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Historical society outlines museum-park plans, cemetery cleanup and school outreach; trails group highlights connections
Summary
Russ Segner of the Newcastle Historical Society reported on preparations for the historical park development, interpretive signage, a potential miner memorial and upcoming cemetery cleanups and school programs; Newcastle Trails noted recent approvals that enable new trail connections.
At the June 11 meeting, Russ Segner of the Newcastle Historical Society updated the Community Activities Commission on progress related to the planned historical park, cemetery outreach and recent public programs.
Segner said the development project has moved large amounts of material onto the site and that the historical society is coordinating with the development team. "When that occurs, then we'll have a much more, active role to play," he said, referring to an eventual transfer of the property to the city. The society has provided photographs and material for interpretive signs, and Segner described a proposed miners' memorial area south of the Bridal House, including the possibility of a simple facade to suggest a mine entrance and the display of at least one coal car.
Segner said the society does not yet have a firm delivery date for the development but estimated it could be two to three years out. He reported recent public programs with Eastside Heritage that brought roughly 130 students and parents to interpretive walks of the Red Town Trail and related sites.
The society also has scheduled volunteer work parties at the cemetery: an informal cleanup managed by volunteers on the 18th and a formal public involvement cleanup on July 3 ahead of July 4 events at Lakebourne Park to take advantage of foot traffic. Segner said prior cleanups have drawn about 140 to 150 drop-in visitors.
Gary, speaking for Newcastle Trails, thanked the commission for approving the Cougar Trail and said the approval enables a new trail to be built by developers of the Greencastle project. He said trails and historical sites are converging and proposed future coordinated historical trail walks linking Red Town, Swanson property and the planned historical park.
No formal votes were taken; Segner and Trails requested continued coordination with city staff and commissioners as development and cleanup work proceed.
