Pierceton Town Council Reiterates Skate Park Offer
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Teresa [email protected]
Last fall and winter there were a series of meetings regarding skateboarders with the conclusion that the youths had no place to play.[[In-content Ad]]
The children have been banned from using skateboards on the sidewalks downtown as well as in parking lots. The ban left the side streets for skateboarding activity, which isn't considered safe.
The meetings led to the formation of a skateboard park committee formed to raise money for such an area. The town promised two things: the donation of a piece of land east of the Old Depot, and $1,500 each year for liability insurance on the property.
The committee has held several fundraisers and applied for a K21 Foundation grant. The Foundation now has questions regarding upkeep of the property and any equipment.
Chamber of Commerce President Brian Hartman serves on the committee and the Chamber has maintained an interest in the project. Donations for the park are accepted through the Chamber.
Brent Smiley, a Chamber representative, had questions about what else the town planned to provide.
Town President Jerry Kreger said, "Nothing." No maintenance or upkeep of the park or general area is guaranteed by the town. He explained that the three full-time town employees would not make mowing around the skate park a priority.
"It's like the senior center," Kreger said. "The town has the deed. We pay for liability insurance on that part of the building. If that group cannot maintain the building, make minor repairs and pay for liability insurance for its officers, that portion of the building will revert to the town.
"The seniors have done a great job there. We hope the skate park does as well."
Kreger said part of the exercise with the skate park is to teach the youth of the committee responsibility.
Smiley asked about the community park and how it was maintained. Kreger said a volunteer board, with two town council representatives, two township representatives and two school representatives, take care of the grounds. Youth league members maintain the sports facilities.
The town maintains Brower Park and does not have a park board.
Smiley said the K21 Foundation might award as much as $37,000 for equipment, but are concerned who will provide upkeep.
Annie Espinoza and Nancy Sommers of the skate park committee had questions about a pending agreement with the town.
The contract specifies that the property reverts back to the town, and that town officials can close the park down at any time.
Town attorney James Walmer said this stipulation allows an official to close the park if any unlawful activity occurs there.
The town approved an ordinance regarding the loan of $4.5 million in performance bonds to Lifeline Youth and Family Services.
The company initially plans two group homes, an alternative school, a detention center and recreational facilities on property north of U.S. 30, off CR 250S. In January 2005, 60 acres in that area was rezoned from Industrial 2 to a Public Use District.
The town is under no obligation for the loans, Walmer said. Lenders will look to Lifeline for repayment.
Lifeline operates juvenile facilities, providing living space and schooling for children ages 8 to 18. The organization currently operates three juvenile facilities in the area: Black Lake Lodge, north of Larwill; Riverwood Ranch, on the west side of Warsaw; and Byrer Manor, outside of Warsaw. Youth at these facilities will be brought to Pierceton, and the current facilities eventually will be closed and sold.
Mark Terrill, Lifeline CEO, said the complex will have 70 employees with 20 to 25 new positions.
Calls for bids on the project will go out next week.
The council also:
n Responded to Washington Township Trustee-Assessor Dean Rhoades' request to trade the community building, which houses the fire department and town offices, with the township offices on First Street. In a return letter the town council indicated they were not interested in such an exchange.
n Heard the fire department's annual fish and tenderloin fry is April 21 at 4 p.m.
n Heard the fire department's Web site, www.piercetonfire.com, is active.
Town council members are Kreger, Robert Tenney and Mandy Espinoza.
Last fall and winter there were a series of meetings regarding skateboarders with the conclusion that the youths had no place to play.[[In-content Ad]]
The children have been banned from using skateboards on the sidewalks downtown as well as in parking lots. The ban left the side streets for skateboarding activity, which isn't considered safe.
The meetings led to the formation of a skateboard park committee formed to raise money for such an area. The town promised two things: the donation of a piece of land east of the Old Depot, and $1,500 each year for liability insurance on the property.
The committee has held several fundraisers and applied for a K21 Foundation grant. The Foundation now has questions regarding upkeep of the property and any equipment.
Chamber of Commerce President Brian Hartman serves on the committee and the Chamber has maintained an interest in the project. Donations for the park are accepted through the Chamber.
Brent Smiley, a Chamber representative, had questions about what else the town planned to provide.
Town President Jerry Kreger said, "Nothing." No maintenance or upkeep of the park or general area is guaranteed by the town. He explained that the three full-time town employees would not make mowing around the skate park a priority.
"It's like the senior center," Kreger said. "The town has the deed. We pay for liability insurance on that part of the building. If that group cannot maintain the building, make minor repairs and pay for liability insurance for its officers, that portion of the building will revert to the town.
"The seniors have done a great job there. We hope the skate park does as well."
Kreger said part of the exercise with the skate park is to teach the youth of the committee responsibility.
Smiley asked about the community park and how it was maintained. Kreger said a volunteer board, with two town council representatives, two township representatives and two school representatives, take care of the grounds. Youth league members maintain the sports facilities.
The town maintains Brower Park and does not have a park board.
Smiley said the K21 Foundation might award as much as $37,000 for equipment, but are concerned who will provide upkeep.
Annie Espinoza and Nancy Sommers of the skate park committee had questions about a pending agreement with the town.
The contract specifies that the property reverts back to the town, and that town officials can close the park down at any time.
Town attorney James Walmer said this stipulation allows an official to close the park if any unlawful activity occurs there.
The town approved an ordinance regarding the loan of $4.5 million in performance bonds to Lifeline Youth and Family Services.
The company initially plans two group homes, an alternative school, a detention center and recreational facilities on property north of U.S. 30, off CR 250S. In January 2005, 60 acres in that area was rezoned from Industrial 2 to a Public Use District.
The town is under no obligation for the loans, Walmer said. Lenders will look to Lifeline for repayment.
Lifeline operates juvenile facilities, providing living space and schooling for children ages 8 to 18. The organization currently operates three juvenile facilities in the area: Black Lake Lodge, north of Larwill; Riverwood Ranch, on the west side of Warsaw; and Byrer Manor, outside of Warsaw. Youth at these facilities will be brought to Pierceton, and the current facilities eventually will be closed and sold.
Mark Terrill, Lifeline CEO, said the complex will have 70 employees with 20 to 25 new positions.
Calls for bids on the project will go out next week.
The council also:
n Responded to Washington Township Trustee-Assessor Dean Rhoades' request to trade the community building, which houses the fire department and town offices, with the township offices on First Street. In a return letter the town council indicated they were not interested in such an exchange.
n Heard the fire department's annual fish and tenderloin fry is April 21 at 4 p.m.
n Heard the fire department's Web site, www.piercetonfire.com, is active.
Town council members are Kreger, Robert Tenney and Mandy Espinoza.
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