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Connorsville outlines River's Edge and Roberts Park projects; parks staff cite grant funding and note tree removals ahead of bat-protection window
Summary
City parks staff described multi-phase improvements at River's Edge (three baseball fields, playground, parking) and Roberts Park (concrete skate/pump track, inclusive playground, 2-mile walking path), said bundling contractors saved money, and noted that certain trees must be removed before March 30 because of Indiana restrictions intended to protect bats.
A parks representative updated the Connorsville council on a package of recreation projects at River's Edge and Roberts Park during the March 16 meeting, describing construction phases, amenities and funding sources.
At River's Edge, staff said ground work is underway and a groundbreaking is scheduled for March 28 at 2 p.m.; plans include three baseball fields with turf infields and grass outfields, a centrally located playground replacing an older, unsafe structure, upgraded restrooms and concessions inside an existing building, and increased parking to relieve congestion during peak soccer events. Staff said some additional fields shown on plans are planned for a later phase and will be constructed only if funding becomes available.
Roberts Park improvements described include a concrete skate and pump track designed for non-motorized wheeled users, an all-inclusive playground with sensory areas and accessible swings, a roughly 2-mile walking path with options to cross or bypass a bridge, and relocated disc-golf holes to keep flying discs away from walkers. Staff said the project will retain and repurpose historic millstones where possible and add new landscaping and seating. The presenter said multiple funding sources and grant awards made the projects possible and that bundling subprojects under one contractor reduced costs.
Staff also told the council that tree removals needed for construction must be completed before March 30 because, per the presentation, Indiana rules restrict most tree removals from April through November to protect bats. Staff said families with memorial trees have been notified; smaller memorial trees will be relocated when feasible, and new trees and plaques will be offered if relocation isn’t possible.
Why it matters: the projects expand local recreation options and aim to address parking, safety, and accessibility concerns at high-use park sites. The timing of tree removals and grant-driven construction schedules imposes short decision windows for implementation details.
Council members asked questions about entrances, phasing, and whether parking and pedestrian safety changes would be included; staff said they will pursue phasing based on available funding and noted that some elements are grant-funded.
