2003 is an historic year for Zionsville Parks. We completed the construction of, and opened to the public two new parks. And through the visionary support of the Town Council, acquired 38 acres that promise to become the major recreational park of Zionsville.
PARKS
Creekside Nature Park, after 6 years or more of effort, these 18 acres donated by Dow are now open to the public. This year we completed construction of the parking area and path to Eagle Creek along with the hiking trail along the creek. Plans for the future include developing a natural prairie in the central open area and a fishing spot/canoe launch.
Zion Nature Sanctuary, 10 acres donated by Zionsville Community Schools was dedicated this fall and is now open to the public. The highlight of the dedication ceremonies was readings by Eagle Elementary fourth graders. Located on the site of the historic Zion Park and Lake Como of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, Zion Nature Sanctuary provides a beautiful nature setting in the heart of our Village. It includes: an ADA trail down to the old Lake area; a shallow pond crossed by a boardwalk, and an open-air classroom/pavilion. This is an example of the good cooperation between ZCS and Parks coordinating resources to develop an asset that benefits school children in particular, and the community in general.
"New Park" 38 acres located at a nexus of youth facilities was purchased. This far seeing purchase provides our community with a large plot of land near the center of town, close to or adjacent the Upper Middle School, Rail Trail, Boys and Girls Club, High School, and Jennings Field. The property includes a farmstead, several barns, and other outbuildings, some of which date from the middle to late nineteenth century. There is considerable interest in the community to restore and maintain these structures and to have an historic site/museum. We are working closely with these groups. The goal is to establish a working relationship that will allow the Historical Society to develop funding sources to achieve their goals.
As the first step in the development process, we contracted with Ratio Architects to establish a concept plan for park development. Through several public meetings, the community developed criteria and a list of desired elements for the new park. We asked Ratio to take this wish list and design a concept for the park that would meet these requirements and be aesthetically pleasing. We have held two of three public meetings to review the plans being developed by Ratio. The concepts, as they have been refined, have had a very positive public response. We believe they will provide an excellent blue print for the parks development.
Now all we will need is two and half to three million dollars to develop all the features (excluding historical restoration).
American Legion Trail Crossing the design concept developed through our Facilities Committee was completed, and presented to the American Legion. The Legion executive board said they were pleased with the vision and indicated they would actively support the development. They have begun planning a fundraiser for early next year. Our concept includes an arch that will lead into a space enclosed by a low circular wall. Inside the space we are planning on 4 limestone stele each with a simple appropriate inscription. The goal is to provide an aesthetic, contemplative space to honor the men and women of our community who have served their country. We are preparing construction drawings and estimates and looking to community groups to fund the various elements.
Rail Trail the project for this year was to build an ADA spur from the trail to Pleasant View Schools. Another example of our close cooperation with ZCS, the trail was jointly funded. In addition to its anticipated use by school children, it provides another access point to the Rail Trail from the Bike/Pathway system particularly for those subdivisions across 975 from the school.
RECREATION
The Zion Nature Center continues to expand its programs and its utilization by the community. A sampling of the new activities and programs include, scheduled bird walks in Starkey led by a naturalist on the part time staff, Eagle Nature Club, sponsorship of a Lewis and Clark bicentennial presentation at the UMS, and a number of programs scheduled for young children.
For a variety of reasons (construction of the Freshman Center, inability to get instructors for the most popular computer programs, and a drop in enrollees) we have put the Learn Something New program on hiatus. Our Recreation Committee is considering ways to restart the program on a less ambitious and easier to administer basis.
The Squealing Pig second annual 10 mile run, and third or fourth run sponsored by Parks was a success with over 50 runners and close to $900 raised for parks. We had a number of other recreation type activities such as nature walks for school children, the garden plots, and summer tennis. We have been working with Youth Football and ZCS so that Jennings Field could accommodate more of the growing youth sports activities.
CONCLUSION
It has been a pivotal year for Zionsville Parks, having completed and opened to the public two new parks with a total of 28 acres. Our challenges for next year and beyond include funding for developing our new park, while continuing to seek additional land resources to meet the community vision of 'A Town Within a Park'.
Respectfully submitted__________________________
George H. Tikijian
President
Zionsville Park and Recreation Board