Park plan and grant in the works

Debbie Blank

Six days after a draft of the Batesville park system’s five-year plan was submitted to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Dec. 24, officials responded with “some great comments” on how to improve the final version. “I think we got a lot of positive feedback from them, things that are easily addressed,” consultant Eric Frey, Administrative Resources association, Columbus, director, told the Batesville Parks and Recreation Board Jan. 21.

The public hearing that sought parks input was attended by four, who didn’t speak.

He reported, “I saw over and over again in the surveys ... (Batesville residents) thought the parks facilities were wonderful. The primary focus would be to maintain" spaces and equipment in their current shape.

Frey advised another priority is to decide on ways to expand. “Those can be weighed if funding is found.” In the document, he mentioned three possible sites for future recreational areas: near the Kroger shopping center, Farmington Estates and Quail Meadows.

BPRB President Bob Fitzpatrick said three or four lots in Quail Meadows “were assigned to the city” by Batesville Tool & Die if they still can be used for employee outings.

As the final plan tweaks are occurring, board member Don Karbowski said, “I think it looks good.” Fitzpatrick noted, “The public pretty much understands we could do a whole lot more if we had the money ... (Parks Commissioner Mike Baumer) does a tremendous job trying to keep us up to date, and moving as much as possible toward some of these goals.”

Frey emphasized one of the plan’s goals: “make the most of funding.” He recommended creating a foundation to tap into resources. After BPRB appoints a committee, those persons could model foundation bylaws after the Columbus Park Foundation, Frey suggested. In addition to seeking state and federal funds, foundation leaders could add “facilities that are revenue streams” through rental or user fees.

Already Baumer is working on an IDNR grant application that’s due in May. The plan, which must be in place before its submission, is due April 15. Frey told Baumer that Trena Carter, ARa municipal programs manager, could assist him. “Those trail grant (applications) are a little more complicated.”

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