HomeMy Public PortalAboutTHE COMMUNITY THE COMMUNITY
OVERVIEW POPULATION
This section provides an overview of community demographics INCREASE
and features that influence the Park and Recreation Master SINCE 2010
Plan for Greencastle. This section looks at broad demographic 03%
trends which can help indicate specific needs for the community.
Semographic information presented in this section include
population trends, age, housing market, households, education, MEDIAN AGE
and income. This section also looks at manmade, cultural, and INDIANA:35.2 YEARS
historic features and natural features. GREENCASTLE:25.3 YEARS
DEMOGRAPHICS
MEDIAN INCOME
Demographics matter for a parks and recreation master plan
because, "When planning for parks and recreation, you need $ 45,315
to know about people who use them to better understand the
recreation issues facing your community." - (IDNR: Outdoor Rec.
411 1999 Master Plan Guide).
OCCUPIED HOUSING
DEMOGRAPHICS SNAPSHOT 2010: /\
POPULATION DATA 3,659 units
2015:
The City's population is a figure that directly influences the 2,999 units
level of recreational opportunities that should be available.
The age composition, education levels, and incomes for the
local populace are also important factors that local parks and COMMUTE VIA
recreation advocates need to be aware of when compiling their PRIVATE VEHICLE
(ALONE OR CARPOOLING)
plan goals and objectives. In conjunction with demographic data,
the geographic distribution of the population helps identify where
recreation opportunities should be placed to compliment the WORK FROM HOME
influences augmented by the community.
In 2010, Greencastle's population was 10,326 persons. In July MEAN TRAVEL TIME
of 2016 the U.S. Census Bureau estimated the city's population TO WORK(MINuTEs)
to 10,508 persons. This is a 1.9% increase for the period, or an 7.8
annualized growth rate of 0.32%. The median age in 2010 was
27.4 years and is now estimated to be 25.3 years (2015 U.S. 0
Census Data). This means over the past 7 years the community • -
•
of Greencastle has been getting younger.
THE COMMUNITY
POPULATION FORECASTS AGE 410
Population projections are necessary to Everyone belongs to a particular stage of life
determine whether adequate recreational at one point in time. Each stage of life tends
facilities exist to serve the area in the future, or to lead to a different set of needs and desires
whether additional amenities and services will be than the preceding stage. The age demographic
required. The economic impact of an increased analysis assists greatly in determining projected
population indicates that more residents will and future growth in the community and an
require recreation facilities and services, associated stage of recreational activity needs.
leading to a need for new improvements to the Statistics from Statisticattas.com indicate that
park system. Overall, the recreational service within the City's community make-up,the largest
area of the Greencastle Parks and Recreation age group, or nearly 31% of the population, is
Department is expected to increase over the comprised of the 18-24 year olds and more than
next 5 years, with an ESRI annualized growth 54% of total population is under the age of 30.
prediction of 0.35%, the city's population can be The student population at DePauw University
expected to reach approximately 10,730 people proportionally accounts for this age category to
by the end of the planning period. be larger than that of any other.
Over the same period, Putnam County's Greencastle's current median age of 25.4 years is
population has been estimated to have decreased also significantly lower that the State of Indiana
by 1.4% to 37,436 residents. This means that median age of 37.5 years by more than a decade.
while regional growth may have slowed, the This is an important demographic factor to note
demand for parks and recreation facilities within as age is one of the most important indicators for
the city can be expected to continue to grow the types of facilities and programming demand.
during the current planning period. A younger demographic can indicate a greater
need for more active recreational facilities and
programs and also a greater desire for facilities
and programs aimed at young families and
children.
Figure 2.1:Population Data
10800 10730
10700
10600 10508 -'
10500 r'
0 10400 10326
3 10300
O 10200
a
10100
10000
9880
9900
9800
1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025
Based on U.S. Census Data for 2016 Year
441•094
GREENCASTLE PARK AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
64
Figure 2.2:Age Data Figure 2.3:Education Data
3.4%
■Less than 9th grade 01111
•Under IS Years101
•9th to 12th grade,no it
diaploma
■15-19 Years
•High school graduate
•20-29 Years
1 0
•30-39 Years •Some college,no degree
■40-49 Years
•Associate's degree
•50-59 Years o
•60 Years and Older •Bachelor's degree
•Graduate or professional
degree
Based on U.S Census Data for 2015
Based on U.S. Census Data for 2015
Generational shifts, however, will continue to be EDUCATION
an important factor in Greencastle just as they The level of education attained by individuals
are impacting Indiana and the entire nation. within the Greencastle area can have a significant
Currently nearly 20%of Greencastle's population impact upon his or her decision-making habits.
is aged 55 or older, indicating that current and Specifically, higher levels of education typically
future park improvements should be balanced provide opportunities for the introduction of a
between both youth oriented activities, and wider variety of recreational activities,presented
retiree aged recreational user group needs.
by academic and athletic / leisure programs. As
ETHNICITY the education level increases, so does exposure,
effectively influencing a more diverse demand
Below is a summary of the ethnic distribution in for a variety in recreational services and the
Greencastle based on 2015 U.S Census Data: immediate interests of the community. Further,
level of education is closely associated with level
■ 92.4% is white of income. In general,the higher a person's level
■ 2.1% is black or African American education attainment, the greater their earning
■ 2.8% is Asian power. An analysis of educational background,
■ 1.7% is Hispanic or Latino. along with income earning capacity, will provide
Ethnic distribution relates closely to State insight into which recreational services might be
of Indiana averages and does not indicate a familiar or affordable to residents of the area.
specific need for specialized cultural facilities. According to current data from statisticalatlas.
However, additional research and polling would com, over 85% of the population has a high
be beneficial to help identify ways that the school diploma or higher with nearly 32% of
Greencastle Parks and Recreation Department the population holding a bachelor's degree or
could help celebrate the ethnic diversity of the higher. moving occupations (24.5%)
broader Greencastle community.
THE COMMUNITY
► 7
While Greencastle's educational attainment is structure through structured programming and Ill
largely in line with State of Indiana averages, it informal networking interactions with other
is important to note that the presence of DePauw community members.
University within the community may have an
impact on the types of facilities and programming INCOME
desired by the community. Having exposure
to a broader availability of programs through A moderately influential factor in determining
the university means that the Greencastle recreational patterns is income and cost of living.
Parks and Recreation Department can focus its The money a household has left over after fixed
programming and facility efforts in areas that expenditures, such as housing, utilities, taxes,
compliment, but don't compete with, programs and transportation, is available for spending on
typically offered by the university. "discretionary" items such as entertainment and
recreational activities.
HOUSEHOLDS Greencastle's current estimated median
Different types of households can place different household income is $46,490 which is
demands on recreational facilities within a significantly lower than the Sate of Indiana's
median of $50,532. However, the median income
service area. A high percentage of single parent in Greencastle has seen significant and steady
households might indicate a need for after-school
recreational programming, or a retirement increases since 2000. Current estimated cost of
household community will likely require a high living in Greencastle, as found at Sperling's Best
percentage of ADA accessible features, passive Places website (www.bestplaces.net), is 85.40
recreational facilities and programming. meaning it is less costly to live in Greencastle
than it is in comparative communities across the
Greencastle holds a slightly smaller percentage country. The city's cost of living index is nearly
of family households with children than the equal to the State of Indiana average cost of
State of Indiana with a slightly larger percentage living index of 85.3, meaning more of the city's
of those being single parent households. Much residents are likely to depend on the lower cost
of this information indicates a probable need for public facilities and services typically associated
the community to focus not only on traditional with the parks and recreation system for their
recreational activities but also on amenities and regular entertainment activities.
programs that meet the interests of an aging,
non-traditional adult population in conjunction
with those needs typically sought by children of Figure 2.4:Income Data
single-parent headed households. a%
•Less than 514,999 OgIIIIIW
UNEMPLOYMENT
■$15,000-$24,999
•525,000-$34,999
Greencastle is estimated to have a current ■535,000-$49,999
average unemployment rate of 5.7% whichk....,
.550,000-$74,999
is lower than the state of Indiana average at ■575,000-599,999
6.9%. Greencastle's recreational facilities and •5100,000-$149,999
programming provide physical and psychological ■$150,000ormore
benefits for all people but can be particularly
important for the unemployed by providing social
Based on U.S. Census Data for 2015
4lliglli10"I'liIllIllillIllIlIllIlliMIIIIIIMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII %SI
GREENCASTLE PARK AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
81
DEMOGRAPHIC SUMMARY MAN-MADE, HISTORICAL AND
The population of Greencastle has experienced CULTURAL FEATURES
a steady increase over the past 10-years and is The City of Greencastle has evolved since
anticipated to increase for the duration of this its establishment in the early 1800's into a
Master Plan. Recreational activities should be desirable and bustling community. Capitalizing
targeted to emphasize the predominant age on it's natural features and the Putnam County
categories of young children, empty nesters and Seat, Greencastle has earned the prestigious
retirees, with a special emphasis on children recognition as One of the Best 100 Small Towns
of single-parent headed households, non- in America, an All-American City, a Tree City,
traditional family needs, and those of the single- U.S.A. and the Indiana Green City of the Year
elderly population. Both traditional and non- three years in a row (2008, 2009 and 2010). The
traditional recreation activities and programs entire downtown district has also been placed
should be encouraged within the parks and on the National Register of Historic Places due
recreation system The overall demographic to the existence of many significant architectural
trends underscore the importance that and cultural resources. The city was also names
recreation will have toward the future efforts one of 2 Indiana Stellar Communities in 2011.
of the City to enhance the quality of life in the
Greencastle area, in providing a community A wide variety of community resources exist in
recreation system that should meet a wide array Greencastle, including:
of user needs.
■ The Putnam County Public Library,
4111 located in downtown Greencastle;
I The Putnam County Airport, located on
the east side;
■ The Putnam County Hospital, located
south of town;
■ Putnam County Operation Life, the local
ambulance service;
■ Several community churches;
■ DePauw University, a prestigious private
college housing approximately 2,400
students;
■ Ivy Tech Community College;
■ The Greencastle Community School
Corporation consisting of Deer Meadow
Primary (K-2 grades), Ridpath Primary
(K-2 grades),Tzouanakis Intermediate
(3-5 grades), Greencastle Middle (6-8
grades) and the Greencastle High (9-12
grades) Schools;
■ And a few alternative schools such as
New Pathways Preschool (Preschool-K)
and Peace Lutheran (Preschool-5
grades).
THE COMMUNITY
. 9
SIDEWALK CONNECTIVITY
Governed by a Mayor and City Council, the The City of Greencastle is fortunate that a
Greencastle community boasts municipal citizen's advisory group was formed almost
facilities that house the services of 22 years ago to help address and promote the
Administration, Public Works, Police, Fire, Water connectivity of the city's important amenities
and Waste Treatment, Cemetery, and Parks
with both pedestrian and bicycle paths. Called
and Recreation personnel. Public parks within People Pathways and under the leadership of Joy
the City of Greencastle include Robe-Ann Park, Marley, this group has been very active since its
Ballard Family Park, Park, Maple Berry Park, inception. People Pathways uses a combination
Mary Rogers Field Park, Big Walnut Community of concrete sidewalks, asphalt trails, shared use
Park, Big Walnut Sports Park and the People lanes, and rail-to-trail opportunities to promote
Pathways trail system. the use of alternate forms of transportation for
Additional recreational resources in the City, area citizens to move throughout the community.
beyond those provided at municipal and Maps of these transportation corridors are
educational institutions, include: available throughout town and key points along
each route (see Figure 4.2).
■ Windy Hill Country Club and Old Hickory
Golf Course both private 9-hole golf Because of these efforts, a DePauw University
courses; student can now walk or ride a shared bicycle
■ the Putnam County 4-H Fairgrounds; from campus and follow the People Pathway
■ the Putnam County Playhouse; signage to many businesses in town. These
■ the Putnam County Museum; signs lead to the local Kroger Food Stores, many
■ Putnam Park Road Course, located downtown restaurants and those on the east end
southeast of Greencastle; of town, and to Greencastle's Wal-Mart. Many
■ and five State of Indiana recreational of the municipal parks like Robe-Ann, Jaycee,
parks located within 40-miles of Calbert Way, Maple Berry, Micaela Cancilla and
Greencastle. Big Walnut Sports Park can be reached by one
of these routes. Calbert Way Park serves as
Strip commercial and light industrial facilities the trailhead to the Greencastle-to-Fillmore leg
are predominantly located on the east and south of the Vandalia Trait, which ties to Plainfield,
sides of the City along the major transportation Indiana. This group is now looking at traveling
thoroughfares. The City's downtown square, westward to Brazil and Terre Haute opening
home to the Putnam County Courthouse, is another two miles worth of traits.
located in the northwest central portion of the
study area. Downtown provides several retail The City of Greencastle is also addressing
shops, service businesses, and community American with Disabilities Act (ADA) concerns
service offices. A variety of housing, consisting with local sidewalk pedestrian ramps. Under the
largely of single-family structures dating to the current administration, the City of Greencastle
early 20th Century, are located throughout the has made an aggressive effort to install ADA
City in a traditional grid pattern layout. More ramps and to repair unsafe sections of its
recent residential subdivisions are located on sidewalks that present impediments to persons
the periphery of the community. with disabilities and the public at large. The City
has 766 total sections of sidewalk that require
ADA Ramps.
""mwmim
GREENCASTLE PAR K AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
104
410
The following chart indicates the ramps and MAPLE BERRY PARK BROWNFIELD
square footage of sidewalk that have been PROJECT
installed since 2005 by the City's Department of The Maple Berry Park Brownfield Project
Public Works and Safety from its annual budget. came from the construction of the Maple Berry
The City of Greencastle anticipates completing Park Project that started in 2004 where the
its ADA ramp construction during the 2018 city addressed many safety concerns with
sidewalk construction project. the intersections of Maple, Broadway, Berry
and Sycamore Streets on the south side of
Year Footage ADA ramps Greencastle. Development of the east parcel
Pre 2005 99 began and during soil testing petroleum residual
was discovered which required remediation.
2005 1,283 3 The project was diverted to the west parcel
2006 1,843 7 which ended with the development of Maple
2007 2,724 16 Berry Park (west). A Brownfield Assessment
was conducted in 2007 and completed in 2008.
2008 1,661 21
2009 2,769 14 In 2017, the eastern-most portion of the Maple
Berry Park purchase was developed and
2010 3,431 43 dedicated in the name of Micaela Cancilla Park
2011 4,826 52 after a life-long resident to the area. Located
2012 4,099 54 directly behind Mama Nunz Restaurant, where
2013 4,060 67 Micaela Cancilla worked and greeted patrons
in her family's business. Micaela Cancilla Park
2014 4,505 48 includes a small piece of playground equipment
2015 4,476 48 to serve the neighborhood, a picnic table and
2016 4,138.5 71 trees. This spring, 2018, an additional climbing
structure (Harry the Hippo) and two park
2017 5,850 55 benches with shade structures will be installed
Misc** 111 within the playground.
Total Completed 709
Remaining to be Complete as of 57
January 1,2018
**There were 111 additional ramps installed as part of
larger road reconstruction projects.
014
THE COMMUNITY
► II
NATURAL FEATURES Jaycee Park natural setting.
There is a limited number of open spaces with °- r,r i ;.a :e ' '
park potential within the corporate limits of fi , , ' • t'. V . `
the City of Greencastle. A number of small i 4
and privately-owned lots of land are scattered � ' • rld • '' '
throughout the city which could be used for ,, i • IL a , ` I r 3 i
' ' • '4 t r - t •_•,
smaller neighborhood recreation areas. ,_,l i, l' p a: rA _ IA 1
M
As indicated on the accompanying Natural ,,, . =.__ ,-
Features Map (Figure 2.1), Greencastle's -
natural environment is largely comprised '"'';._ A. ,,.:: "- } _ R of predominantly rolling terrain, mixed with
some sloping land. The Big Walnut Creek Source HWC Engineering
Watershed area traverses the northwest to
southwest quadrants of the community. A U.S. curled branch tips, white bark splotches, and
Geological Survey reveals that the ravines finally not leafing out which precipitated its
etched along the Creek have, for the most part, removal in 2016. Out of those ten ash trees
curtailed development in that vicinity yielding a removed in 2016 there was a seventeen year old
topography that contains woods and wetlands ash tree that was apart of the first planting by
mixed with some level plots of vacant land, the current parks superintendent.The D-shaped
providing an important drainage management exit holes were very prominent in this tree and a
role for the community. Some of the small and specimen from this tree still sets outside the City
flat parcels may provide adequate access points Planner's office located in city hall. Each year, 4110
for future expansion to responsibly provide the parks and recreation department plants 6-12
opportunities to actively integrate the creek's trees throughout the municipal parks system to
natural features into the community's park and replace those removed each year.
recreation system.
INTERNAL PARK SPACE
EMERALD ASH BORER The City of Greencastle has a few areas within the
The effects of the Emerald Ash Borer on the municipal city limits that have been identified by
entire community is unknown but the Emerald the parks & recreation department as potential
Ash Borer has changed the profile of the neighborhood or pocket parks. The city is
municipal parks system, especially that of Robe- expecting a donation of a 1-acre tract of land
Ann Park. In 2016, ten ash trees were removed already referred to as "Walter& Eleanor Ballard
with six more removed in 2017. The parks and Family Park". Located just east of the eastern-
recreation department has estimated another most entrance to the Walmart parking lot, and
four will need to be removed in 2018. The first along with Calbert Way Park located kitty-corner
tree was removed because of its location right across state highway 240, would make a very
across the drive from the parks and recreation aesthetic entryway to the City of Greencastle. A
administrative building. The tree had been tentative design for these two parks is included
monitored for three years prior to its removal. in this 5-year master plan. Development of this
The tree began to show stress by dropping its parcel will wait for the opportunity to submit for
leaves earlier than the rest, progressing to funding through the Land & Water Conservation
Fund, with the donation of land being used as a
OIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMOOIIIIIIIIIIIIMIMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMIMIIIMIMIIIIIIIIMIIIIMI
GREENCASTLE PARK AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
I 2 1
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match. youth sports programs.
In the northeast corner of town lies a parcel of The department has recently been approached
land centrally located between three retirement by citizens regarding the development of a park
villages and a low-income apartment complex. in a vacant lot located in the northeast section
Once a golf course, this parcel cannot be of town. This parcel of land is centrally located
developed because it sets on a shallow bed of between a tow-income apartment complex and
limestone. Because of its proximity to the homes three retirement villages. Based on information
in the surrounding housing additions and the gathered during discussions with citizens, the
inability to blast, this piece of land could be used parcel used to be part of a golf course and cannot
for a new parks and recreation facilities such as be developed due its location on a limestone
greenspace, trees, or a perimeter walking path shelf located a few feet under ground. Given
with exercise equipment. With the popularity the significant and prohibitive challenges with
of pickle ball at Robe-Ann Park and the fact that further development of housing in this area, and
it caters to the older population, a pickle ball its proximity to existing residents, using this site
facility could be considered for the property as for a new park and recreational facility is desired.
well. This site is a target for future acquisition and
development into park property.
Another targeted spot is the home of a farmer's
market located at the corner of North Jackson Another new park has been discussed on a parcel
Street (Highway 231 North) and Shadowlawn of land near the intersection of Indianapolis Rd.(E.
Drive. This parcel could serve as a northern State Road 240) and N. Calbert Way. This facility
entryway park and due to its vicinity to the CSX has been proposed on a parcel of land at the
Railroad crossing, could lend itself to some form southeast corner of this intersection. Potential
of railway attraction. A small visitor's center improvements would cater as a rest stop for trail
within the shape or decor of a railroad depot users and the facility could be designed, along
would be appropriate. with improvements to Calbert Way Park,to serve
as a welcoming gateway into the community.The
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES city is currently in discussions with the property
owner about acquiring the property for future
The City is also home to two facilities that have park land development.
great potential and have seen development.
These include DePauw University's Nature Park,
located on the west side of town, and Big Walnut PARK SYSTEM HISTORY
Sports Park on the east side of the community.
DePauw University Nature Park exists on the ROBE-ANN PARK
site of a former rock quarry. The university has The Greencastle Public Parks & Recreation
developed this site into a large, publicly usable, System originated in 1928 when John and
nature park complete with a visitor's center, Anna Robe donated a parcel of land to the City.
indoor and outdoor classrooms, restrooms, The Robes wanted the land to be used as a
primitive campsites, miles of walking trails, and playground and recreation area for the citizens
most recently the Janet Prindle Institute for and particularly for the children of Greencastle.
Ethics. Big Walnut Sports Park, which the City In 1934, the City along with its citizens began
of Greencastle recently took ownership of, is planning and development of Robe-Ann
the home of several of Greencastle's volunteer Park. Under the City guidance, in 1936 the
THE COMMUNITY
► I5
Mary Rodgers Field Park High School Athletic Association assisted the VP
- . ,. community with building Robe-Ann Park's first
major facility, a softball diamond. To facilitate
_ further development and maintenance efforts at
t Robe-Ann Park the Greencastle Board of Park
—. Commissioners was created in 1937. In 1956
a
r .K Robe-Ann Park's role as a significant component
of the Greencastle municipal structure was
- - formally recognized with a City Council ordinance
- establishing the Greencastle Parks & Recreation
Department.
Source.HWC Engineering Over the next 50-years, the board, department
and the Friends of the Park Association of
Putnam County, Inc.developed facilities at Robe-
Ann Park that include the basketball and tennis
Robe-Ann Park courts, picnic shelters, Greencastle Aquatics
Center in 1992, Castle Playground in 1995,
I fillip *: , : - modern restrooms in 1996, Emerald Palace
e�`" Playground and GPRD Administrative Office
'' t ` "` and Maintenance Building in 2001, the Putnam
, .._,Li.r -„r - ,..` _ County Skatepark in 2003, and most recently
the acquisition and addition of the Clearwaters
property to the park in 2006-
s- a4
- _a` ` In 2007 a Brownfield Assessment of the
Clearwaters addition to Robe-Ann Park was
conducted with funding assistance from a
Source:HWC Engineering Brownfield Petroleum Remediation Grant through
the Indiana Finance Authority. The property was
found "clear" in the Final Assessment Report
from that study,which was published on January
23, 2008.
One of three Robe-Ann Park playgrounds
'� .,., ,�� � - 4 Under the inspiration and fundraising efforts of
1 �' '' the Greencastle Civic League who's goals are "to
4 7 �.+;•sj.ir:. make Greencastle a better place to live," along
: ' .7 ''F with funding from a Land & Water Conservation
,_ . Fund Grant, 2014 say the opening of the Bob York
Memorial Splash Park which is a free attraction
- - at the Greencastle Aquatics Center located
within Robe-Ann Park for the youngsters of the
Greater Greencastle area.
Officially opened on July 4, 2016, more than 40
Source HWC Engineering players grabbed their rackets and were ready to
4110
iii11141141110111
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
GREENCASTLE PARK AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
16 1
dedicate the six new pickle ball and three tennis litter and twigs. During the growing season,
courts located within Robe-Ann Park. Funded the park receives regular mowing every two
with a donation from Heartland Automotive weeks. This continued "presence" helps deter
in Greencastle, the new courts have seen "unwanted" use of the park.
enthusiasm for the fastest-growing sport in the
United States, and the creation of Greencastle's In 2006, the community building and park was
Pickleball Club is an example of that growth. adopted by DePauw University's Hartman House
for the site of their annual "Make A Difference
Robe-Ann Park's northern entry way received a Day" project. Over 110 volunteers from DePauw
facelift toward the end of 2016, when the 24-foot University and the community helped paint the
roadway was cut down to a 12-foot pathway. In inside of the community building and walk the
short,the old curbs and sidewalk were removed, surrounding forest area for old appliances,trash
along with the broken edges of the asphalt and debris. Also in 2006, the roof to one of the
roadway. In 2017, the 12-foot pathway, along shelters was replaced due to damage received
with the parking area located off of Anderson after a tree fell on the shelter during a thunder
Street, received a 1-inch overlay. The parking storm.
area will be redefined in 2018 with the donation
of four flower pots and new striping, designating In 2010, following specifications designed by
one van accessible ADA parking space and a the City Engineer, a contractor was hired to
second short-term parking spot. complete the replacement of the inlet controlling
the level of the Jaycee Park pond. This included
a slip lining to the drain pipe, new trash rack,
JAYCEE PARK and additional rip-rap around the inlet. This
In the mid 1970's, Jaycee Park was created was in accordance to directions received by the
and donated to the City of Greencastle by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The
Greencastle Jaycee's organization. In 1981 community building roof developed a leak that
the park was leased back to the Jaycee's went undetected, which caused damage to the
organization. Jaycee Park was then maintained sheetrock walls in the restroom areas. In 2013,
by the Jaycees and offered for public use, with the walls were removed.
the exception of the community building which
was made available on a stringent rental basis. In 2014,a grass roots core group of bicycle riders
In 2004 maintenance of the property was turned volunteered to undertake the reconstruction of
back over to the City of Greencastle Parks and the mountain bike trails that were very popular
Recreation Department with the disbandment of in the 1980's. This group planned, reconstructed
the local Jaycee's group. Many aesthetic repairs existing and constructed new trails in the
have been completed in the park since the lower portion of the park. Their plans are to
turnover, including the removal of the grounds bring competitions to the park. Once these
caretaker mobile home, removal of the entryway trails are used on a regular basis, there are
gate and fence opening up the entrance to plans to approach the Putnam County Airport
the park, removal of the unsafe playground Commission to solicit an expansion around the
structures, renovating the outdoor primitive northern portion of Jaycee Park pond.
restroom facility, cleaning of the shelters, and The summer of 2017 saw the renovation of one
repairing or replacing the picnic tables. Each day of the park shelters by Troop 99 Eagle Scout
park personnel make a number of tours of the Sean Ramey. Completed as part of his Eagle
park to clean the shelters and to clean up trash, Scout Project, he replaced the roof, painted the
9 mimummaiimmisimirtimitio
THE COMMUNITY
► 17
support structure, assembled four picnic tables a grant applied for and received through the 4110
and completed landscaping around the shelter. City's Engineering Department for Brownfield
The shelter is now highly used by park visitors. testing. Petroleum residual was discovered
in the eastern portion of the property, so the
CALBERT WAY PARK development of the western end was started
In 2002 and named after the drive that it is located using E.D.I.T. funding. The installation of curb,
on, Calbert Way Park and the Greencastle-to- gutter and sidewalks around the parcel helped
Fillmore Trait was donated by the Friends of the define the park. A concrete pad for a basketball
Park Association of Putnam County, Inc.'s People court and drinking fountain was included in the
Pathways Committee. Created as a trailhead project.
to start the first phase of the committee's Many organizations have contributed to
pedestrian and bicycle plan, the park offers a the development of the park. Kiwanis Club
picnic shelter,parking lot,and greenspace. Many purchased a goal for the basketball court,
trees were moved and relocated to the park, due Greencastle Civic League donated ten trees to
to a water and sewer tine improvement project the park, picnic tables were purchased with a
along Veteran's Memorial Highway. Since then, Recycled-Content Purchasing Grant through the
the park has received additional donations of Indiana Department of Commerce, and benches
benches, picnic tables and additional trees. were purchased by the family of Clifford and
Dorothy Monnett.
MAPLE BERRY PARK In 2007,IWM Consulting Group,from Indianapolis,
This property, located along Berry and conducted a Brownfield Assessment of the
Maple Streets, was purchased in 2003 by the Maple Berry - East site, which was funded by •
Greencastle Board of Park Commissioners in a a Brownfield Petroleum Remediation Grant
joint effort with other City departments to clean- through the Indiana Finance Authority. It should
up some less-than-attractive lots. Goals for the be noted that in a Final Assessment Report dated,
project were five-fold: January 15, 2008, IWM makes the following
■ Preserve existing greenspace by recommendations, which were completed in
creating a small municipal park to serve 2009:
neighborhood children
■ Provide apotential trailhead for the II two years of quarterly groundwater
sampling
People Pathways trail system
■ monitoring for (<3years) of the dissolved
■ Provide additional parking for the hydrocarbon plume to determine if there
businesses and restaurants located in is a need for additional assessment
the area
■ Purchase privately-owned land currently I all of which qualified for funding through
used as a public roadway the IFA PRG program
I Address safety concerns with the MICAELA CANCILLA PARK
intersection of Maple, Broadway (Berry),
and Sycamore Streets In July of 2017, the Maple Berry Park - East 1
project was officially dedicated "Micaela Cancilla
In 2004, Maple Berry Park saw major Park" after a life-long resident of Greencastle.
improvements with the completion of the Maple The new neighborhood park was constructed on
Berry West Project. Development began with the site of the old street garage located directly
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GREENCASTLE PARK AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
I 8 1
behind Mama Nunz Restaurant. The park Existing Calbert WAy Park Shelter
includes playground equipment, picnic table,
trees and Micaela Cancilla Park sign constructed
from Otto's Streetscape in Greenwood, Indiana.
BIG WALNUT COMMUNITY PARK 2 ? r
In 2004, a maintenance agreement was
established between the Big Walnut Sports Park
Board, the City of Greencastle Board of Park
Commissioners and City of Greencastle Parks
& Recreation Department for the everyday
maintenance of Big Walnut Sports Park. In Source:HWC Engineering
exchange for maintaining all green spaces,water
lines,trash receptacles,maintenance shed,picnic
facilities, and the centrally located restroom
facility,the agreement made the privately-owned Maple Berry Park
youth sports facility accessible to the general ,,,
public as a municipal park. The agreement
has worked out well for the department with
many compliments received in regards to the ryY
aesthetics of the facility. The agreement also
provided an avenue for improvements to the park
by providing matching land donations to be used
toward federal and state recreation grants; i.e.
Land &Water Conservation Fund and Recreation
Trails Grants. More recently, Big Walnut Sports
Park was donated to the Greencastle Parks and
Recreation Department as match for a 2012 source:HWC Engineering
LWCF grant.
Also in 2004, People Pathways saw a big
expansion with the construction of the People
Pathways Phase V: Big Walnut Sports Park Loop Micaela Cancilla Park Playground
Trail. This 1.2 mile, 10-foot wide asphalt trail
encircles the 78.8-acre sports park and includes
a new parking lot on the southern side making 1.t"11
use of the two existing shelters more attractive.
.fir:...-- -•
c --_-
This project was funded by a Recreational Trails
Grant from the State of Indiana Department of
Natural Resources.
In October of 2005, the Greencastle Parks &
Recreation Department received a $129,342 :"
Land &Water Conservation Fund Grant from the
Source.HWC Engineering
THE COMMUNITY
► 19
Indiana Department of Natural Resources for Improvements realized from the grant funding
9
the development of Big Walnut Community Park. included ADA improvements to the adult stow-
The grant funded construction of playground pitch softball field, dog park, expansion of
equipment, a wildflower & butterfly garden, the 9-hole disc golf course to 19-holes and
pathways, and a 9-hole disc golf course. construction of a parking lot.
The grant was matched with acquisition of
23.5-acres of land and infrastructure donated by MARY ROGERS FIELD PARK
the BWSP Board to the City of Greencastle. In In 2006, the "Mary's Field" Committee of the
2007,the land match was deeded over to the City Friends of the Park Association of Putnam
of Greencastle, creating Big Walnut Community County, Inc. raised over $20,000 toward the
Park. Late in 2008, the asphalt pathways and development of Mary Rogers Field Park from
the playground were completed. The parking a vacant lot located next to Greencastle City
lots and drives, 9-hole disc golf course, and the Hall in memory of their dear friend and park
wildflower and butterfly gardens were finished advocate Mary Rogers Field. Park development
in 2009. was completed in 2007 with improvements
In addition,the Land &Water Conservation Grant including a brick walkway and bench, tree and
stimulated local support and other contributions, flower plantings. The installation of a split rail
fence border and new park sign were completed
which included $600 from Marathon Pipeline in 2008.
for the purchase of new trees to replace three
removed over the gas pipeline, $1,000 from
Cinergy PSI for any aspect of the project, and PEOPLE PATHWAYS
approximately $450,000 from the Greencastle The People Pathways is a planning and
Economic Redevelopment Board for the paving implementation group under the Friends of the
of roadways and parking lots within the BWSP. Park Association of Putnam County, Inc. Their
Through the winter months of 2009-'10, the goal is to improve the quality of life in Greencastle
Greencastle Redevelopment Board allocated and Putnam County by developing connections
funding for an additional parking lot which within and between communities.
borders the Putnam County Youth Soccer People Pathways has successfully developed a
Association's soccer fields. In 2010, The multi-use recreational trait plan after soliciting
Greencastle Redevelopment Commission opinions from community members through
graciously financed a two-sided directional "Big a series of presentations and open meetings.
Walnut Sports Park" sign, which now directs The pathways will connect public spaces such
visitors off of Highway 240; as well as funded as schools, parks, libraries, and community
the planting of 10 - 5" maple trees that have resources. Primary users of the pathways are
been planted in the vicinity of the Little League pedestrians, joggers, runners and bicyclists.
Baseball and soccer fields. These trees should This includes children traveling to and from
be large enough to provide shade to small school, people seeking exercise and recreation,
groups of users during practices, games and and commuters.
tournaments.
People Pathways has established a set of goals
A 2011 grant application for Land & Water for the community. They are:
Conservation Fund funding proved fruitful
for improvements to Big Walnut Sports Park.
GREENCASTLE PARK AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
20
■ Build bridges rather than walls between I and II trails, and creates ties to a recently
neighborhoods to help create a sense of completed City-funded sidewalk improvement
belonging and community. project. Funding for Phase III was generated
■ Enhance the small town appeal of our through combined sources, which include
community.
■ Foster the mental and physical health of a $72,000 grant from the Putnam County
the citizens of our community. Community Foundation, $125,000 appropriation
■ Create accessibility to our community's by the City of Greencastle leveraged against
green spaces by developing linear 80% of the construction costs from an INDOT
exercise trails using existing and future TEA-21 Transportation Enhancement Grant for
infrastructure.
$469,917.00. The TEA-21 Grant was received
in 2000. The engineering design of the trail,
Implementation of the People Pathways plan appraisals, and land acquisition for right-of-
will be completed in phases as the opportunities way was completed in 2009, bid letting through
develop. A description of the phases which have construction of the project was held during 2010.
already been completed is below:
PHASE III, PART 2:
PHASE I:
Safe Routes to School picks up where the
Greencastle-to-Fillmore Trail connects the City Albin Pond Trail leaves off. Early in 2006 and
of Greencastle to the Town of Fillmore with a due to delays and increased costs, the City of
3.1-mile crushed aggregate trail that was totally Greencastle and INDOT scaled back the Albin
funded and constructed by community volunteers Pond Trail Project. At about the same time, the
on an unused railroad right-of-way and sewer01111) State of Indiana announced the Safe Routes to
line easement. A Putnam County Community School Grant Program. The City of Greencastle
Foundation Challenge Grant, donations and submitted an application for the SRTS Program
contributions of in-kind services help develop and on November 20, 2006 received a grant for
the trail that has been actively enjoyed by the
community since opening in May 1999. $159,487.00. Also known as the "Connector Trail
Project", the SRTS trail constructed a shared use
path from the south end of Deer Meadow Primary
PHASE II: School to the campuses of the Greencastle High
Sports Park Link is a 2-mile asphalt paved and Middle Schools. This project was "linked"
trail connecting the eastside residential to the Phase III, Part 1: Albin Pond Trail Project,
neighborhoods with Big Walnut Sports Park and which saw bid letting through construction
Greencastle's Industrial Park. Grants from the during 2010.
Lilly Endowment through the Putnam County
Community Foundation, Cinergy/PSI, Indiana PHASE IV:
Gas,and Wal-Mart supported this project. Phase The Campus Link Trail, involves the future
II opened in May, 2002. construction of a dedicated 3.95-mile paved multi-
use trail. The Campus Link Trail will provide
PHASE III, PART 1: significant community access from Greencastle's
Albin Pond Trail - Completed in 2010, the Albin central business district to DePauw University's
Pond Trail addresses longstanding safety intramural athletic fields, DePauw's Nature
concerns by providing connections to four Preserve/Arboretum, Middle and High School
local schools, a nature center, ties to the Phase campuses of the Greencastle Community School
010 ammiiiimmiumaimimmum4444.46
THE COMMUNITY
► 2I
Corporation, Rokicki Community and the new Ivy County. Longtime People Pathways advocate •
Tech State Community College campus, linking Joy Marley reminisced about how this rail-to-
directly to two existing phases of the People trail link connected our past to our present,
Pathways network and the Area 30 Career stating, "Some of us remember when trains
Center. The Campus Link Trail will also offer an came through on this land."
important connection to the development of the
National Road Heritage Trail, a 150-mile cross- RECREATION PROGRAMMING
state continuous system of multi-use trails.
The Phase IV grant will be funded in part with In the late 1980's to early 1990's, the focus of the
an INDOT TEA-21 Transportation Enhancement department changed from just park maintenance
Grant in the amount of$905,410.00. to offering various recreation programming
opportunities to the citizens of Greencastle. At
that time, a full-time park superintendent was
PHASE V: added to the department, along with seasonal
Big Walnut Sports Park Loop Trail is a 10-foot assistance staff, in an effort to more effectively
wide asphalt trail paved around the perimeter manage the recreational needs of the community.
of Big Walnut Sports Park. The Sports Park Concurrently,in 1992,the park board reorganized
Loop provides a connection with the already under Indiana State Code 36-10-4.
completed Phase I: Greencastle-to-Fillmore
Trail and Phase II: Sports Park Link. The cost Under the management of the restructured park
of the 1.28-mile trail was $184.067.50. Funds board and the new full-time park department
for construction were generated through a director, the Greencastle Aquatics Center was
partnership with the Indiana Department of built in Robe Ann Park. Under both of their
Natural Resources Recreational Trails Grant guidance, new playground equipment was
Program, the Greencastle Redevelopment donated by the newly created Friends of the
Commission, Big Walnut Sports Park Board, Park Association of Putnam County, and a new
Greencastle Parks and Recreation Department, restroom facility was added next to the softball
and the People Pathways Planning Committee. field in the park. In addition, new shelters were
The Big Walnut Sports Park Loop Trait was constructed within the park and a significant
opened in March, 2005. increase in community volunteerism and
revenue sources assisted with much needed
Another link to the People Pathways system improvements to the park.
established in Putnam County saw dedication
with a ribbon cutting in September of 2016 when Since then, many recreation programs have
citizens gathered to celebrate the opening of the been introduced. The most popular summer
Putnam Nature Trait. As part of the Indiana's program is the highly successful Summer
Bicentennial celebration, the new pathway Program of Awareness and Recreation for Kids
runs from the west end of Veterans Memorial Program or S.P.A.R.K. Program. S.P.A.R.K.
Highway southwest to Limedale, establishing has experienced growth both in the number
a pathway link from Limedale to Greencastle of children participating and in the number of
to Fillmore and on east into Amo in Hendricks teenage and adult volunteer leaders who assist
with the program. Increases in participation have
been seen in the Learn-To-Swim, Water Babies,
Tot Days, and 5K Run programs, as well. The
Greencastle Civic League's Parkfest concerts-
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GREENCASTLE PARK AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
22 4
in-the-park series, which is co-sponsored by
the department, has also attracted more people
to the park. In addition, the Celebrate "4" and
National Night Out Committee Programs have
also provide great opportunities for enjoying
Robe-Ann Park.
Other programs have been established that
continue through the present day. The Tennis
Instruction for Youth Program draws a wide
number of young participants each year. In
1998, the Greencastle Parks & Recreation
Department began organizing the Greencastle
Youth Basketball Program, which utilizes the
Greencastle Community Schools and replaced
the Parke County YMCA program. On average,
265 children have participated in the youth
basketball program each year. During the
last 8-years, the department has increased its
programming significantly, dropping some and
adding some as trends change.
410 FRIENDS OF THE PARK
The mission of the Friends of the Park Association
of Putnam County, Inc. is to provide healthy
recreational opportunities and to promote
the enjoyment of our community parks for all
citizens, as well as promote the health and
physical education of children and families in the
Greencastle and Putnam County communities.
Founded in 1995, Friends of the Park of Putnam
County, Inc. was formed by a committed group
of citizens dedicated to providing positive
recreational options for all citizens. The Friends'
first project was the Castle Playground located
in Robe-Ann Park.
miiimmaimmummimammilmimi
THE COMMUNITY
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GREENCASTLE PARK AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
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