Parks board approves application for Indiana Trails Program grant to build Elm Street Green–Lions Park connector

The Zionsville Board of Parks and Recreation voted Sept. 10 to authorize staff to apply for the Indiana Trails Program (ITP) grant to fund a planned 0.2‑mile connector trail between Elm Street Green and Lions Park.

Jared, the parks superintendent, told the board the project would create a 12‑foot, ADA‑accessible path that links Creekside Nature, Lions Park and Elm Street Green and would increase the connected trail network in that area to about 1.9 miles. He said the current construction estimate is about $800,000 and that the ITP grant allows a maximum request of $400,000; the department intends to request the full grant amount and locally fund the remainder.

Of the local match, Jared said $85,000 in design funding has already been allocated and that the parks department would seek an additional $400,000 (the director said he might request $500,000 to allow contingency) from the town general fund if the grant is awarded. Jared emphasized the grant application would be submitted by the October 1 deadline and that any subsequent grant agreement and construction appropriation would be contingent on town‑council approval.

Board members asked for detail about cost drivers. Jared said major cost elements include mobilization/demobilization, earthwork, permitting, a restroom pad at Elm Street Green, new pads for benches, rehabilitation of a staging/parking area at Lions Park and moving one t‑ball infield about 16 feet; the retaining wall previously included in early designs was removed to lower costs.

The board voted to move forward with the grant application. The motion passed by voice vote with all present saying “aye.” Several members noted the connector would increase ADA access between parks and reduce the need for families to walk on Elm Street to travel between nearby parks.

If the grant is awarded, Jared said staff would return to the board and then to town council to request the local appropriation; if council declines the appropriation, the board would not enter into the grant agreement and the project would be delayed. Jared described the ITP competition as expected to be highly competitive, because the previous, larger “Next Level Trails” program is sunsetting and many communities will be competing for the smaller ITP pool.

The board’s authorization covers submission of the application only; no grant contract was executed at the meeting and no council appropriation was made.