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Park board adopts five-year plan and authorizes DNR grant application to fund playground and stormwater work
Summary
The Berne Park Board voted to adopt a five-year park plan approved by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and authorized the city to submit a DNR grant application; an engineer estimated the local match at $507,000 and the application is due Aug. 1 with awards announced by December.
The Chair presided as the park board voted to adopt a five-year park plan and authorized the city to submit a grant application to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to fund playground and stormwater improvements.
The board adopted the plan — which the Presenter said was approved by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources — and approved a resolution formally adopting the plan so the city may proceed with a competitive DNR grant application. The Presenter told the board the grant application is due Aug. 1, awards are typically announced by December, and construction would not begin until 2028 if the city is funded.
Why it matters: The plan is a prerequisite for DNR funding; without adoption the city would not be eligible to apply until the next grant cycle in 2028. The Presenter said the engineer’s estimate for required local matching work — primarily stormwater improvements tied to the playground project — is $507,000, and the Presenter said roughly $6,000,000 in grant money is available statewide this year.
Board discussion centered on the competitiveness of the grant process and schedule constraints. The Presenter said the DNR changed its schedule so grants are awarded in even-numbered years and noted the city must wait to begin construction pending environmental reviews and award decisions. "If we don't get funding in this round, we wouldn't be able to apply for this particular grant until 2028," the Presenter said.
A committee member asked whether DNR might award partial funding; the Presenter responded that DNR can choose award amounts and may divide available dollars among multiple applicants. The board then voted to allow staff to begin the grant application process. The Chair called the motion, it was seconded and the board approved the application process.
The board also discussed practical next steps if awarded: further environmental reviews (including a required review for protected species), a multi-year schedule extending into 2029 and coordinating matching funds if the grant is awarded. The Presenter said staff will monitor DNR guidance and return to the board with any required conditions or details before construction begins.
The board scheduled follow-up as needed and proceeded with remaining business.
