Property stolen from Parks Dept.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

At Wednesday's Greencastle Park Board meeting, Parks and Recreation Director Rod Weinschenk told the board of some problems the parks department has had with thefts in recent weeks.

Along the Greencastle-Fillmore People Pathway, 25 metal fenceposts that supported trees along the trail were taken. The incident has happened twice.

Additionally, a bike rack with a value between $2,500 and $2,600 was taken from Big Walnut Sports Park.

Weinschenk reported that the posts along the trail will be replaced again and that the situation is being watched.

"I'd really prefer that the individual who took them stay away from them, because we are on the lookout for them," he said.

The board granted a request to the Greencastle Golden Knights football team to use a field at Big Walnut Sports Park for games in its inaugural season this fall. The team will play on the old soccer field next to the Babe Ruth baseball field.

The matter came before the board because one-third of the land in question lies on city property. The rest is owned by Big Walnut, whose board had already given approval.

Weinschenk said there would likely have to be a slight change in the wording of the agreement, a matter he was planning to discuss with City Attorney Lori Hardwick. However, the matter was approved, pending the change.

Robertson also appeared before the board, acting on behalf of Mayor Sue Murray. The city has been approached by Ivy Tech about buying some additional property at the college's new location at Veteran's Memorial Highway and Zinc Mill Rd.

Much of the site, which had been Mike Rokicki Park, was purchased by Ivy Tech for its new facility. Ivy Tech would now like to the purchase the remaining 10 acres. Hardwick reported that the mayor had talked to Rokicki's widow Phyllis, who had no problem with Ivy Tech buying the land from the city.

The board made no motion, but gave Hardwick permission to move forward in the discussions.

The board approved a request by Lisa Eaton of Greencastle Custom Cycle to conduct a car show and cycle show at Robe Ann Park on Sept. 12. The event, which would feature the auto shows, live bands and a benefit ride, would require the use of the park from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., plus another hour for cleanup.

Proceeds from the event will go to the humane shelter.

The board approved the request unanimously.

Jan Firebaugh of Friends of the Park was present to report on the progress of Shelter #1. She said there was little to say, save the structure is basically complete.

"I would just say, 'Enjoy,'" Firebaugh said. "We are interested in working on other shelters."

She said the possibility is open of once again working with Area 30 for labor on future projects.

Weinschenk stated the only thing left to do on the shelter is inlay a Friends of the Park stone. However, the structure is complete and already being rented.

"Thank you for another fantastic job," board member Tim Trigg said to Firebaugh.

Board member Russ Evans also brought up the possibility of requiring people to actually come before the board when submitting requests, rather than simply sending the requests. Board members agreed that it would be helpful to have people on hand to talk to when requests are made.

There was uncertainty over exactly how they might do this, given that the board has not traditionally operated in such a way.

They agreed to discuss the matter further at a later date.

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