Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pendleton Falls Park report: 5‑year plan, amphitheater study and low‑head dam safety discussed
Summary
Pendleton Park representative Steve Wills updated the South Madison School Board on park facilities, fundraising, a proposed amphitheater planning process and concerns about the low‑head dam at the falls.
Pendleton Park board representative Steve Wills told the South Madison Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees that the park has more than 350 acres and is developing a five‑year plan that could include a community amphitheater and new play areas.
Wills said the park recently added a playground, expanded the maintenance building for Kiwanis equipment, paved paths at the golf course and around the soccer field, and opened a new restaurant planned to be called "Bourbon on the Falls" with a tentative May 1 opening. He said park‑generated rental income (community building, YMCA/conservation building, log cabin and red barn) helps operations and that proceeds from a Park Fest will be held by the South Madison Community Foundation for an amphitheater project.
The park is examining two properties as possible sites for future development: the former veterinary office north of the falls and 40 acres on State Road 67. Wills said the district is collecting impact fees that may only be used for addressing deficiencies created by population growth, not for routine maintenance.
Wills raised the low‑head dam at the falls as a safety and preservation issue. He said, "Most low head dams are dangerous. I'm not sure ours is dangerous," and argued removing the structure could make some activities, such as informal swimming or kayaking, harder to control. He said the spillway has not had significant work in decades and suggested redesigning or rebuilding the spillway to improve safety.
Board members asked follow‑up questions about the spillway condition and the undeveloped 40‑acre parcel; Wills said the property would remain farmed for now and that the five‑year plan will guide any future development decisions.
Wills urged community and school‑board input for the amphitheater steering committee and said a consultant will help prepare the plan this year.
The presentation was informational; the board did not take any formal action on park property or the dam during the meeting.
Ending: Wills invited board members and residents to provide input during the planning process and to contact him with questions.
