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Parks superintendent outlines renovations, new facilities and youth programs for 2025
Summary
Parks Superintendent Adam Grossman briefed commissioners on multiple projects including Dewey Point overlook (permit delay), Griffin Bike Park construction and youth programming, new disc-golf courses (donor-funded), a connector trail, AMVETS building acquisition, cabin rentals and accessibility upgrades.
Adam Grossman, parks superintendent for Vigo County, gave a multi-topic update on parks projects and programming scheduled for 2025, citing permitting delays on some projects, progress on several parks improvements and growing youth programming demand.
Grossman said the county does not yet have a state permit for an overlook at Dewey Point and that "he needs at least 6 weeks. So, I'm probably gonna back that project off to fall," meaning the county will delay construction until permits are in hand. He reported equipment failures early in the year (including a skid-steer engine) and said the department will transfer funds and request an out-of-series transfer to cover repairs.
Grossman described several active projects: clearing and early grading for a West Terre Haute Little League football field at Bicentennial Park; planning for a connector trail to link the Wabashiki Trail to an existing parking area (projected additional funding need of about $70,000); acquisition of the AMVETS Grotto Building with a projected July closing to complete frontage for Bicentennial Park; and ongoing earthwork and a pre-construction meeting for a building at Griffin Bike Park.
He highlighted youth programming at Griffin Bike Park, noting staff and partners are teaching children to ride bikes and that programming aims to address long-term health indicators. Grossman said the department expects to move into a new building for storage and programming by late June or July weather permitting.
On recreational facilities, Grossman said donors have committed about $120,000 toward a disc-golf course at Prairie Creek Park and the county submitted a grant application for $50,000 to support a second course at Fowler Park; designers for Fowler Park were described as nationally recognized. He also reported strong early reservation interest for newly installed cabins and wagons (Memorial Day weekend bookings filled quickly) and said the county will allocate 8% of revenues to the innkeepers tax fund for operations.
Other items: plans to renovate an overlook at Hawthorne Park and Case Wetlands (including a new metal roof), a kayak-rental kiosk pilot at Hawthorne Park, accessible pathways to playgrounds and grills throughout county parks, a new playground arriving March 4 for Fowler's Brentlinger Shelter, and work to regrade a steep, washout-prone turnaround at Prairie Creek Park.
Why it matters: The projects and programs Grossman described combine capital improvements, donor-funded recreation amenities and youth programming intended to expand access to outdoor recreation and county-run services.
Commissioners asked several questions about participation and partnerships; Grossman said the department is coordinating with youth-service organizations, Boys & Girls Club partners and other local groups to provide transportation and programming supports.
