By HOLLY GASKILL
After reviewing several options, the Bluffton Park Board has agreed to partner with Cardno to study the Rivergreenway for $42,000.
The study is expected to take one year and will observe best practices to preserve the Rivergreenway’s natural resources. It has been made possible through a Lake and River Enhancement Grant the city received earlier this year.
Parks Department Superintendent Brandy Fiechter said she hopes to apply for further grants to implement their recommendations.
Additionally, Fiechter said she recently applied for a grant for a scoreboard in Jefferson Park, as requested by Bluffton Youth League in October. She hopes to hear back about their application shortly.
The park board then discussed a portion of land that Life Church hopes to convey for the interurban trail. Generally, the parks department doesn’t take ownership, so they agreed to revisit the issue after they investigated to what extent the city needs to be involved.
Fiechert also recognized the success of some of their October events, with 1,980 children coming by for Halloween trick-or-treating and positive feedback for the “bites and flights” event.
Other updates were:
• The department received a memorial donation $4,115 for Allen Martin.
• The old Fold Ranger truck sold for $750.
• For 2023, both gym membership and dog park fees will be raised by $5.
• To lock in a lower price, the park board agreed to purchase pool chemicals for $29,100 ahead of schedule.
holly@news-banner.com
