By HOLLY GASKILL
Kehoe Park will not be included in a proposed Designated Outdoor Recreation Area in downtown Bluffton.
DORAs, created by the state last year, allow people to hold and consume alcoholic beverages within the area boundary. There is a drafted proposal to create a DORA for downtown Bluffton to promote downtown businesses and events, as well as simplify the event permitting process. The proposal is still in the early stages.
Superintendent Brandy Fiechter said it was “very kind of them to make the offer” to include Kehoe Park but believed it might overcomplicate the park’s current event bartending. The board expressed similar sentiments and said they could reconsider after seeing feedback or potential implementation.
The board approved two change orders, adding underdrains in the pickleball court at Lancaster Park for $8,300 and $650 to pave asphalt millings on the interurban trail. Later, the board OK’ed Fiechter to pursue quotes for repaving at Roush Park.
Fiechter advised the department has received a permit for the stabilization project for the Rivergreenway and should know in July if they’ve received a necessary grant.
Fiechter also reported that a new pool shed, built by a local Scout, is nearly complete. Meanwhile, park staff learned that the baby pool will not be usable due to multiple complications. Fiechter said current plans are to break up the pool, cover it, and then move chemical storage, but it will be contingent on finances.
Also during the meeting, the board:
• Permitted to park additions from the community — a Little Free Library along the trail outside St. Joseph Catholic Church and Cook Williams Iris Garden monument.
• Recognized a $1,000 grant from Walmart for new pool chairs, a $1,177.55 donation from Lowe’s for the pool shed, $1,000 from the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission, a $500 donation for Rock Steady Boxing donation, and a $125 donation for Kehoe Park.
• Reviewed event participation, noting that 132 people have signed up for the summer miles challenge and there were 18 park pavilion rentals in May.
holly@news-banner.com
