This has been an exciting week at the Parks Department as we have officially awarded the Lancaster Park Bids. We are pleased that the work is being performed by local companies who bid on the project very competitively. The anticipated completion of the park is Dec. 1.
This project has been a long journey and wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community and many generous donors. We want to thank Northern Wells Community Schools for the land donation that also served as matching funds for the grant and the Wells County Foundation for holding the property on our behalf per the grant requirements. We want to express our deepest gratitude to the following donors who made this park possible:
Major Donors: Dave & Kris Troxel; Patti Troxel and In Memory of Dick Troxel; Caylor-Nickel Foundation; Chip & Kim Mann.
Donors: Indiana Physical Therapy; National Oil & Gas; Greg and Rachel Roembke and Family; Roger and Marge Thornton and Family.
Contributors: Richard and Marilyn Kleinknight.
The timing for this park will coincide with the extension of the Interurban Trail that has been awarded through a Next Level Trails grant. We are in the final review stages with INDOT and hope to put the project to bid in the next month or so. We are thrilled to see both projects move forward simultaneously and would like to thank the donors for providing matching funds for the Trail grant.
Major Donors: Wells County Foundation; Caylor-Nickel Foundation.
Donors: Teachers Credit Union; Steven and Yvette Huggins; Dave & Kris Troxel; Patti Troxel and In Memory of Dick Troxel.
Contributors: Robert Troxel Premier Truck Rental; First Bank of Berne; Wells County Trails; Adamswells Internet Telecom TV; Honegger, Ringger & Co, Inc; Bluffton Animal Clinic; Family Ford of Bluffton; General Manufacturing; Coldwell Banker Holloway; Moose Lodge, Inc Bluffton 242; Brad and Molly Hoag; Gerald and Diann Tonner; and an anonymous donor.
Our third major grant award from the Land and River Enhancement (LARE) program will begin next week as two Cardno, Inc. employees will be in town to visually inspect the Wabash River banks. They will conduct studies on the condition of our river and create a plan to address the major concerns by the end of this year. We can use this information to pursue additional grants and sure up the banks to prevent erosion from affecting the trail.
Did you know the Bluffton Parks Department sends monthly e-mails of fun events, concerts, races, and activities for all ages? Sign up today and have fun with us. To be added to this list, e-mail the park office at parks@blufftonindiana.gov or send us a Facebook message with your e-mail address.
Time is running out to purchase Princess Tea Party tickets to meet Merida. The event is on Saturday, April 15, at 12:30 p.m. The day will include sipping tea, tasting cookies, dancing, singing, a craft, and plenty of time for photos and autographs. Princess or dressy attire is appropriate. Tickets will be sold at the Clerk Treasurer’s office in City Hall (128 E. Market St.) Youth tickets cost $15, and adults are $10.
Remember, the community is invited to Roush Park today at noon to enjoy an egg hunt provided by Faith Baptist Church in Berne.
Have a great week!
