By HOLLY GASKILL
Wells County Commissioners have pledged to work with the Markle Fish and Game Club Park to complete updates and renovations.
The fundraising committee for the project hopes to raise $250,000 as matching funds for a grant available through the state of Indiana. Mike Grant, Markle assistant superintendent, and Nick Lund, Markle Town Council member, discussed their fundraising efforts during the commissioners’ Tuesday meeting.
The town has a five-year plan of improvements, with renovations to the softball/baseball diamond, concessions, and concert stage area first on their list. Although the park is not within the Wells County portion of Markle, commissioners Jeff Stringer and Blake Gerber recognized that it is an asset to residents of Wells. “I know the Norwell girls’ league wears everything out out there,” Stringer said.
However, the commissioners were unable to commit a specific dollar amount to the campaign on Tuesday. They advised they would need to review their budget and discuss it with Commissioner Mike Vanover, who was absent.
The fundraising committee has already raised $100,000 for another matching grant, which can be used again as matching funds for this new grant. Grant reported the town of Markle will be voting on a $25,000 contribution, and they expect Huntington County Commissioners to commit $30,000.
Grant also stated they would be taking some money from the Markle Fish and Game Club endowment.
“In this case, we’re coming to the commissioners for an ask, but we’re going to leave that open as to what you deem fit,” Grant said.
“I don’t think we can make a commitment that large — that’s my opinion,” Gerber advised.
Grant said they also hope to install new playground equipment and build pickleball courts, an outdoor fitness area, a utility building, and a new community building, among other items.
The deadline for the grant is Feb. 2. The commissioners’ next regularly scheduled meeting is 5 p.m. Feb. 6.
holly@news-banner.com
