Park shelter coming down

Something new is about to happen at Greencastle's Robe-Ann Park.

On Wednesday evening, members of the Greencastle Park Board gave authorization to the Friends of the Park to remove and rebuild one of the shelter houses at the city park.

Work to replace the shelter next to the Bob Flanagan Bandshell is scheduled to begin Monday and could be completed in about eight weeks, according to Jan Firebaugh, representing Friends of the Park.

"All of the shelters are in need of repair, but this one could really use a rebuild," Firebaugh told supportive members of the park board.

"I think this is a great idea," said Park Board President Tim Trigg.

Board members voted unanimously to allow the Friends organization to take on the project, making use of donated dollars -- not taxpayer money.

As for the labor that will be needed to dismantle the current shelter and build a new one, local students will be the main source.

"Area 30 has agreed to take our project on," Firebaugh said.

Students from the building trades, landscaping and heavy equipment classes will be led by teacher Donnie Watson in undertaking the project.

"I think we're lucky because not only is this a project that will benefit the community, it will be an educational opportunity for our local youth," Parks and Recreation Director Rod Weinschenk said.

The new shelter will be larger than the current shelter, measuring 30 feet by 40 feet. It will also have an extended patio and landscape wall, Firebaugh said.

Also the group is planning to move the current playground, which is located in the center of the park, up the hill to keep it from being flooded as is often the case during rainy seasons.

"It should be done and ready to go in the spring," Firebaugh said.

More information about the Friends of the Park can be found on the City of Greencastle website or at the Putnam County Community Foundation.