By HOLLY GASKILL
Wells County Commissioners have contributed $15,000 toward a new playground at a Markle park.
John Markley, representing the Markle Park Board, spoke with the commissioners Monday about the $120,000 project at Walk Way Park, which is on the Wells County side of the town. The board plans to add a playground for older children since the current playground is geared toward children under five.
In addition to funding from the commissioners, the town of Markle has already received $65,000 in grant funding. Markley said the board plans to request funding from the town of Markle, as well as seek other grants and fundraising. After Markley’s presentation, Commissioner Jeff Stringer said he would also personally contribute $1,000 toward the playground.
The 9.5-acre park, located behind the Markle Church of Christ, also includes a walking path. Markley highlighted the park’s proximity to area housing and the Community Harvest Food Wagon and said the board hopes to eventually add adult exercise equipment.
Also during the meeting, the commissioners approved an amendment to the county’s zoning ordinance on industrial zoning. The Area Plan Commission unanimously recommended the removal of punch presses as a automatic qualifier for heavy industrial zoning, which the commissioners accepted.
The amendment was suggested by the Bluffton Common Council after Almco Steel petitioned for the zoning for their pending expansion. The council felt that a better qualifier for heavy industrial zoning was the volume level, not just having punch presses at the facility. Area residents were also in favor of this solution, which protected the area from heavy industrial businesses in the future.
The commissioners also permitted the Wells County Health Department to seek a $25,000 reimbursable Public Health Emergency Preparedness grant. Public Health Nurse Lynn Blevins said the department could purchase a variety of materials, including inclement weather gear, tents or safety cones. He also wants to review the department’s list of emergency volunteers, which he said is out-of-date.
holly@news-banner.com
