HomeMy Public PortalAboutCHAPTER TWO SUPPLY ANALYSIS CHAPTER TWO
SUPPLY ANALYSIS
Man-Made, Historical and Cultural Features
Natural Features
History
Parks and Recreation Facilities Inventory
Programming Inventory
Progress Evaluation
Growth Trends
Maps
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Man-Made,Historical and Cultural Features
The City of Greencastle has evolved since its establishment in the early 1800's into a desirable
and bustling community. Capitalizing on it's natural features and location, Greencastle, as the
Putnam County seat, has earned prestigious recognition as One of the Best 100 Small Towns in
America, an All-American City, and as a Tree City; The downtown district has also been placed
on the National Register of Historic Places.
Governed by a Mayor and City Council, the Greencastle community boasts municipal facilities
that house the services of Administration, Public Works, Police, Fire, and Parks and Recreation
personnel. Additional community facilities include: the Putnam County Public Library,
located in downtown Greencastle; the Putnam County Airport, located on the City's east side;
the Putnam County Hospital, on the City's south side; several community churches; DePauw
University, a prestigious private college housing over 2,200 students; an Ivy Tech College
campus; and a local school system that consists of one high school, one middle school, three
elementary schools.
Public parks within the City include Robe-Ann Park, and Jaycee's Park (privately operated,
but publicly accessible,) and the People Pathways System. Additional recreational facilities in
the City area outside of those provided at educational institutions include: the Big Walnut
Sports Park, on the City's east side; Windy Hill Country Club and Old Hickory Golf Course, a
n private 9-hole course; Tee Time Golf Driving Range, on the City's south side; the Putnam
County Fairgrounds, on the City's north side; and five State recreation sites, each within 40
miles of the City.
Strip commercial and light industrial facilities are predominately located on the east and south
sides of the City along major transportation thoroughfares. The City's downtown square,
home of Putnam County's Courthouse, is located in the northwest central portion of the study
area, housing several retail shops, service businesses, and community service offices. A variety
of housing, mostly single-family structures dating to the early 20th Century, are located
throughout the City in a traditional grid pattern layout. New residential subdivisions are
located on the periphery of the community.
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Natural Features
The City of Greencastle as it is today has limited open spaces with park potential. There are
however, several small, privately-owned lots of land scattered throughout the city that could
be used for small neighborhood recreation areas. The city is also home to two facilities that
have great potential. One area that has already begun to be developed but has yet to reach its
potential is Big Walnut Sports Park. The other facility is forested land that is owned by
DePauw University but has the potential to be used by community residents for recreation.
The Greencastle natural environment is largely comprised of predominately rolling terrain,
intermittent with some sloping lands. The Big Walnut Creek Watershed area transcends the
Northwest and Southwest quadrants of the community. A US Geological Survey reveals that
the ravines etched along the Creek, have, for the most part, curtailed development in that
vicinity, yielding a topography that contains woods and wetlands, mixed with some level
plots of vacant land, providing an important drainage management role for the community.
Some of those small and flat parcels, may provide adequate access and expansion points for
future development that could serve to responsibly provide opportunities to actively integrate
the Creek into the community's character and park& recreation system.
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12
History � � �►,- ,,•�
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Greencastle's public parks s tem as established on the merits and hard work of continuous
community input, volunteerism and foresight. It's two vibrant parks, the recent addition of
Calbert Way Park and pedestrian pathway system, in conjunction with numerous other
private and public facilities provide a vital community-wide parks &recreation system for the
Greencastle area.
The Greencastle Public Parks &Recreation System originated in 1928 when John and Anna
Robe donated a parcel of land to the City. The Robes wanted the land to be used as a
playground and recreational area for the citizens and particularly for the children of
Greencastle. In 1934 the City, along with its citizens began the planning and development of
Robe-Ann Park. Under City guidance, in 1936, the High School Athletic Association assisted
the community with building Robe-Ann Parks first major facility, a softball diamond. To
facilitate further development and maintenance efforts at Robe-Ann Park, in 1937, the
Greencastle Board of Park Commissioners was created. The Greencastle Parks & Recreation
Department was next established, in 1956 by a City Council ordinance, to officially identify
Robe-Ann Park's role as a significant component of the Greencastle municipal structure. Over
the next 50 years the Board and Department developed facilities at Robe-Ann Park that
included playground equipment, basketball and tennis courts, shelter houses and a pool.
Jaycee Park was next developed and donated to the City in the 1970's by the Jaycee
organization. In 1981, the park was then leased back by the City to the Jaycee's organization.
The Jaycee Park continues to be maintained by the Jaycee's, but offers public accessibility, with
exception of the community building, which is available at a rental fee to community
members.
In the late 1980s-early 1990s the focus of the department changed to include offering r-ew ---9
programming opportunities to the citizens of Greencastle. At that time, a full-time park
director was added to the Department along with seasonal assistance staff, in an effort to more
effectively manage the recreational needs of the community. Concurrently, in 1992, the board
reorganized under state code 36-10-4.
Under the management of the restructured Board, and new Full-time Parks Department
Director, in 1992 a new aquatic facility was built at Robe-Ann Park. New playground
equipment donated by the newly formed Friends of the Park organization and a new restroom
facility were additional projects that were completed in 1995-1996. Also new shelters were
added to the facility and a significant increase in community volunteerism and new revenue
sources assisted with making much needed improvements to the park.
Programming in the past 5 years included the establishment of the highly successful S.P.A.R.K.
(Summer Program of Awareness and Recreation for Kids). S.P.A.R.K. has experienced growth
both in the number of children participating and in the number of teenage and adult — 12fmt.k E c�
volunteers that assist in the program. There have also been increases in participation in the
, Learn to Swim programs, Water Babies, Tot Day, and the 5K run. The'Concert in the Park
Series (co-sponsored with the Greencastle Civic League) has also brought more people to the
park. Swimming lessons at the Aquatic Center continued as a major draw for both children
and adults in the summertime. Other programs established, and continuing today include the
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Youth Basketball Program, Kids All-American Fishing Derby, Te s tournaments and
,.., instruction, the Easter Egg hunt, Blast Ball,Jaycee's Fireworks Celebration, Model Railroading
Class, Senior Fun &Fitness Day, the Super Shot Contest, a costume and pumpkin carving
contest, a Turkey (Free Throw Basketball) Shoot, the Backroad Bike Tour and the Greencastle
Farmer's Market, held at Robe-Ann Park. With the addition of a full-time recreation director
in 2003 the department looks forward to expanding its year-round programming.
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People Pathways, an organization dedicated to connecting the green spaces in the community
was formed in 1996, completing a pathway master plan and 5 miles of trails while working
closely with the Parks Department to achieve it's goals. Additional pathway segments are
currently in the planning stages. In 2002 the People Pathways Committee donated Calbert
Way Park to Greencastle's municipal park system. Calbert Way Park serves as the trailhead to
the Greencastle-Fillmore Trail, a 3.2 mile graveled pathway. Amenities include a gazebo with
picnic tables, community activity board, benches andp 'rig area. The current project of
People Pathways and the department is a trail s tem built djacent to Albin Pond Road which
will also contain a small park with a restroom f cility. this s tem will link Tzouanakis
Intermediate School to Deer Meadow Element School an the High School/Middle School
complex. 4.k5
In 2001, the Friends of the Park organization facilitated the acquisition and installation of the
new Emerald Palace playground at Robe-Ann Park.Also a new administration and (-1-2.2A
maintenance building and office were constructed in 2001J Most recently in 2002, a'&)mmittee
of the Friends of the Par raised funds and supplies for 4 skatepark which is currently under
construction at Robe ark. /
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Parks and Recreation Facilities Inventory
The City of Greencastle and its surrounding area includes a mix of both public and private
recreation facilities, ranging from public parks and school athletic fields to privately owned
golf courses and church recreation facilities. For the purpose of determining the provision of
total community-wide recreational services, this plan is based on the recognition that not only
the City of Greencastle, but also other private and semi-private entities currently contribute to
the provision of parks and recreational facilities. It is further recognized that non-public
facilities will continue to be provided in the future in the same proportion as they are now.
Therefore, the Community-Wide Park&Recreation System Inventory is thoroughly
documented in the following Chapter, providing an accurate depiction of the recreational
services available to the entire Greencastle community.
The City of Greencastle contains three parks and a pathway system: Robe-Ann Park, a publicly
managed and maintained park facility;Jaycee Park, a privately managed and maintained
facility, leased from the City, Calbert Way Park, a small park located at a trail-head; and the
People Pathways System, a public system of pedestrian pathways planned to connect major
community facilities with neighborhoods and schools. People Pathways is managed in
cooperation with the City by a volunteer organization.,' uu_
Robe Ann Park
This is the main park for the City of Greencastle. It's 28 acres are located on the south side of
Greencastle on State Road 231. The park contains several amenities and facilities including a
lighted softball diamond, tennis courts, outdoor basketball courts, horseshoe pits, an aquatic
center,picnic shelters and playgrounds. The park has three pavilions (or shelters) that are
rented for family reunions and other events. The park also holds an amphitheater area that
serves as the site of the Summer Concert Series that is sponsored by the ivic League and the
Parks Department. The w., * toted Putnam County Skatep
P e and storage facilities are also housed .
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Greencastle Public Parks Robe-Ann
Total City Park Land (Acres) 28
Baseball/Softball Fields 1
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Outdoor Basketball Courts
2
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Picnic Shelter Area 3
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Playgrounds 3 -- ....-„tmi. ..1._@ ,
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Football Fields 0
Soccer Fields 0 .,
Swimming Pool (outdoor) 1
Swimming Pool (indoor) 0
Gymnasium 0
Tennis Courts 5 ,, ,,,,J, _ , --.........---7...\,, . ,.,, . r-:Al
Volleyball 0 - : i '1---7 ;'4:7-gril` 1
Horseshoe Pits 2 1 vi--( • ----2.-,1, '' -1
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Community Building 0
Skatepark 1 1
Amphitheater 1 - --,s r 1 ,,.,
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Multi-use Trails 0 -• ,
Nature/Historic Sites 1 *--,..;t::,- .., .. ,
Fishing Facility/Access 0 .
Wooded/Green Space in Acres ,
2 Pond/River/Wetland in Acres
0
Restroom Facility 1
Maintenance Building 1 -' ;\l-
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Jaycee Park c1` 3 "" �J �_,,�Qd
Jaycee Park, located sou of the City on Airport Road,(was develo ed for the City�� the
Jaycee organization,and en leased back to the Jaycees in early'80s. Currently, y
Jaycees maintain the park but it remains publicly accessible: A groundskeeper maintains the
property for the Jaycees. The Park's main purpose is outdoor recreation. A small pond with
bank accessible fishing, wooded pedestrian and nature trails;pit restroom facilities, wooden
playground equipment, picnic tables, and a community meeting building are some of it's
onsite facilities. The community building is available to the public for a rental fee. Further
development of the park is currently under the control of the Jaycees.
Greencastle Public Parks Jaycee Parke- ,--'
Total City Park Land (Acres)
22
Baseball/Softball Fields 0 >T
Outdoor Basketball Courts
0
Picnic Shelter Area 2 �-
Playgrounds 1 -
Football Fields
Soccer Fields 0
Swimming Pool (outdoor) 0
✓'1 Swimming Pool (indoor) 0 "`"� `
Gymnasium 0
Tennis Courts 0
Volleyball 0
Horseshoe Pits 0
Community Building 1 r , ,-,
Skatepark 0 �'�;:r: E�-s 3 4 ,.
Amphitheater
Multi-use Trails 0 - ,1 4 ` 3
Nature/Historic Sites 0 x �• : : =`
Fishing Facility/Access 1 , , ,
Wooded/Green Space in Acres '#
10 .�,1,
Pond/River/Wetland in Acres _
8
Restroom Facility 1
Maintenance Building 0
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People Pathways
The People Pathways system of pedestrian/bicycle paths and trails is a city owned system that
was first established by an organization of interested persons and volunteers in 1996. The
system is a three-tiered planned network of signed paths, trails, a Trailhead at Calbert Way
Park, and pedestrian corridors that upon completion is intended to connect neighborhoods
with schools, parks, and other community resources. Phase 1 of Ole Pathway Plan, a crushed
stone trail from Greencastle's east side to the Town of Fillmore s i constructed 199 b -
Construction is also complete on Phase 2, which provides a route from the Commercial Place
area to the Big Walnut Sport Park. Funding for Phase 3 has been obtained (partially funding
with an ISTEA grant) and plans are underway for its construction, which is scheduled to begin
in 2004. While the design aspects of the system focused on cyclists, the system is intended to
accommodate walkers,joggers, and other pedestrian users. Two more phases of the People
Pathway System are in the planning stages. Phase 2B which is a trail around Big Walnut
Sports Park ' •' •' will link to Phase 1 and Phase 2. Phase 4, the "Health Link" will be a 7
mile pathway that 11 connect DePauw University a to the Putnam County Hospital. e -- .
Fac
This path will also c ect to DePauw's Nature Pres e. This phase also includes plans for
two neighborhood p ks along the pathway. The syst includes three types of pathways as
described below. L- c,,,A dr L.,,--c-i-
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Signed Paths: Signed paths are used to connect areas both inside and outside of Greencastle.
These signed paths are intended to connect Robe-Ann Park, all of the public schools, the
Putnam County Library, and the DePauw campus. They would also provide a route to Jaycee
Pies, Park and the Big Walnut Sports Park. Signed paths, in combination with the city sidewalk
system and shorter path segments, can provide access to these facilities from most
neighborhoods. The signs are intended to inform cyclists of useful mutes and remind
motorists that cyclists may be present.
The signed paths are to be identified through several means depending on the consistency of
the travel conditions with American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials (AASHTO) Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, the American Planning
Association's Bicycle Facility Planning (Report #459), and the United States Department of
Transportation's Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. In locations where vehicle travel
lanes exceed 12 feet in width"Bike Route" signage is to be used. In locations where vehicle
travel lanes are between 11 and 12 feet and speed limits are 35 mph. or less, "Share the Road"
signs will be used to remind motorists that bicycles may be present,but official bike paths will
not be designated. For the portions of the proposed system and those which included vehicle
lanes less than 11 feet, road widening should be included as part of any municipal street
improvement project or new subdivision. "Bike Route" signs are to replace the "Share the
Road" markers as these segments of the system are upgraded to meet safety standards.
Trails: The trail portion of the system links the City's neighborhoods with the Big Walnut
Sports Park, and the City of Greencastle with nearby Fillmore. Eventually this trail system will
provide a recreational route around the perimeter of the City. The trails are generally 8 to 10
feet in width, with an additional two-feet of graded shoulder on each side. Lockable and
removable barrier posts are to be placed at five-foot intervals at locations where the trail
crosses streets and railroads. Trail construction meets AASHTO standards.
Pedestrian Corridors: When new roads are constructed, when major improvements to existing
rights-of-way are anticipated, or when other opportunities are presented along the identified
18
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pedestrian corridors, routes are to be designed and implemented through one of the following
methods: on-street bi-directional bike paths, a separately constructed trail, or a 10' wide
sidewalk.
Greencastle Public School Sites Inventory
Five public schools comprise the Greencastle Public School System. Of the three elementary
schools within the City of Greencastle, each has an adequate large sized open area and
playgrounds. The facilities are open to the public at restricted and designated times, but do not
act as host sites for programming activities. Each facility has a gym and classrooms. Because of
school programming, gym space is at a premium.
The Middle and High School facilities are mainly used for school functions and are not readily
available for community use. The school's swimming pool is occasionally open for various
community aquatic programs. Community residents have also, at times, been able to use the
school facilities for special events during the school year, and during the summer.
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Greencastle Public Schools Deer Tzouanakis Ridpath Middle High Totals
Meadow
Total City Park Land (Acres)
15 12 5 5 10 37
Baseball/Softball Fields
2 2 2 6
Outdoor Basketball Courts
2 2 1 2 7
Picnic Shelter Area
0
Playgrounds 2 1 1 4
Football Fields 1 1 2
Soccer Fields 2 2
Swimming Pool (outdoor)
0
Swimming Pool (indoor)
1 1
Gymnasium 1 1 1 1 4
Tennis Courts 6 6
i^ Volleyball 0
Horseshoe Pits 0
Community Building
1 1 1 1 1 5
Skate Park 0
Amphitheater 0
Multi-use Trails 0
Nature/Historic Sites
0
Fishing Facility/Access
0
Wooded/Green space in Acres
3 4 1 8
Pond/River/Wetland in Acres
0
Restroom Facility 1 1 1 1 1 5
Maintenance Building
0
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Big Walnut Sports Park Inventory ,ti(1,4,
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This park is operated by a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is dte development of
eighty acres of land for a sports park for the county. The facility includes 9 soccer fields (1
lighted), 8 ball diamonds (2 lighted), and a playground. The facility also includes a
maintenance barn, a concession stand with a restroom, and three picnic shelters. The park is
planning to add walking paths. The Sports Park is currently accessible by Phase 2 of the
People Pathways trail, connecting to the Commercial Place/Avenues Area.
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Greencastle Private Recreation Big Walnut /
Facilities Sports Park 1
Total City Park Land (Acres)
80
I..
Baseball/Softball Fields 8 '
Outdoor Basketball Courts
0 4
Picnic Shelter Area 3
Playgrounds 1 r,, Ek .;
r
Football Fields 0 k: y ... .-
Soccer Fields 9 p�.... -. -_ -
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Swimming Pool (outdoor)
0
Swimming Pool (indoor)
0
Gymnasium 0
Tennis Courts 5
Volleyball 0
,,.,-
Horseshoe Pits 0
Community Building 0 ¢ , "
Skatepark 0 1
Amphitheater 0 ; f, e
Multi-use Trails 0 ��- "' ,y ,,..
Nature/Historic Sites 0
Fishing Facility/Access 0
Wooded/Green Space in Acres 0
Pond/River/Wetland in Acres 0
Restroom Facility 1
Maintenance Building 1
21
Other Recreation Areas and Facilities Inventory
DePauw University �m
DePauw University is located within the City and has extensive sports facilities. An indoor
facility contains a metric/yd. capability swimming pool, a multi-use gym, practice courts,
dance room, 2 weight rooms and classrooms. Outdoor facilities consist of sports/practice
fields and a campus square area with a small pond. Use of these facilities by the public
requires an annual membership fee. During the summer, week-long youth sports camps are
available at a fee. A university astronomy observatory offers programs open to the public for
free at various times of the year. The newest facility is the Indoor Track and Tennis Center
Windy Hill Golf and Country Club
Located just north of the City along US 231, sits the privately owned and operated Windy Hill
Golf and Country Club. The Club offers an outdoor pool, a Par 36-9 hole course, pro shop, and
a clubhouse with dining facilities on site.
Tee Time Golf Driving Range
(No information at this time)
Putnam County Fairgrounds
(No information at this time)
State Parks
Turkey Run State Park: 2,300 acres; sandstone forges, campsites, inn, cabins, pool, picnic
shelters, playground, fishing, canoe rental, naturalist, nature preserve, horse and bike rentals,
tennis, hiking, restored 1841 house, covered bridge.40 miles northwest of Greencastle.
McCormick's Creek State Park: 1,800 acres; canyons, ravines, camping, inn, pool, court
games, cabins, playground, nature center, nature preserve, naturalist, hiking, horse and bike
rental. 30 miles southeast of Greencastle.
Shades State Park: 3,000 acres;virgin forest, natural springs, primitive deep ravines,
campsites, canoe rental, sandstone cliffs, picnic shelters, playground, fishing, hiking, nature
preserve, airstrip. 30 miles northwest of Greencastle.
Lieber State Recreation Area: 8,000 acres; 1,500 acre lake; campsites,beach, picnic shelters,
playground, fishing, foraging, trapping. 20 miles south of Greencastle.
Owen-Putnam State Forest: 6,200 acres;primitive campsites, hiking, bridle trails, hunting,
fishing, foraging, trapping. 30 miles southeast of Greencastle.
22
^ Programming Inventory
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Programming for the city of Greencastle is provided by several different entities. Many of the
youth programs are organized by private volunteer groups. These programs include Youth
S cer(Spring and Fall), Little League Baseball, Girl's Slow-Pitch and Fast-Pitch Softball
Le gues, and the MABA Baseball League. Adult softball programs offered through private
or anizations include Men's, Women's, Co-Ed, and a Mixed Church League.
The\Greencastle Park and Recreation Department offers various seasonal programs. These
programs include, SPARK (Summer Program of Awareness and Recreation for Kids), Learn-
To-Sicvim Classes; Water Babies, Youth Tennis Instruction, Adult Tennis Tournament, Dribble
and Dream SuperShot Contest, Greencastle Farmer's Market, Mike Rokicki Insurance 5K Run,
Tot Days, Fourth of July Activities, Blast Ball (T-Ball), Park Fest, Senior Fun and Fitness Day,
.a d-theTackroad Bike Tour, the Youth Basketball League and the Easter Egg Hunt.
With the :ddition of a full-time Assistant Director, the Department plans on increasing the
number of .rograms offered.
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Progress Evaluation
The last five years have brought major changes within the Parks and Recreation Department.
This progress could not have been accomplished without the support of the city
administration and a strong volunteer base in the community. A major concern over the last
five years has been the department's ability to maintain its facilities. With the addition of a
full-time maintenance position, a new truck, and a new maintenance building/office the
department is able to efficiently and effectively provide upkeep for all its parks, green spaces
and facilities. These improvements have also led the department to assume responsibility in
the city to maintain green-space such as the landscaped area surrounding the new city hall and
the Northwoods Boulevard area.
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Since 1998,progress has also been made at the facilities at Robe Ann Park. At the Greencastle
Aquatic Center the following improvements were made: resurfacing of 2 diving boards,
painting of the pool, replacement of 2 pool filters and major repairs to the water slide and the
electrical system at the pump house. Resurfacing of the-tennis courts was also completed. In
2000, the Rock Wall Committee was formed and they were instrumental in the renovation of
several sections of historic rock walls at the park.
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In 2001, a major addition to the park was the Emerald Palace, a community-built playground.
accomplished by a huge volunteer effort coordinated by the Greencastle
Civic League. The department is now responsible for the daily upkeep and maintenance of
this addition. The last addition to the park was the construction of the Putnam County
skatepark at the southeast corner. This effort was spearheaded by the Skatepark Committee.
The People Pathways trail system, a joint project of People Pathways, a dedicated committee of
volunteersjand the Greencastle Park and Recreation Department was able to make great
progress over the past 5 years. Two trails were completed: the Greencastle-Fillmore trail, a 3
mile gravel trail and the Sports Park Link, a paved 2 mile trail that parallels a state highway.
These two completed trails are now the responsibility of the park department. In 2001(?), the
city of Greencastle was awarded an ISTEA grant for the next trail project, the Al l'n Pond
pathway. This grant, totaling, $469,917.00 will e able the city to provide another afe
pathway for children and adults. u'z,_,, . ,2, - . --
People Pathways, the Skatepark Committee, the R ck Wall committee and the Emerald Palace
Playground project are all examples of the strong olunteer base that has become very active
in Greencastle over the past few years. The Park t)irector and the Board have worked
diligently to partner with organizations and individuals in the community to help meet the
park and recreation needs for all its citizens. The director is now a member of several citizen
committees and is working to re-establish the Friends of the Park organization in order to
better coordinate volunteers. The board has also become active in working with volunteers
and each board member has served as a liaison with a volunteer park committee.
Progress has also been made in the area of recreation programming. In 1998, the department
took over responsibility for running the Greencastle Youth Basketball Program. This program
which serves over 300 children is done in cooperation with a volunteer committee and the
Greencastle Community School Corporation. The addition of events, such as the Backroad
Bike Tour, People Pathway Pounding have provided community residents with more
recreation options. In 2002, the citycuncil approved a full-time assistant director for the
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24
calendar year 2003 to aid in increasing and managing the programming offered by the
n department.
Over the last five years, the department's fiscal health has been good. Yearly increases to the
budget have averaged between four and five percent. With these increases the department has
been able to slowly buy needed equipment and make improvements to park property. A full-
time maintenance person was also added to the budget and the 2003 budget includes a full-
time assistant director. In addition to increasing the fiscal budget the department has been
fortunate enough to receive monies raised by volunteers for unbudgeted park improvement
projects.\In the cu fiscal year the department was able to acquire economic development
funding from CACltizen's Advisory Commission For Industrial Development) in order
to fund a needs assessment in 2002.
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The last five years have brought a lot of positive change to the city of Greencastle and to the
Park and Recreation Department. The department is now more able to offer greater recreation
options and more park facilities to the community.
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25
^ Growth Trends
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1 �
With the positive chang experienced by the Parks and Recreation Department over the past
five years, it is poised to grow and provide even more opportunities for recreation in the
future. With a strong volunteer base and a supportive administration, the community's
expectations for the department are high. These expectations will keep the department
moving in a positive direction during the upcoming years.
The community has continued to look to the department to provide them with positive and
quality recreational opportunities. The department will be able to enhance its offerings due to
the addition of a full-time assistant director who will focus on offering additional
programming to the citizens of Greencastle and its surrounding areas.
The appropriation and creation of neighborhood parks will also be part of the department's
future. The importance of providing green spaces for the Greencastle community is apparent
in this community's newly adopted Comprehensive plan which states that one of the most
significant park and recreation priorities include providing additional open space and
recreational opportunities for neighborhood residents. Early in 2003, the department will be
making a first step in providing more neighborhood parks by purchasing and developing the
"Maple-Berry"park area, a strip of land in the southwest area of the city. This piece of
property is currently unmaintained greenspace which the department will develop for both
active and passive recreation.
In accordance with national trends, the community will continue to add to the People
Pathways trail system. Funding for phase 3, the Albin Pond Trail Corridor, is already in place
and construction is due to begin in 2003 with completion in 2004. Already plans are underway
to apply for funding for phase 4, the "Health Link" which will connect the DePauw University
campus and Putnam County Hospital.
In addition, the Big Walnut Sports Park Board is currently working with the city on a
transition plan whereby the city will acquire and undertake the maintenance operations of the
sports facility as another municipal park. This acquisition, which is supported by the city's
administrative body, will allow the community some assurance that the facility will continue
to grow, operate efficiently, and continue the availability of a place to "play ball".
26
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