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Parks staff report progress on dredging, Prairie Creek cabins and disc golf; IDDC grant support noted
Summary
Staff reported a dredging permit for Fowler Park and a plan to use a long‑reach excavator, added Prairie Creek cabin funding from nonreverting funds, and progress on disc golf courses with a $50,000 IDDC grant plus $50,000 match; timelines tied to spring construction and an August grant deadline.
Park staff provided several capital‑project updates at the Vigo County Parks and Recreation meeting.
Staff said the department has obtained a permit to dredge the "fingers" by Fowler Park—s campground and plans to draw down portions of the lake, let the dredged material dry or freeze, and haul it off to landfill. The department budgeted for a long‑reach excavator (referred to in the meeting as a one‑million allocation) and estimated operator time for a week of work would cost roughly $5,000; staff said they expect the physical dredging could take about a week to a week‑and‑a‑half in good weather and that lake level and pipe sizing may affect how fully they can draw the lake down.
Trail work and crossings at Bicentennial Park were discussed; staff reported plans to install push‑button flashing crossing signals (to be funded from remaining grant money) before completing the crossing across Highway 40. The Butterfly Garden connection to the Wabashiki Trail has permit approvals and excavation is underway with plans to rock and pave in spring.
Prairie Creek Park will receive an additional cabin funded from nonreverting funds approved for 2026; staff said they plan to present cabin‑style options to the board next month with a goal of having units in place before the next camping season. Staff also provided an update on disc golf: Prairie Creek—s course is about 90% complete after rework but final concrete pin installation was delayed by weather; staff expect an opening in spring 2026. Fowler—s disc golf layout will continue with consultant John Haug scheduled the week of Dec. 8; corridor clearing is underway.
Staff said the project received an IDDC grant of $50,000 with a $50,000 local match, and noted an August deadline tied to the grant schedule for course completion. Staff and board discussed construction timing, material access for concrete tee pads, and volunteer/crew work schedules to meet grant and opening deadlines.
No formal board action was required at the meeting beyond accepting project updates and acknowledging grant support; staff will return with procurement or contract requests as projects advance.
