along Mulberry Street. The commissioner said, “It was going to be 10. A few of the neighbors voiced concerns,” so it will be 8 feet wide there.

Mayor Rick Fledderman said during the work, drainage issues along Pohlman Avenue will be taken care of. “We’re maybe going to put a four-way stop” at the Pohlman and Delaware intersection so soccer and baseball players may more safely cross the street. The council has to decide.

Fledderman said, “I think these trails could be in by mid-summer.”

Baumer reminded that this is the trail system’s first phase. If funds are found, hikers and bikers could be connected in the future to Southeastern Indiana YMCA, Batesville High School and other locations.

On another topic, Fledderman noted, “Let’s get realistic. The funds aren’t there” to make park improvements.

“The budget’s not going up. A tax rate has been set.”

City leaders try to carry over $40,000 from one year to the next to tide the parks department over until property tax dollars arrive, but in early 2012 it has around $10,000.

The mayor has asked Administrative Resources association, Columbus, consultants to lead a funding review. Pool, baseball, soccer, Liberty Park and concessions fees will be studied. He warned, “We’re going to be hard-pressed going forward to waive fees” for nonprofit groups to rent park spaces.

“I’m going to be meeting with other communities, such as North Vernon, Greensburg and possibly Columbus to see what they’re doing.”

Fledderman said he has met with swimming, soccer and baseball leaders. “I have stressed … each program is as good as the parents who manage” it.

“We have first-class facilities and offer first-class programs” and the mayor wants them to stay that way. He proposed establishing a nonprofit foundation to provide  additional parks funding.