Park board going for grant again (10/6/04)

The Portland Park Board has suffered a couple of low blows recently.

The board learned in September it had again been denied a $1.2 million grant through the Indiana Department of Transportation for the Hudson Family Park project. Also longtime board member and vice president Donald Gillespie resigned last week.

At Tuesday’s meeting, board president Neil Medler encouraged board members not to give up on the $3.4 million park project.

Medler suggested board members consider reapplying for the INDOT grant again through Hannum, Wagle & Cline, the Indianapolis engineering firm which assisted with the last grant application. Medler said this application round would be at no additional cost. The board has spent more than $60,000 planning the park.

Medler said he was confident funding for the project will be obtained.

“I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m tired of waiting on funding,” said Medler.

Medler said he and street and park department superintendent Jeff Harker, thought it might be a good idea to use the current buildings located on the park property. One of the buildings which is basically a barn could be demolished, Medler said. The building in front of it could be refurbished. The structure could be used by clubs and organizations and be the entrance to the park.

“We need to see something done, some action,” he said.

Medler asked board members to consider his suggestions before the next meeting, which is Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m.

Also Tuesday, the board heard:

•Harker say Portland Mayor Bruce Hosier had told him a new vice president would be appointed within seven to 10 days.

•Harker say that all city parks will close for the winter by the end of October.

Also, the infields of city park baseball diamonds will be roto-tilled to prepare them for the winter weather. This removes weeds and gives the dirt a chance to “breath,” he said. The work will be done as soon as Portland get some rain, said Harker.

•Board member Sharon Bubp say she has received several complaints about dogs leaving their droppings in Haynes Park. Medler suggested a city ordinance be passed requiring dog owners to pick up their dog’s waste at all city parks. Without voting, the board decided Harker should take the issue before the Portland City Council.[[In-content Ad]]