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Veteran organizer granted vehicle access at McNaughton Park to assist veterans fishing
Summary
The Elkhart parks board unanimously approved a permit allowing Joseph Gent Jensen to pull one vehicle to the south side of McNaughton Park to help veterans with mobility disabilities access the St. Joe River for fishing, subject to conditions (no driving on wet turf; participants must hold legal fishing licenses).
The Elkhart City Board of Parks and Recreation on May 19 approved a one-vehicle access permit for a veteran organizer to transport veterans with mobility challenges to the riverbank at McNaughton Park for assisted fishing outings.
Applicant Joseph Gent Jensen, who identified himself as a combat Army veteran and said he runs a Facebook group called "Elkhart County Fins and Fur," told the board he would use his 2010 Chevy Silverado to ferry veterans from the parking lot to the river’s edge on the park’s southwest side, directly south of the pavilion. Jensen said only his vehicle would be used and pledged not to drive on the grass when wet.
Board members asked logistical questions about location, number of vehicles and environmental impact. Jensen said he and an Elkhart aquatic biologist are familiar with local ecosystem practices and that participants would follow state licensing and bag-limit rules for any fish kept.
A motion to approve the McNaughton parking request passed by unanimous voice vote. The approval was limited to the single vehicle and included the applicant’s commitments about avoiding turf damage and ensuring participants hold required licenses. The board did not attach additional operational conditions or a formal permit fee during the meeting.
The board thanked Jensen for his service and volunteer work; Jensen left after the approval and the meeting continued with other permit and contract items.
