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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 — -- _ 1, �,. .. fp , I-J. r1+ a �a . n t _ > Lai - m i x rt) J ate' y w Pt P.. r• S I 4y 3. e ��� .i � �� 35s.u^aS affiA ffi 1 .i �. ) 4 _`� ' a �.. • -- -I ) '- j ., i q I y+` b L. c p` +. n. � ,,,,,c. -\\7, 1 S.„ , 1 i 3. ' '\,, S - m � - - t s' coy« ' J % - - 1 • t. 3 ..\ k per . x: J ti 5 m L za- J a, S 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 • 411114111iti"IjIIIIIIMIIIIIIIIIIIIMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMIMMI 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- IWO 411411111.14IMIMIMIMIMIIIIIIIIIIMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMIMII 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 ► 23 • Page Left Intentionally Blank1111 GREENCASTLE PARK AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN 24 1