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Chapter Three Context ST. JOSEPH COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION & PARKS COUNTY JOSEPH ST.

26 St. Joseph County Parks Five Year Master Plan 2019-2023 TROYER GROUP 27 CONTEXT MAP Totaling 467 sq. miles, St. Joseph County is in the north-central part of Indiana. Surrounded by three counties (LaPorte, Marshall, and Elkhart), St. Joseph County lies on the GRANGER Michigan state line and is located 96 miles NEW from and 140 miles from Indianapolis. CARLISLE Within its borders are the cities of South Bend and Mishawaka and seven towns. St. Joseph County has 13 townships: Centre, Clay, German, Greene, Harris, Liberty, Lincoln, SOUTH Madison, Olive, Penn, Portage, Union, and BEND OSCEOLA Warren. MISHAWAKA

NORTH LIBERTY LAKEVILLE

WALKERTON

28 St. Joseph County Parks Five Year Master Plan 2019-2023 TROYER GROUP 29 OTHER PLANNING HISTORY, FEATURES, POPULATION, DOCUMENTS AND ECONOMIC FACTORS

As part of the inventory and analysis phase of and to provide a safe and efficient transportation HISTORY that congregated along, and in, the St. Joseph the master plan, review of existing planning system that meets mobility while not creating River. The first successful trader to occupy the Before any white European explorer had stepped documents was conducted. Summaries of the adverse impacts to the environment. St. Joseph River Valley was William Burnett. Mr. foot upon the soil of the Old Northwest, the St. findings from these documents are as follows: Burnett, from a prominent New Jersey family, was The 2040 Transportation Plan addresses the Joseph Valley was occupied by Native Americans. attracted to this area because of the possibility of following: Several tribes and early native peoples located ST. JOSEPH COUNTY PARKS AND great wealth participating in the fur trade. • Policies, strategies, and projects for the future around the St. Joseph River. One of the earliest RECREATION MASTER PLAN: 2014- groups to occupy what would later become St. Joseph County is now the fifth largest county 2018 • Projected demand for transportation services over 20 years and southern Michigan as the in the state of Indiana by population. The county Information from the 2014-2018 master plan • Regional land use, development, housing, and Miami tribe. Later, the would move includes a comfortable mix of rural cultural was updated to reflect the current conditions employment forecasts into the St. Joseph River Valley region, utilizing heritage and urban amenities. St. Joseph County of St. Joseph County Parks, communities, • Cost estimates and reasonably available the rich food and natural resources along the is also the regional center for higher education demographics, etc. financial sources river. The Potawatomi would occupy this region with more than eight colleges and universities of Indiana and Michigan until the majority were including the University of Notre Dame, Indiana According to the study, over a 24-hour period, TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT forcibly removed in the 1840s. Univserity South Bend, Bethel College, and Saint 16.83% of people traveled for recreational Mary’s College. PLAN purposes and destinations. The first white footprint placed in the soil of The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) northern Indiana was that of Father James is a four-year, short-range plan that provides SHIRLEY HEINZE LAND TRUST Marquette, who traveled up the MAN-MADE HISTORICAL AND information regarding the transportation projects REGIONAL CONSERVATION PLAN and across the portage to the St. Joseph River in CULTURAL FEATURES that are federally funded in the Area May of 1675. The Regional Conservation Plan identifies land Founded in 1842, the University of Notre Dame Council of Governments (MACOG) region. in northwest St. Joseph County contiguous One major reason the South Bend area grew in is a private, non-profit Catholic-founded research The TIP includes projects for all modes of surface to County Parks prioritized for acquisition population was its location along the St. Joseph university that has about 8,600 students enrolled. transportation including highways and streets, for greenspace and recreation. The plan was River. To get to the from the The university is one of the largest employers in active transportation, and public transportation. developed in cooperation with MACOG, Great Lakes, the South Bend portage was the the county, and according to a 2018 study, its Projects listed are developed in cooperation with St. Joseph County Parks, IDNR, and other shortest overland route from the St. Joseph economic impact on the region is $2.46 billion annually. state and local agencies. conservation organizations. River to the Kankakee River. The Kankakee River The plan offers 25 potential bike/multi-use path flowed into the River and then into the St. Joseph County is home to many Local and improvement projects that will benefit several Mississippi. This was the route used for centuries, National Historic Districts. The first Local Historic communities. Adding/improving these paths will first by Native Americans, and then the French District established was the West North Shore Drive Historic District in 1978. Since then, help to bring a variety of visitors who may not explorers and traders. eight other Local Historic Districts have been visit the parks by vehicular transportation. In addition to the portage, there were several established. The many Historic Districts and other Native American trails that crisscrossed Sites can be found on the IDNR’s State Historic throughout the Michiana (Michigan and Indiana) MICHIANA ON THE MOVE: 2040 Architectural and Archaeological Research area. The Fort Wayne Trail led from Fort Wayne, TRANSPORTATION PLAN Database. Indiana, to Chicago, Illinois. Another popular trail Michiana on the Move is a long-range plan that Home to one of the most iconic symbols identifies regionally significant transportation was the Great Sauk Trail that started in , Michigan, went through Chicago, and then split in the region, Bendix Woods County Park needs and issues in the region. It is a fiscally holds the record for the world’s longest living constrained document that includes a into two trails in Missouri, later becoming known as the Santa Fe Trail and the Oregon Trail. advertisement. The half-mile historic sign that demographic analysis of the community as well reads “Studebaker” was planted in 1938 by the as an examination of travel patterns and trends. After the Native tribes, the first permanent Studebaker Corporation totaling up to 8,000 pine The planning process includes an analysis of residents of South Bend were the fur traders who saplings as advertisement for its nearby test track alternatives to meet projected future demands settled in the area because of the rich wildlife circuit. In 1966, the property was purchased by

30 St. Joseph County Parks Five Year Master Plan 2019-2023 TROYER GROUP 31 the Bendix Corporation and with it the coveted a regional airport, bus line systems, and a major MAJOR INDUSTRIES SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS landmark. Today, the sign includes just over 2,000 rail line to Chicago. From 2015 to 2016, employment in St. Joseph Employment trees and is included in the National Register of Major Highways County declined by 1.77%, from 123,580 According to the Indiana Public Data Utility, the Historic Places. To help restore and maintain the Indiana Toll Road - 80/90 employees to 121,388 employees. According to unemployment rate in St. Joseph County has Studebaker sign, a series of grants were awarded US Hwy 31 South Bend Regional Economic Development, the continued to drop from 2014 to 2018. In October between 2012 and 2015. US Hwy 20 top 10 major employers in St. Joseph County are: 2014, the unemployment rate was 5.8% and in The historic Studebaker Clubhouse is located at US Hwy 6 1. University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame) October 2018, it was 3.8%, which was higher Bendix Woods County Park. It was built in 1926 Hwy 933 than the state unemployment rate (3.6%) at the and has gone through many changes, from living Hwy 331 2. Beacon Health System (South Bend) time, ranking 23rd in Indiana counties overall. quarters for Studebaker employees, to army Air 3. South Bend Community School Corporation The estimated median household income in 2016 barracks, to a private residence, and now it is a South Bend International Airport (South Bend) was $48,358, which is about 8% lower than the nature center with park offices. It is a designated 4. St. Joseph Regional Medical Center median income for the State of Indiana. local landmark and is listed on the National Railway (Mishawaka) Poverty Levels Register of Historical Places. Ideally positioned on a major eastern railroad thoroughfare, the County has three Class 5. Indiana University South Bend (South Bend) According to census data, 16.3% of the population in St. Joseph County (41,875 out of COMMUNITY ATTRACTIONS I railroads, two shortline railroads and two 6. City of South Bend (South Bend) interstate passenger rail services (South 256,660 people) live below the poverty line, a St. Joseph County’s urban center is the City 7. AM General LLC (Mishawaka) Shore and Amtrak). There is ample available number that is higher than the national average of South Bend, which combines with rural development land adjacent to many of these 8. Honeywell Aerospace (South Bend) of 14%. The County’s largest demographic living attractions and recreation opportunities that help lines, as well as several existing manufacturing in poverty is females ages 25-34, followed by shape the community. The County has become 9. Press Ganey (South Bend) companies that currently utilize rail. females ages 35-44, and then males ages 6-11. a rich cultural hub of activity with museums, 10. Liberty Mutual (Mishawaka) major sports teams, theatres, and recreational Railway - Passenger Economic Development opportunities, with close attractions nearby. Amtrak In economic development, quality of place and The following list are some of the top attraction South Shore (Chicago - South Bend) workforce development are two important issues destinations in the County. “The County is renewing its rail system’s 20-year in attracting businesses and retaining talent. • East Race artificial whitewater rafting course strategic plan to reduce railway travel time to Both rely on long-term planning in order to have optimal growth and success in the County. • Four Winds Field - minor league baseball Chicago from South Bend to 90 minutes.” stadium for Chicago Cubs Single-A affiliate - South Bend Tribune • University of Notre Dame Railway - Freight • St. Joseph River fishing and canoe Canadian National Employment by Industries in St. Joseph County opportunities Norfolk Southern Data provided by: https://datausa.io/profile/geo/st.-joseph-county-in/ • Close vicinity to Michigan beachfronts CSX • Potawatomi Zoo Bus Lines • Biking, hiking, and walking trails Coach USA • Ice skating facilities Greyhould Transpo (Intra-City) • Nature preserves, bogs, ornamental gardens • Municipal and private golf courses According to MACOG, in 2016, the most common • Studebaker Museum method of travel for workers in St. Joseph County was driving alone (82.4%) and 1.8% of the • The History Museum population used public transportation. The public TRANSPORTATION transit system is undergoing systems planning to find ways to improve efficiency and reach more Located in the center of the “Crossroads of people. Through better routes, shorter travel America”, St. Joseph County provides access to times, and improved accessibility, it is anticipated five major cities within a five-hour that use of public transportation can grow in St. drive. The Indiana Toll Road traverses the County Joseph County for both local trips and visit to east-west, and a main arterial route (US 31) Chicago and perhaps other communities in the travels through the County connecting Michigan future. and Indianapolis. St. Joseph County also includes

32 St. Joseph County Parks Five Year Master Plan 2019-2023 TROYER GROUP 33 Recently, St. Joseph County Department of hotels will locate within the section from POPULATION AND DEMOGRAPHICS Economic Development devised a list of action Cleveland to Darden Road. The project on the From 2015 to 2017, there has been a 1.8% plans for the future growth in incorporated west side of the corridor will be connected to increase in population with an average of .25% and unicorporated areas throughout St. Joseph the LaSalle Trail. every year in St. Joseph County, resulting in a County. Many of those big-ticket items were • Supported County Parks and Public Works to jump of approximately 2,000 residents. If this completed recently and help enhance the quality seek funding from the Council to complete trend continues, the County’s could have close of life in the region, bolstering the appeal of St. Phase ll & lll of the LaSalle Trail. The funding to 274,000 residents by 2023, which will require Joseph County. approved by Council was from the Hotel- additional attention to the master planning The following are 10 economic development Motel Tourism Fund. process. With the rise in population, the highlights for St. Joseph County (as reported by Town of Lakeville amount of available open space in the County South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce): will decrease. Population projections pose a • Worked with town and County Council for • $400M Notre Dame Campus Crossroads challenge to the St. Joseph Parks and Recreation funding to purchase one of three parcels project completed Department in maintaining quality in overused needed for Wetland Park project. Lakeville is • $45M Mill at Ironworks Plaza breaks ground parks and the need for future land acquisition to working to finalize acquisition of third piece (Regional City project) serve the community adequately. and then will be applying for an Office of • $48M Roads and Bridges upgrades in region Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) grant for The success of parks is not only based on the • Four Winds Field record attendance project design. amount of visitors they attract each year and the • The Ivy at Berlin Place breaks ground quality of places they provide, but how inclusive • Worked with the town to examine corridors park facilities are as well. In preparing a proper • Studebaker 84 & 112 Building upgrades for trail connection to Potato Creek State Park. (Regional Cities project) and useful Five-Year Master Plan, it is important • JMS Building renovations completed Town of North Liberty to consider the ages of participants, as well as • East Bank redevelopment (project at Transpo • Worked with the town to examine corridors socioeconomic status in determining feasibly site and other various projects) for trail connection to Potato Creek State Park. successful programming. • Sports Complex Study underway by Visit Town of Walkerton According to Census.gov, in 2017, the population South Bend Mishawaka (VSBM) • Worked with the town to consider rail park of St. Joseph County is 72.7% White, 13.6% • Redevelopment of South Bend and African American, 8.8% Hispanic or Latino, and Mishawaka parks (Regional Cities projects) development opportunity with E&W Railroad. Rail park would be located west of town. 2.5% Asian. The County Department of Economic In 2017, the owner-occupied housing rate was Development had four major points of focus in County Growth and Development 68% with a median home value at $118,600. 2017. St. Joseph County has seen an increase in growth Median gross rent was $743. 1. Advancing the New Carlisle area and development in the past five years. As The average persons per household was 2.55. 2. Predevelopment and pre-planning for a development continues to expand to previously 83% of the households owned a computer, and project on the State Road 933 Corridor undeveloped areas in the county, protecting 74% had broadband internet service. 3. Capital Avenue area investment significant natural areas is becoming more 4. Study of rail development opportunities in St. important. St. Joseph County Parks has been Of residents 25 years and older, 88% graduated Joseph County working with Shirley Heinze Land Trust and the high school and 28% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Although these four major points were Michiana Area Council of Governments to identify natural areas for protection. emphasized, the County also put attention COMMUNITY SERVICES on towns and unicorporated areas for smaller The Parks Board is predominantly interested in Services to the public are essential for any projects. The following projects are examples acquiring large tracts of land over 100 acres with community, and having sufficient funds for all of County efforts towards improving economic significant natural resources. Acquiring additional community services is a challenge faced every growth in these areas. property and providing proper maintenance and management would require additional funding year by the County. As one of these community Dixie Highway Economic Development Area/ services, St. Joseph County Parks allocates Roseland/SR 933 Corridor and staffing. Because of this, St. Joseph County Parks explores partnerships and other options availble funds responsibly and strategically along • Worked with development partners along that could help make property acquisition side other essential community services including public works, the police department, and the fire the SR 933 corridor to look at redevelopment possible. sites for new projects. At present, two new department.

34 St. Joseph County Parks Five Year Master Plan 2019-2023 TROYER GROUP 35 NATURAL FEATURES medium texture. These soils are well-suited for rise above the 100-year flood elevation. Physical Wildlife Management development since they are typically stable and damage to the parks included a pedestrian bridge Because St. Joseph County Parks’ mission Climate non-cohesive. that had pilings settle, log jams at Ferrettie/ addresses its role in conserving natural resources, The climate of St. Joseph County has an index The St. Joseph River and other low-lying areas Baugo Creek County Park, and cleanup from silt wildlife management is an ongoing initiative. score of 44 out of 100. A higher score indicates a have Gilford, Tawas, and Sebewa soils, which and debris deposits. St. Joseph County Parks In consultation with the Indiana Department more comfortable year-round climate, based on are poorly drained and are typically located also suffered lost revenue due to the and of Natural Resources, the department employs a comfort range of 70-80 degrees. The proximity in depressions and washout flats near flood paddleboard rentals being delayed more than a various strategies to control nuisance wildlife to increases precipitation rates plains. The flood plain areas consist of alluvial month. when it is deemed the population exceeds the and causes weather patterns to change rapidly. soils. All of the above soils are not well suited for carrying capacity of the habitat or when safety The temperature range for the county is between development and should generally be reserved concerns arise. -15 degrees and 105 degrees, however, Lake for storm water storage or passive recreational Deer management strategies are employed at Michigan typically helps keep temperatures more uses. St. Patrick’s County Park and Spicer Lake Nature moderate. Water Resources Preserve where evidence indicated plant diversity On average, St. Joseph County receives 40 was impacted by over-browsing. Due to health The St. Joseph River supports several of the area’s inches of rain per year, which is comparable to concerns related to excrement, Canada geese leading industries and greatly impacts South the national average of 39 inches. The County’s are controlled at Ferrettie-Baugo Creek and St. Bend, Mishawaka, Osceola, and Notre Dame. average snow accumulation of 64 inches per year Patrick’s County Parks utilizing nest depredation more than doubles the national average of 26 In 2016, the University of Notre Dame and South permits for addling eggs. Beaver control has been inches. Bend Parks Board reached an agreement for the implemented at Spicer Lake Nature Preserve where damage to trails and structures was construction and operation of a hydroelectric Flooding at the pedestrian bridge at Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park Geology and Topography generation facility on the city’s dam. With the St. impacting visitor safety. Geology and topography is a determining factor Joseph River as the powering source, the turbine The County Parks also manages habitat to for suitability of land use for building, recreation, aims to produce a clean, renewable energy support a variety of wildlife whose populations farming, or different types of development. source. have been threatened or diminished in the Understanding the bedrock and soils can In addition to being a vital resource for the region. Areas of turf grass have been converted determine suitability and design requirements for region, the St. Joseph River also provides the area to naturalized fields and nine acres of constructed building foundations. Different soils may favor with active recreational opportunities such as prairies are mowed or burned periodically to farming or other use of certain lands. canoeing, kayaking, rowing, tubing, fishing, and provide habitat for pollinators and songbirds. A nesting pole at St. Patrick’s County Park The geology of St. Joseph County is comprised other water sports. of glacial till over older layers of bedrock from accommodates state-endangered osprey. To Nearly all of the area’s water supply is derived the Ordovician, Silurian, and Devonian ages. This protect nesting bald eagles, Park programs are from wells that have been drilled into the glacial glacial till varies in thickness from about 50 to curtailed during the active nesting season. An 300 feet. The glacial till consists of gravels, sand, drift covering the area. This water is excellent eagle cam linked to the internet allows viewers Flooding at a parking lot in St. Patrick’s County Park and clay that is locally about 200 feet thick. This in both quantity and quality and as a result the around the world to view the nesting activity water rates in the County are among the lowest safely. Volunteers monitor success rates in layer is the chief source of groundwater for the Invasive Species County. in the state. eastern bluebird boxes located in several Parks. Invasive species in the area include honeysuckle, The topography we know today was shaped by Flood Plain and Spring 2018 Flooding purple loosestrife, garlic mustard, and winged the last continental glacier that receded through Floodplains are associated with the two rivers burning bush. Although sometimes viewed as the area about 15,000 years ago. Material was that exist within the County: the St. Joseph River attractive, these non-native plants pose a threat carried away from the ice front by large streams and Kankakee River. to the established plant life within the Parks of melt waters and deposited as stratified St. Joseph River Tributaries: Baugo Creek, system, suppressing native growth in certain material, accounting for the multiple sand and habitats and diminishing plant and wildlife gravel beds in the area. Bowman Creek, Eutzler Ditch, Juday Creek, Woodward Ditch diversity. St. Joseph County Parks addresses Soils the issue with educational programs, targeted Kankakee River Tributaries: Grapevine Ditch, treatments, management strategies, and St. Joseph County predominantly has deep Niespodziany Ditch, Pine Creek, Yellow Bank volunteer removal efforts. The parks have worked soils over sand and gravel and is coarse and Creek, Yellow River with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and IDNR well-drained. These soils are comprised In the spring of 2018, the region received record on restoration projects as well as control and of loamy glacial drift and are coarse with a rainfalls and snow melt that caused flooding to removal of invasive species. Bald Eagle Nest Camera at St. Patrick’s County Park

36 St. Joseph County Parks Five Year Master Plan 2019-2023 TROYER GROUP 37