08-11-97 Parks & Recreation - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 Commtttts Ztport: Parks and Recreation Committee ir0 tit Common Counttl of the City of iboutb Ottltr: The August 11, 1997 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member James Aranowski at 4:00 p.m. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Aranowski, Pfeifer, Kelly, Broden, Varner, Ujdak, Hosinski, Coleman, Sniadecki; Mr. Cromback, Mary Jones, Phil St.Claire, Carl Littrell, Ann-Carol Simons, Judith Roberts, Jerry Hindefield, Marco Mariani and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Aranowski noted that he had requested that an updated of the River Trail in Darden Rd.Parkway Projects be presented to the committee. Judith Roberts provided a handout (Copy Attached) showing the trails both existing and proposed (Copy Attached). She noted that the overall goal is to develop trails and parkways along the St.Joseph River. Mr. Carl Littrell noted that there are several problems which will have to be addressed including easements, obstructions, interference by the boat launchings, right of ways by Pinhook Lagoon, clearance in grade crossings, etc. He noted that many of these areas are governed by the Department of Natural Resources who have the ultimate control and that proper permits in flood ways would be necessary. He also noted that in certain areas signals would be necessary for the overall project which is projected to be 3.4 miles. The anticipated cost should be approximately $112 million dollars per mile. He noted that the IUSB trail along the river cost$1 million dollars per mile. Representatives of the committee noted that there are three possible funding sources with Mr. Cromback noting that the American Greenways by DuPont has a maximum grant amount of$2,500 the National Park Service assists in planning and financial support, and the National Recreational Trails funding Act permits up to$100,000 per phase or 50% of the total project. Mr.7 Hindefield noted that there is also a competitive basis for INDOT funds through MACOG as a part of the Transportation Enhancement Funding Act. 80% would be Federal dollars with a$20 match but this would be for construction only. Council Member Aranowski noted that members of the park committee had been invited by the Parkway Committee and he believed that the entire Council should be aware of the programs being proposed. Mr. Marco Mariani then reviewed proposed plans for a park in the Southeast neighborhood. He noted that the Dean Johnson Park which was 11 acres was acquired for the construction of the Juvenile Center. The city desires to maintain a park in the area and approximately two years ago hired a Muncie Consulting Firm to make a conceptual site design for an approximate 20 acre park. It is proposed to be a water recreation facility as the acre at a cost between $7-$12 million. Council Member Broden noted that he would prefer an indoor facility if at all possible. Mr.Mariani noted that the funding for the facility would have to be addressed. Council Member Pfeifer stressed the need for a swimming facility on the west side in light of Kennedy Pool being closed quite some time ago.