Plans to add a series of kayak launches along the Yellow River continue to move ahead. Starke County officials have decided to pursue a Destination Development Grant of at least $50,000 from the state.
The Starke County Park Board Tuesday appointed Starke County Highway Department Office Manager Mary Perren to oversee the application process. “You could not tie this up with a prettier bow, as far as something to bring people to the area,” she told board members. “Kayaking and outdoor recreation are extremely popular.”
The project would be split into two phases. The first, planned for 2021, would include about four launches, mainly east of Knox, which would require relatively little construction. The second would include the more difficult work, mainly at locations west of Knox, the following year.
The park board agreed to hire Bob Aloi with Territorial Engineering to do the preliminary engineering required for the application process, for a cost not to exceed $2,000. That’s more than $5,000 less than the proposal previously received from Jones Petrie Rafinski, but is more limited in scope. Board Member Rik Ritzler noted that it will just be what’s needed for the initial grant application.
To get the application ready for the January 11 deadline, Perren is assembling a list of stakeholders to help with the process. That includes the Starke County Community Foundation, which could help identify funding opportunities for the required local match. Others include the Prairie Trails Club, Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, Town of North Judson, City of Knox, and the Starke County Economic Development Foundation, as well as the county park board itself.
Perren noted that projects like this not only have the potential to attract visitors, but they’re also what prospective residents and businesses are looking at. “The quality of place and quality of life are big factors for site selectors, also for people who are looking for a lower tax base, you know, more bang for your buck, if you will, who can and do commute into the city or into a more urban area,” Perren said. “And if 2020 has taught us anything, it is that it is possible for quite a few people to work remotely.”
Meanwhile, County Attorney Marty Lucas continues working to coordinate the donation of land for a launch site at State Road 23. Lucas said Dr. Walter Fritz is willing to donate about an acre of land, with enough room for a kayak launch and parking lot.
