Kosciusko commissioners accept Chinworth Pavilion deed, approve $8,500 for planning

The Kosciusko County Board of Commissioners voted to accept a deed from the Kosciusko Historical Society transferring the Chinworth Pavilion near the Tippecanoe River to county ownership and approved up to $8,500 from the parks budget to cover grant-preparation and master-planning costs.

The deed and the planning-payment request were presented by the county attorney, who said the transfer will enable the county parks department to maintain and develop the property. Commissioners moved and seconded acceptance of the deed and approved the motion by voice vote.

Aggie Sweeney, a member of the county Parks and Recreation board, told commissioners the parcel is "an approximately one and a half acre parcel" adjacent to the historic Chinworth Bridge and that volunteers and county highway crews have already helped remove invasive species and clean the river shoreline. "We've been working for a number of months on plans for the Chinworth Bridge Park area," Sweeney said, urging the county to support design work so the site can be developed for more public use.

Sweeney said the parks board seeks the $8,500 to pay initial costs required to qualify for a larger grant and to develop a master plan. Commissioners moved to authorize spending the amount from the county parks and recreation fund; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Commissioners and speakers noted the bridge's historic value and community interest in preserving and improving the area. The record does not specify which grant the county will pursue or a timeline for construction; the action recorded at the meeting was only acceptance of the deed and approval of funds to prepare grant paperwork and planning materials.