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Commissioners approve appraisals for potential 26-acre Sugar Creek park parcel
Summary
The board authorized two appraisals, not to exceed $4,500 total, for a 26-acre parcel at 400 North & 100 West to advance a possible park expansion and water-trail paddling corridor, after a presentation highlighting wetlands, mature trees and a disc-golf course.
Marion Rawls requested county approval June 16 to obtain two appraisals for a 26‑acre parcel at 400 North and 100 West along Sugar Creek, saying the site includes wetlands, a pond, mature trees and an existing 28‑basket disc‑golf course previously hosting about 200 participants.
Rawls said the purchase would support a 5‑to‑10‑year vision to expand Hancock County’s park system, create a public access point on Sugar Creek and connect upstream to 9‑Star Park downstream to establish a park‑to‑park paddling corridor. "This acquisition would help launch a long, long term 5 to 10 year vision for Hancock County Park System," Rawls said.
Commissioner [Committee member 3] moved to approve Marion Rawls obtaining two appraisals not to exceed $4,500; the motion was seconded and carried. The appraisals will establish fair‑market value and support applications for grant funding, including the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the Benjamin Harrison Conservation Trust, both of which staff said offer reimbursement to reduce county cost exposure (LWCF ~50% reimbursement; Harrison Trust ~75%).
The board’s approval allows staff to proceed with due diligence. Further steps expected are completed appraisals and staff follow‑up on grant eligibility and matching requirements.
