The Marshall County Parks and Recreation Department Board’s five-year master plan was recently approved by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. It was due April 15 and everyone worked hard with MACOG to get it done in time for the deadline.
As previously reported, the board went through a series of workshops and meetings with a steering group to narrow down a vision, mission statement and what the public wants to see in the county parks which include Mill Pond off of Rose Road and Memorial Forest at State Road 17 and 14th Road. The development of trails was the top answer of what the public would like to see following the release of a survey which gathered over 300 responses. Residents would also like to see more branding and marketing, and plant, wildlife, and insect identification opportunities.
Other needs include expanding access to the Yellow River to enhance recreational opportunities, build a volunteer network to enhance the park system through maintenance and fundraising activities, and develop an asset management plan to take care of the county’s park system.
The acceptance of the five-year plan allows the park board to apply for Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants to help make projects come true that are listed in the plan.
A resolution concerning the acceptance of the five-year master plan was approved by the park board members with a unanimous vote.
