Winamac Park Board members say they’re close to accomplishing many of the goals set out for them when the current board was established in 2016. Board President Jon Chapman reviewed the park board’s current five-year plan during last week’s meeting.
“We’re in the process of the construction getting started on the restrooms,” Chapman noted. “We’ve done the octagon building. With the grant we received, we’re going to have new equipment in the playground for the toddlers. And I just thought that leaves some other things we discussed. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s what our future highest priorities will be. But I just thought, you know, we’ve gotten some things done the last few years.”
One major project the park board hasn’t been able to complete is the installation of a new swimming pool. Board members did extensive research and almost $150,000 was raised in private donations. But the park board and town council both ended up deciding not to pursue a swimming pool, due, in part, to concerns that a drop in local income tax revenues would leave the town unable to fund its operations.
Park Board Secretary Kim Burke suggested that board members start working on their next five-year plan in 2021, since it’s due to the state early the following year. Having a five-year master plan with public input makes the park board eligible to apply for Land and Water Conservation Fund grants.
