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Park District reports TAP grant for trail repaving, land purchase and event changes
Summary
Park District representative Dave Whitehouse updated the commissioners on a TAP grant to repave the Gatt Trail, installation of trail head‑count loggers, riprap and fencing at a problem section of the Hartford trail, the opening of a Mohican river landing, a signed $1 purchase for 165 acres at the Developmental Center Woodlands and planning for a 2027 levy and the Fire and Ice event (tentatively Dec. 6).
Dave Whitehouse of the Park District told the Knox County Board of Commissioners that a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant was awarded to repave the Gatt Trail and that the district is in final phase‑3 engineering and plans to solicit bids with a flexible work window (May–September) to attract competitive bids.
Whitehouse said five of 11 trail usage data loggers are en route; the devices selected are "less invasive" head counters that mount on existing posts and will help the district distinguish pedestrian and bicycle travel without saw cuts on paved surfaces. He also described a public‑safety improvement for a section of the Hartford (east of Henry Road) where riprap stabilization and board‑style safety fencing are planned because the path is close to a steep drop.
On riverfront access, Whitehouse said the final Mohican river landing is open but very wet; staff will monitor usage before adding gravel to avoid wash issues. He announced that a purchase agreement has been signed to acquire roughly 165 acres of the Developmental Center Woodlands for $1; staff discussed access options, a donor pledge to fund a bridge, and possible partnership with the Knox County Foundation for improvements and additional parking.
Looking ahead, Whitehouse said the Park District is discussing a 2027 levy to support operations and hire at least one full‑time operations supervisor to manage about 1,200 acres and more than 20 miles of trail. He also reviewed last year’s Fire and Ice event debrief, explained plans to reduce shuttle wait times and tentatively set this year’s event for Dec. 6 with closer coordination with Food for the Hungry.
Commissioners and staff thanked Whitehouse; several logistical follow‑ups and offers of assistance were exchanged.
