Knox City Officials Seek DNR Funds for Upgrades at Sandy Acres

A potential project at Sandy Acres Park in has city officials seeking funds from the Department of Natural Resources.

While discussing some possible upcoming projects at last week’s city council meeting, Mayor Dennis Estok shared that City Attorney and Park Board President Autumn Ferch has been working on a grant to submit to the DNR.

If awarded, the funds would be used in order to help cover the cost of upgrading some of the amenities at Sandy Acres, the city park located near U.S. 35 and Veteran’s Parkway.

Estok mentioned some of the additions that they’re looking into, “New restrooms,new shelter, parking lot will be asphalted, new ADA side walks and a possibility of lighting the parking lot up and all that.”

Estok noted that since the grant money hasn’t come in yet, these are all just preliminary ideas that are being considered. However, the estimated cost of the project, including lighting, would be around $150,000 – $170,000.

The Mayor mentioned that they’re going after a 50/50 grant. He said since it is not in the Park Board’s budget, the City would need to come up with half of the money to cover the upgrades. He added that it could likely be feasibly split up between a few different accounts such as the River Boat and CEDIT funds.

Knox City Council Approves Final Version of 5-Year Parks Master Plan

Troyer Group Architect Mike Reese

A public hearing over the final version of 5-Year Parks Master Plan was held prior to last Thursday’s Knox City Council meeting.

Troyer Group Landscape Architect Mike Reese led the public hearing. During this process, he’s been coordinating with city officials and gathering public input about Heritage Park, Sandy Acres, Wythogan Park and potential new park. Continue reading

Wythogan Skate Park Discussed at Park Plan Public Hearing & Knox Park Board Meeting

The Wythogan Skate Park, which is currently closed and in need of repairs, was discussed during last Monday’s park plan public hearing as well as the regular Knox Park Board meeting.

During the public hearing for the 5-year Master Plan for Knox Parks, Architect Mike Reese with the Troyer Group mentioned the conditions of the skate park, saying that much of the equipment and materials are damaged and in need of upgrades. He said, judging from survey results, Knox residents were in favor of renovating the skate park rather than removing it. Continue reading

Wythogan, Heritage, Sandy Acres and Potential New Park Discussed During Public Hearing

Several community members, as well as a few city officials, sat in during Monday night’s public hearing for the Knox Parks 5-Year Master Plan.

Architect Mike Reese with the Troyer Group explained that a draft master plan was written up with suggestions from the initial public hearing, the stakeholder meetings, the community survey and recommendations from the DNR. Continue reading

One Seat was Filled and Another Opened Up at Last Night’s Knox Park Board Meeting

During Monday night’s Knox Park Board meeting, it was announced that Mayor Dennis Estok has appointed Glenn Barnes to fill Dave Comb’s seat.

Barnes is the Principal of Knox Elementary School. His perspective as someone who has hands-on, daily experience with the youth of our community will be a helpful addition to the board. Continue reading

Citizens Encouraged to Attend Public Hearing Over Knox Parks 5-Year Master Plan Tonight

A public hearing over the Knox Parks 5-Year Master Plan will be held tonight at 6 p.m. in City Hall.

The draft plan had to be submitted to the DNR by January 15th in order for the city to be eligible for potential funding for proposed park plans. Mayor Dennis Estok reported that it was turned in on time and it will be discussed during the hearing tonight.

Additionally, Troyer Group representative will discuss the results from the online survey that was conducted. Mayor Estok mentioned that more than 250 surveys were received. Continue reading

Knox Park Board Approves Requests for Summer Concession Stand Operations

Knox Park Board members approved two requests about summer concession stand operations when they met Thursday night.

Starke County Youth Baseball and Softball League President Travis Markin was permitted to continue operating out of the concession stand near the basketball court, while Knox City Police Chief Harold Smith received permission to continue running the other existing concession stand.

Park Board members also considered what to do when the new concession stand is built. Continue reading

Next Public Hearing Over Knox Parks 5-Year Master Plan to be Held in February

Last week, Mayor Dennis Estok established a date and time to hold the next public hearing over the Knox Parks 5-year Master Plan.

Estok explained that this second hearing will be held in order to go over the draft master plan that was submitted to the DNR earlier this month. The results of the online survey, which garnered more than 250 responses, will also be covered. Continue reading