Jennings County Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2020-2024 JCPR MP

Jennings County Parks and Recreation Master Plan

2020-2024

JCPR MP

JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024

Plan developed in coordination with the Jennings County Parks and Recreation Board

Plan drafted by Greg Martin, Director JCPR

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JCPR MP

2020-2024

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Table of Contents

Section One: Introduction (page 5)

Section Two: Goals and Objectives (page 11)

Section Three: Features of Jennings County (page 15)

Section Four: Supply Analysis (JCPR specific, page 53) (page 29)

Section Five: Accessibility Analysis (page 73)

Section Six: Public Participation (page 79)

Section Seven: Issues Identification (page 79)

Section Eight: Needs Analysis (page 97)

Section Nine: New Facilities Location Map (page 125)

Section Ten: Priorities and Action Schedule (page 143)

Appendix: Miscellaneous (page 154)

Double check all

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Section One:

Introduction

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Park Board Members Department Contact Information

Pat Dickerson President: Office location:

380 South County Road 90 West Muscatatuck Park North Vernon, IN 47265 (812) 346-7852 325 North State Highway # 3 (812) 569-7762 North Vernon, IN 47265 [email protected] Commissioner appointment (until 12-31-19) 812-346-2953 812-352-3032 (fax) Tom Moore [email protected] 2925 Deer Creek Road [email protected] North Vernon, IN 47265 (812) 346-1260 www.muscatatuckpark.com (812) 592-0319 [email protected] Judge appointment (until 12-31-21)

Samantha Wilder Eco Lake Park Address:

495 Hayden Pike 9300 State Hwy # 7 North Vernon, IN 47265 Elizabethtown, In 47232 (812) 767-4150 [email protected] Judge appointment (until 12-31-21)

Pat Hauersperger

565 N. Co. Rd. 900 W North Vernon, IN 47265 (812) 592-7307 [email protected] Council appointment (until 12-31-21)

Danny Young

5345 S. Co. Rd. 100 E North Vernon, IN 47265 (812) 592-6822 [email protected] Council appointment (until 12-31-22) JCPR Office/Visitor Center

Park Staff

Plan Author Greg Martin : Director (Superintendent)

121 Long Street Greg Martin North Vernon IN 47265 (812) 718-1406 Director, JCPR [email protected] Author of five previous 5-year Master Plans

Seth Jones: Maintenance Director 121 Long Street (812) 325-4773 North Vernon IN 47265 (812) 718-1406 Paul Gatewood: Director’s Assistant [email protected]

(812) 614-1281

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Description of Park Board Overview of the Park Board/Department

The Jennings County Park Board was created in 1967 in A more in-depth history of the department can be found anticipation of the transfer of the Muscatatuck State in the past master plans. This overview will primarily Park back to the citizens of Jennings. The park was discuss items in the last planning cycle. deeded back to Jennings in 1968.The ordinance creating the Board was rewritten in 1993 and is supplied in the At the beginning of last planning cycle a cloud based Appendix. RMS (reservation management system) had just been instituted (2014). This has proven to be a much needed The Muscatatuck was the only property under direct technological upgrade, although significant computer management of the Board until 2007 when Eco Lake skills are necessary for staff. Park was given to the County and the Department. The main focus out of last cycle planning was geared The Park Board partners annually with many agencies. towards playgrounds and creating camping at Eco Lake They have provided office space for a regional Experi- Park (ELP). ence Works, Inc administrator. They have had lease agreements in prior years with Jennings County Tour- Although the department had hoped to get camping ism Department, as well as the “Friends of the Muscata- open at ELP, it was always understood that a significant tuck River Society” water quality educator. There is grant and/or county council assistance would be needed. some discussion to reformulate the partnership with the The “Lowe’s Community Partnership Grant” was ap- Tourism Department, which would open the park Visi- plied for (twice), yet the grant was not competitive. tor Center back to a county-wide Visitor Center. Most available grants tend to not grade this upgrade well. This will be discussed later. Twice over the past twenty years, the Park Board struck out to partner with the local municipal recreation de- The department was successful in most other objectives. partment (North Vernon Parks and Recreation), trying After receiving a $30,000 grant for raising $60,000 in a to create one local department with increased staffing, challenge grant, JCPR used these funds, submitted, and budget, etc. This partnership was never formalized, was awarded a $70,000 matching grant for purchase of although supported by both organization directors. playground equipment. This essentially was buy one unit for Muscatatuck and get a free unit for Eco Lake JCPR has partnered with the small town of Vernon on Park. JCPR installed both units saving the county instal- significant projects. An IDNR Urban Forestry Grant as lation costs. well as a State Historical Marker Grant were both gar- nered with the assistance of JCPR. Both groups are JCPR was then awarded funds for a spray-grounds, with working together along with the municipality to fulfill accompanying grants for shade structures and benches. community wide trail opportunities. JCPR had to fund installation of the spray-grounds, but did shade installation in-house.

JCPR is subsidized by the county general budget. The Two larger pieces of equipment were itemized in the Parks Department also has a non-reverting fund for cycle. JCPR bought and funded a new truck in 2018, funds generated from their properties. Camping and and a new mower in 2019. building rental are the two main income generators. Road work had been itemized on the Muscatatuck Park’s main road, as had bridge work. Since the main Description of Department Staff park road is a county road that sees significant commut- er traffic, the maintenance is done by the County High- way Dept. Both issues were taken care of. The road at Jennings County Parks and Recreation Department has ELP also had some work completed ($10,000 stone, three full time employees. There is no funding for part- plus grade work). time labor. JCPR is an arm of the county government and works within their framework. Upgrades to the barn structure had been itemized. With the department installing playgrounds this upgrade did JCPR had partnered with the Experience Works pro- not materialize due to time constraints and the use of gram and the National Able Network, providing work- the barn as storage. It was also superseded somewhat in ers in the field and sometimes in the office, yet this op- importance to removal of the older Director's residence, portunity has not been a consistent partner of late. which had also been used as storage. This will clean up the Muscatatuck Park’s front/east entrance. JCPR utilizes a camp host to increase campground security and assist in permit collection.

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Organizational Chart of Park Board Relative to Local Government

Area Planning Jennings County 911

Auditor LEPC County Commissioners:

Circuit Court Executive Parks & Recreation Branch

Coroner Purdue Extension

Clerk/Circuit Courts Recorder County Council:

Domestic Violence Superior Court Fiscal & Legislative Branch Emergency Mang. Sup. Court Probation

Assessor Treasurer

Animal Control Health Department

Organizational Chart of Staff Relative to Park Board.

Park Board

Park Director

Park Maintenance Volunteers Assistant Director

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Overview of the Department’s Management Definition of Planning Area:

JCPR is a small department. Three individuals take care of Jennings County Parks and Recreation Department is two parks totaling 344 acres, mowing roughly 75 acres. a county-wide department. This study will overview JCPR had partnered with the County Tourism Department elements throughout the county, yet will focus on a from 1998 to 2009, until it was administratively dissolved. few county owned properties. Historically, the de- These two agencies shared an office assistant that was pro- partment has concentrated on the Muscatatuck Park. vided and funded by the Experience Works Program. They acquired the Eco Lake Park property in 2007. JCPR has had this office assistant position filled intermit- This property has seen some improvements (via three tently since 2009. grants), yet with minimal increased funding to the department. JCPR utilizes a camp host to help check in campers after hours. The camp host limited other duties like cleaning and Jennings County has a wealth of outdoor recreational stocking the bath house. opportunities at the State and National level. These areas will be covered in the county inventory. The Director stays in the office as much as possible when the office assistant is off or the position is unfilled. Oten JCPR, Vernon, and North Vernon have all come to- the office must be closed for the Director to assist the gether to formulate a Community-wide Trails Plan. A crew, consult with contractors, work with the Auditor, etc. few additions and modifications will be discussed later. A significant INDOT grant (1.2 million) funded Each of the three employees work weekends during the the long desired “Gum Street” trail along an aban- busy season (mid April to mid October) with an alternating doned railway (B&O) Bids were let in 2015, with rotation. Weekend hours are usually split in to am/pm construction completed in 2017.The tail was subse- shifts. quentially named the Muscatatuck Trail, and is hugely popular. JCPR does not directly program events or programs. They do partner with multiple agencies to run various races The trails committee has been working aggressively (running, color, obstacle/mud, mountain biking) and at on other potential trails and connector. An upgraded times day camps. Music and Beer festivals have been tried, Trails Master Plan will be presented within this plan. but have not stayed steady. Funding from these events are profitable, but varies as the events change. Jennings County is set in the rolling hills of southern Indiana. Nice hardwood forests dress the multiple JCPR makes the majority of their Non-Reverting funding stream and river ravines. Winding rivers and streams (funds generated from the facilities) from the have sculpted limestone bluffs to create many inter- campgrounds. A heated Community Building generates the esting and significant geological features. Many of second most revenue and is rented on average 80 times per these features may warrant increased promotion. year. Shelter house rentals generate the third largest income. Miscellaneous income is generated from firewood, Total acreage of the county is 245,120 acres or ap- showers, salvage, etc. Shelters are rentable, but are first proximately 376.6 square miles. The county is divid- come first serve when not rented. The Muscatatuck Park ed into 12 townships. North Vernon is centrally locat- has many annual events (family reunions/picnics) and the ed in the center of the county with Vernon (the coun- shelters are often rented during the day, then used by non- ty seat) one mile south. paying visitors afterward. Jennings County is conveniently centered equidistant Average Non-reverting funds are approximately $73,000 to Indianapolis, Louisville, and Cincinnati (roughly and has increased almost $30,000 over the last planning 65 miles from each.). Major interstates do not enter cycle. The department is subsidized by an average budget the county, but US Highway 50, and State roads # 3 of approximately $141375. The department’s funding has and #7 supply good access in and out of the commu- stayed steady for the most part, with all government de- nity. During this last planning cycle the state built a partments getting an average 3% increase per year. During significant by-pass around the city. This has in- the recession the park saw a larger reduction (11%) than creased transportation efficiency, and has helped keep other departments that were decreased (5 %). JCPR did not larger commercial traffic out of the small city. see a substantial increase in funding after the second park was acquired. In 2017, the council did increase the general budget appropriation for the second assistant. The park had had to pay 50% of this annual salary, yet the county absorbed this, thus freeing approximately 14,000 annually since 2017.

After the recession there was a small group of officials that had tried to sell both Park facilities. This group was not well supported, nor did they get too far before opposition mounted. Ultimately the initiative was not pursued.

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Jennings County, Indiana

Source: http://www.jnru.org/pdfs/jc.pdf

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Section Two:

Goals and Objectives

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Goals and Objectives of the Department Goals and Objectives of the Park Board

The core goals of the Jennings County Parks and Recre- The following are core goals of the Jennings County ation are: Park Board:

Study and implement industry standards at various lev- Communicate with local elected officials to solidify els of operation. Acknowledge errors and find solutions funding and increase the knowledge of the Parks’ worth to rectify conflicts. and utility.

Listen to the publics expressed issues, conflicts, and Manage the Parks with fiscal responsibility, creativity, desires and find potential actions of resolution. foresight, with increased knowledge of industry standards, models, and trends. Communicate with local leaders representing the communities recreational demands. Collaborate with NVPR to increase the importance and impact of Parks and Recreation in our community. Work with North Vernon and the Jennings County School Corporation to promote and realize the potential Limit the negative activity (vandalism) that the parks at the potential Sand Creek School-park area. are sometimes subjected too.

Work with Vernon and North Vernon to complete a Make the Park and Recreation facilities safer in general community wide trails plan. Specifically, JCPR hopes and more inclusive to all. to connect to the historic Tunnel Mill and Crosley SFWA, historic Vernon, Rock Rest Falls and the Calli Increase the revenue generating capacity of the parks State Nature Preserve, as well as North Vernon Parks without inflating the prices and limiting usage to the underserved in our community. Promote a healthy lifestyle through increased marketing of our parks and specifically our trail system.

Protect the historical and natural aspects of both the Muscatatuck Park and Eco Lake Park.

Maintain the grounds of both parks with increased sen- sitivity to aesthetics as well as safety.

Use our parks unique features to offer creative and en- joyable recreation at the lowest cost possible to all our citizens.

Increase revenue by increased usage of our amenities and/or expansion of the product.

WPA/CCC Shelter at Muscatatuck Park

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Goals and Objectives of the Master Plan Mission Statement of Jennings County Parks and Recreation The main objective of this study is to analyze current recreational issues in Jennings County and provide a basis for action. Some specific items to be completed with this plan are:

Revisit our Mission Statements for the department, Our Mission is to: and each individual park.

Define areas that are in need of improvement. Study alternatives for improvement, compare costs, and “Provide adequate and then define specific actions (in some cases limita- tions) to upgrade these areas. diversified recreational

Classify, protect, and preserve significant recreation- opportunity to meet the al, educational, historical, cultural, and natural resources. needs of the citizens of our

Preserve and protect open space. community, while protect-

Cooperate with public and private groups and indi- ing and promoting our viduals in developing recreational resource relation- ships (partnerships). Create a network of communica- significant natural and tion and planning amongst the area professionals. historic resources.” Survey the local public to better facilitate their needs and desires.

Study possibilities of acquiring additional park land. Trail and greenway corridors are considered a high JCPR has successfully administered and studied six priority. consecutive cycles of recreational planning. Grants have been pursued and implemented in a wide and com- Communicate, advertise, and promote unique recrea- munity oriented manner. Creative proposals have been tional opportunity with the hope of increased under- presented. Some have been adopted and others only standing leading to specific action in the community. debated. Creative programming has been witnessed through partnerships with interested groups and individ- Become more comprehensive and insightful in ap- uals. Tax payer money has been stretched to maximize proach and methodology of supplying recreation. utility.

Study and utilize funding sources to the best ad- JCPR is proud of their accomplishments: the parks are vantage of our residents. cleaner, more attractive, and provide more opportunity. Income has increased to a significant fruition of its ca- Improve the quality of life in Jennings County. pacity. JCPR has acquired new park lands at no cost to the taxpayer.

JCPR is excited to embark on a new planning cycle. Although the department has seen significant gains in overall “wellness”, there is still room for improvement. “Wellness” of the community and department will be analyzed again. As changes occur so do our needs. The challenges of tomorrow are at our doorstep. There is enormous potential just beyond our reach. Jennings County Parks and Recreation intends to step up and lead the community into another period of enrichment and fulfillment.

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Our Mission is to:

“Provide adequate and diversified recreational opportunity to meet the needs of the citizens of our community, while protecting and promoting our significant natural and historic resources”

Mission Statements are great generalizations of our overall goals, desires, and responsibilities. No one recreational department will be the same as the next as no community is like another. Jennings County’s assets and issues are unique. Although this is generally true, JCPR is committed to study other recreation providers, evaluate, then reevaluate. JCPR is open to criticism. JCPR is open to change. The public response to our initiative is very welcome. Increas- ingly we see a polarity of views, needs, desires, expectations. This is the age of polarity, for better or worse.

Within the last planning cycle there was a small push to sell both Park facilities. This position was extreme, but had support in some circles. Others realize how our recreational amenities do not measure up to state and national standards. This polarity creates a great challenge. It is one of the core goals, of the department through this master plan, to collect enough information to be able to educate the citizens and point our community in the most advantageous direction possible. We believe that information, study, comparison, debate, evaluation, then revaluation are always needed. We believe that standards adopted across the country have been tested and refined to a great degree. Even though our issues are unique and challenges are great, we must look at our models. We must constantly reevaluate. This is our responsibility and our professional imperative. With all this in mind, we try to create mission operatives for our dis- tinct facilities. No one park can deliver all recreational needs and wants. This is why our recreational model has evolved to where it is today. Conflicting issues need to be separated. Like needs can often be merged. We except our mission as flexible and open minded, but we support the work of our peers in creating a framework for our unique community:

Mission of the Muscatatuck Park: (presented in discussion format)

Muscatatuck Park is a county park. It is the community’s park. It has developed many elements of the “Community Park” classification. It originated as (Indiana’s fourth State Park) and has been striving to be managed as a “District Park”, specifically a “Historic District Park”. The park has natural and historic elements that are unique to southern Indiana. These elements need to be protected and promoted. Camping, mountain biking, and hiking are seeing a significant regional draw Although the campgrounds is not full to capacity most weekends, the demand is significant and increasing. The Park would be hard pressed to find alternative use that would generate an equal return, without increased investment and significant consequences. Through the years we have seen that the “Community” element works with and sometimes against this “District Park”, usage scenario. In general, though, low intensity community programming and usage is a complement to the park and public in general. We do caution that combining Model classifications can cause conflicts. Aspects of “sports complexes “ are not deemed appropriate for the “District Park” classification. This applies to the “Community Park” and “Neighborhood Park” classifications, as well. Officials would be well served to study the recreational model presented in “Park, Recreation, Open Space, Greenway Guidelines”. This information and model is the gold standard of the industry. Its adherence produces viable results in many successful communities.

Paraphrased: The Mission (or Mission operative) of the Muscatatuck Park is to be managed as a Historic District Park. “Community Park” elements can and should be incorporated into the facility, yet kept in balance as to not infringe upon the natural, historic, and tourism related elements of the park.

The Mission of Eco Lake Park would be much the same as Muscatatuck. Fulfilling the agreement of the donors in producing an open public facility that promotes fishing, camping, and natural resource protection is the main focus of this facility.

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Section Three:

Features of Jennings County

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Natural Features and Landscape Limestone Geology and Recreational Opportunity

Jennings County is blessed with rolling hills and winding streams and rivers. The natural landscape possesses Jennings County has exposed stone throughout the county. a striking beauty that should be considered an asset for This is most often seen along the Muscatatuck River and recreation as well as quality of life. other tributaries. The majority of the exposed stone is do- lomite limestone (approximately 325 million years old) There are areas of open space that have recreational with examples other types of limestone present and small potential for various reasons. One main area is adjacent amounts of shale. The higher bands or rock, which are to Sand Creek School, just north of North Vernon. This newer, often exhibit dense and varied fossils. land is owned by the school corporation. It has been proposed and there is general support that a low mainte- The American Indian word “Muscatatuck” translates into nance field space through a school-park collaborative “land of windings waters”. The Muscatatuck River and effort could be acheived. More discussion of this sub- other tributaries have carved out the interesting and erratic ject will follow in the subsequent chapters. river channels, hitting harder stone and then curving in various directions, often in near ox-bow connections. Additional open space areas will be studied in our inventory. The curving nature of the river and streams in Jennings makes for interesting kayak and canoe trips. Unfortunately Jennings County is uniquely and advantageously locat- this is mainly seasonal, with summer and fall water levels ed equidistant between three large population centers: often too low for quality riding. Caving has also been done Indianapolis, Louisville, and Cincinnati. JCPR has wit- for years, yet is somewhat restricted now due to “White– nessed increased participation from these population Nose Syndrome” that effects bats. The rock walls along centers during special events, like the DINO mountain the streams have provided another recreation opportunity bike races, obstacle races, and also bouldering. In- that is the young but growing activity: rock climbing. creased marketing to these centers seems merited for various events.

Jennings County is also home to two National Wildlife Rock Climbing Refuges. Currently there are only three in the entire state. Hunting, fishing, and camping (and other outdoor Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing physical activ- related demands) are generated from these properties ities in the country. Indoor gyms are popping up all over and these properties will continue to drive this demand. in specific facilities and also in conjunction with recreational centers to elementary schools. Rock climbing With rolling hills and winding rivers, Jennings County evolved out of the mountaineering tradition, but climbing has a picturesque landscape. Scenic views are scattered is an elementary activity to the human primate, much like through out the county. Many are centrally located and/ walking, running, and swimming. Climbing is intrinsically or have easy access. Some of these are developed, yet interesting as a basic physical activity and is now gaining there is potential for many visitor access points of sig- much popularity from the creation of artificial walls. From nificant beauty. These vistas and recreational sites will mountaineering evolved 5 basic rock climbing forms: be itemized and discussed in our inventory section. • Aid Climbing (Vernon, Gym, Rock Rest Falls, Tunnel Mill, Ford’s Crossing, Vernon #3 & #7). • Traditional Climbing (crack climbing) • Sport Climbing (often steep or blank wall Soils are compatible with most regional plant popula- climbing) tions, but the clay composition can be a hindrance to • Bouldering (smaller, condensed difficulty) field sod plantings. Aeration and irrigation may be • Mixed Rock and Ice (often mostly ice) needed for top end grass growing usually seen in a athletic complex. Jennings County does not have a great deal of isolated “boulders”, but the height of most rock walls is of reason- Jennings has a good mix of upland (Oak, maple, etc.) able bouldering height. Some taller climbs are done more and lowland forests (sycamore, cottonwood, etc.) that safely with a top secured rope (top-roping). grow in conjunction with the many hills and drainage channels winding throughout the county. The author has been recently approached about the formulation of an Indiana Climbers Coalition. Although the abundance of good quality stone is smaller, the state and this recreation group would likely benefit from this type of group formulation. There is some discussion that “Strawberry Fields” which will be part of the NLT “Next Level Trails” Grant could be purchased via the above coalition. This could further the grant and mediate a potential liability issue relative to recreational use on easements.

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Bouldering is the main from of rock climbing in Jennings. This type of climbing is the most basic form of the sport and uses the least amount of technical gear. Rock shoes and chalk were the 1980’s gear. Prior to that, climbers bouldered in whatever tight fitting shoe they could find useful (hiking boots to wrestling shoes). In the mid 1990’s climbers started creating pads for bouldering and the sport exploded. It seems odd that climbing a 10 foot section of rock would be that interesting, but due to the difficulty of movement and often tricky problem solving elements, bouldering has become a stand alone activity, were it used to be termed “practice climbing”. Younger climbers seem specially attracted to this type of climbing.

Indiana does not have a great deal of rock for outdoor climbing. There are a few sandstone and limestone bluffs scattered around the state. In the late 1980’s early 1990’s there was a small population of Indiana climbers that frequented the Red River Gorge Area in Kentucky to climb on a regular basis. Red River is now considered a world class climbing destination. Those few climbers were anxious for local rock and then started developing specific climbs, naming them, and grading them (relative to difficultly, quality, dangerousness).

Bouldering problems were first established in Jennings in 1991. Prior to that the cliff line did see some rappellers. Climbers are now witnessed most every weekend and often during weekdays.

Bouldering is often dynamic, explosive, yet also subtle and balance orientated.

Bouldering often tackles steep terrain using various techniques in powerful and abstract ways.

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Watershed and Wildlife Invasive Species and Management in Jennings Plant Disease Overview

Jennings County is over 30 percent forested as well Invertebrates: as 30 percent agricultural. The combination of forest and field space are good for maintaining a diverse wildlife population. The National and State Emerald Ash Borer was found in Jennings approximately recreational areas are good examples of active five years ago. Significant decline has been witnessed. Pow- wildlife management techniques and practices. er companies have aggressively removed the trees from most power lines. The Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge is one of Indiana's best examples of a reintroduction to a JCPR properties do not have a large percentage of ash trees, natural wetland landscape. Their mission is to but it is still a common tree. Inventorying individuals close “restore, preserve, and manage a mix of forest, to infrastructure is merited. Vernon and Muscatatuck Park wetland, and grassland habitat for fish, wildlife and had planted (a few) ash trees in the past, yet will hold off people.” They claim wildlife management as their from this species till a resistant strain is available. JCPR has top priority. The property is recognized as a worked in conjunction with the IDNR to assist monitoring. “Continentally Important” bird area, due to their Current EAIDNR EAB web site: www.in.gov./dnr/ efforts to maintain significant habitats natural to the entomolo/5349.htm pre-settler era. Japanese beetles have been witnessed with varying popula- Water manipulation in the form of season wetlands, tions. Recent years have been less detrimental. ponds, and marshes, interconnected and inter- spersed with managed vegetation areas makes the refuge the natural home to multiple species, includ- Plants: ing over 100 identified bird species. Japanese honey suckle is the most widespread, visible inva- The reintroduction of the river otter in 1995 was sive species. Where and when possible this species is re- deemed a significant success. The otters were once moved. regionally threatened/extinct. The program has been an extremely successful reintroduction with English ivy is also prevalent and visible. JCPR has treated otter sightings now all over the county. this vine along the main road where it is highly visible and accessible to treat. This species is not listed on the IDNR MNWR host the “Wings over the Muscatatuck” web site: www.in.gov/dnr/6351.htm , yet local annual festival. This bird watching event is well IDNR personnel have suggested that JCPR treat it. attended. Autumn olive is present on both JCPR properties. In 1991, There is currently a large watershed protection ini- regional biologists planted this species in conjunction with tiative in the works within the “Central Muscata- two newly developed wetland areas at the Muscatatuck Park. tuck Watershed” project. The project plans to pro- Subsequently it was deemed invasive. It is aggressive, hard tect 26,000 acres of river bottomland. Mitch Dan- to work with and remove and is not a preferred species. iels states, “This initiative will increase public access to hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, boating, All varieties of pear have proven invasive. and bird watching, and leave a legacy for future generations by providing a major conservation des- Aquatic Species: tination for tourists.” Status ? JCPR will be interested in aquatic management more in the Brush Creek Elementary School outdoor lab has a coming years. Algae at the Eco Lake Park is a seasonal is- state recognized program and wetland restoration sue. Plant composition is also an issue. The IDNR has sug- area. Ron Mulligan was the designer and was rec- gested practices in their water survey of this property. ognized for his efforts in 1992.

The Muscatatuck Park has worked with local Diseases and other issues: SWCD to re-introduce wetlands to the property. There is a small linkage of wetland marshes within There are many plant and animal diseases that effect various a natural drainage channel. A larger (yet still small) populations. “White-Nosed Syndrome” is one of signifi- 1/2 acre pond has been itemized to be created south cance effecting bats. of these two ponds. Loss of recreational trail space may deter the department from this long range ob- Drought, higher than average temperatures, and also pollu- jective, although a pond closer to the campground tion have been blamed for issues effecting many plants. Nor- would be a positive addition for campers. way Spruce has seen mortality all over southern Indiana. Once elegant and thriving trees have been witnessed in decline and dead in all adjacent counties as well as in Jennings. Preliminary research points decline to drought stress, increased temperatures and wetter growing seasons.

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Man Made Features There is one larger reservoir in the county, Brush Creek Reservoir. This property had been managed along with In Jennings a buffer area in the form of a State Wildlife Area. The majority of this area has been taken over by the military and is named Muscatatuck Urban Training Center. A Last planning cycle Jennings County was going through smaller area is still managed for wildlife and issues one of their largest infrastructure re-investment periods. hunting permits. The US 50 Highway by-pass is now complete. This multi-million dollar road upgrade creates a significant This reservoir had also accommodated a campground. thoroughfare around the town of North Vernon. With Brush Creek Campground. This property has largely the varying topography and winding rivers, the location been incorporated into the Urban Training Center. of this road was a significant study taking years. The impacts of this road will mostly be positive relative to There is one larger reservoir for the north part of the recreation. The road network has been tied to many county that is being studied. The possibility of a larger bridges because of the winding nature of the river. The reservoirs with varying levels of water acreage has been new bypass creates an alternative route for many resi- studied for at least 20 years. North Vernon will always dents and travelers. The location of these roads will not be looking at alternative (or supplemental) water assist pedestrian travel greatly, as it by-passes town. source. The Zenas project would accommodate that for The extra width of the new roads is a great benefit for future generations as well a creating significant water bikers, as it ten foot brims on both sides. related recreational opportunity.

It is the general trend that development has been in this Another smaller potential lies in the currently aban- area north of town. It is assumed that this trend will doned North Vernon Quarry was owned by Hanson continue and increase due to development along this Aggregate., yet was purchased by the city. This lime- new corridor. Future upgrades to the park system will stone quarry is being used as a water storage area. Ma- want to be located accordingly. jor water recreation in the form of larger boats would not be facilitated in this area, but fishing, swimming, State highways #3 and #7, which join and are the same hiking, picnicking, etc. would most likely be developed road in town, are the main road (s) leading north and as supplemental along the banks and fringe of this prop- south. This road is was recently resurfaced and wid- erty. Recreational upgrades here will most likely be ened. project. Impacts to recreation are considered min- looked into in the NVPR next master plan cycle. imal, but upgrades to sidewalks on both sides of this (forthcoming?) road are considered significant upgrades. Aesthetics of the town have increased with this upgrade as well as The general layout of the community defines to a large increase ease of alternative transportation. It is worthy degree Jennings recreational amenities. North Vernon to note that a short increase of this sidewalk (one- Schools are centrally located with elementary schools quarter mile) could connect North Vernon to the Mus- out side of town roughly 5 to 7 miles in four directions. catatuck Park via a walking corridor. A “narrows” area Jennings students are bused a further distance than any could be an impediment to this, but less than one-half other county in Indiana. The peripheral schools do sup- mile could connect Vernon to North Vernon. Pedestrian ply needed recreation to many rural residents, but prox- travel is witnessed often (nearly daily) along this corri- imity may still be a limiting factory to many on a day to dor even without sidewalks. day basis.

North Vernon was the recipient of a 16 Million Dollar Railroad corridors are still used in the community, but Stellar grant (one of two Indiana communities to re- there is some potential for adopting abandoned railways ceive this inaugural grant). This grant funded a smaller for greenways. block park in the downtown area. Fountains, benches, and decorative elements were added to this area to en- One main issue discussed repeatedly in the North liven the downtown area. Impacts are not negative, but Vernon Master plan, as well as the Jennings County this park was considered controversial as it eliminated Comprehensive Master Plan is the lack of thoughtful parking space. planning relative to zoning. Jennings and North Vernon have significantly “piece meal” residential, commercial, The Stellar grant also provided the matching funds for industrial areas. These two works point out examples the INDOT “Gum Street” greenway section of the com- where the result is less than desirable (mobile homes munity wide trails project. This upgrade supplies a placed in residential neighborhoods, etc). They also paved trail connecting Musc. Park to the small NVPR made the point that this can and should be deterred in mini-park. This has been a hugely popular upgrade to the future, with more thoughtful and stringent design, for bike/pedestrian access. landscape and other construction standards.

North Vernon has just recently added their second community Park, Tripton Park. This upgrade capitalized on the acquisition of the abandoned golf course. JCPR had actively petitioned the city move forward with this project. Funding for this and a significant upgrade to the pool at their other facility were taken care of through bonds (3 million for Tripton Park and 3.6 million for pool upgrades)

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Historical Jennings Cultural Jennings

Jennings County takes significant pride in their Ethnically, Jennings County is a (97%) white/Caucasian history. The county was an early Indiana town and community with over half of the community living in a played a part in the early history of the State. rural setting. Relative to recreation we do not miss in the stereotypical hunter-fisher person being a norm. Vernon is listed on the National Register of Histori- cal Places in its entirety. This placement is primari- Historically, Jennings residents embody this stereotype ly for its early settler architecture and its unique with little deviation. As the county is a good place for charter, which makes it the smallest county seat in this type of recreation there seems to be a good percent- Indiana. This town naturally has a State Historical age of the population that do hunt and fish. marker for the same reasons. Classically urban pursuits like paved trail biking/ walking, “Art in the parks”, spray grounds, etc, are less Jennings is home to seven State Historical Mark- desired. This trend is changing, yet very slowly. Jen- ers: nings County has one of the worst retentions of higher • Vernon Historical District educational populations in Indiana (87 th of 92 counties • Muscatatuck Park with a bachelors' degree or more). College bound youth • Jonathan Jennings tend not to come back to Jennings and live. Exposure to national trends are smaller and adopted slower. • Morgan’s Raiders • Kellar Grist Mill With that in mind, hunting, and fishing opportunities are • Hannah Milhous Nixon and should be a priority in Jennings. Camping is often • Grouse-line Treaty related to these activities and is witnessed to be pre- formed often in conjunction with each other.

Jennings County’s Historical Museum is located in The rural recreational trends do appear to be changing Vernon, and they have many artifacts. Muscatatuck slowly though. Mountain Biking, Mud Races, Color Park has an interpretive Visitor Center with a com- Races, are well attended. Often these events pull from prehensive overview of the local history along with the Region, but local participation is significant and many historical photos. enjoyment levels seem to support more and varied recreational opportunities. The Jennings County Historical Society created a significant spring festival “Sassafras Days’. This The Park Theater in North Vernon is a well attended festival celebrates early pioneer history and specifi- venue for plays, musical performances, and weekend cally does a mock Civil War battle to commemo- movies. Local and regional bands play often. The local rate the Morgan’s Raider’s event of 1863. The “players” club performs plays through out the year here. reenactment is done in partnership with JCPR and This facility shows Sunday matinees, at a reduced price. is held at the Muscatatuck Park. Other programs are not pursued, currently. Muscatatuck Park has hosted various musical events over the years, but they have not gained sustainability. Vernon and Jennings have significant Medium sized Bluegrass festivals were well attended, “Underground Railroad” history. The publication, but faded away as the main volunteers burnt out. Events “Southeast Indiana Trails to Freedom” is a good created from a department program director could help resource on this topic sustain these functions.

North Vernon has several smaller districts on the NVPR has a couple musical events in the summer. One National Register of Historic Places. The Down- is always associated with their July fourth celebration. town, State Street, and Walnut Street districts en- compass multiple homes, and the Carnegie Library Art or other cultural events relative to parks are held, and Annadale are listed separately. Historic Walk- yet not often. JCPR has hosted picture contests and also ing/Driving Tour brochures for both Vernon and picture exhibits. North Vernon are available. JCPR partnered with a local business to create the North Vernon has had a significant history from the “Fermentation Celebration: Beer and Wine Festival.” rail road era. Although once considered one of the The event was quite popular, yet extreme heat (timing busiest railroads for smaller towns in Indiana, no of event) and a changing of the organizer’s business museum or artifacts are readily available to inter- lead to this being dropped. pret this rich history.

JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024 20

Economic and Social Factors

Jennings County population has seen slight decreases in population the last three planning cycles. Over 10 years this equals about 1000 individuals. Population distribution is in the table below (Table One) as is general income information compared to the State and to North Vernon.

TABLE ONE (1)

What? North Vernon Jennings County Indiana

Population 6,712 27,611 6,691,878

Per Capita Income (2013) $ 23,558 22,901 $ 27,305

Median Household Income $ 42,200 $ 48,342 $ 52,182

Median Value Owner owned $ 78,400 $ 89,700 $ 130,200 home

% Public below poverty line 19.8 % 12.8 % 13.1 %

% Population under age 5 8.2% 6.0 % 6.3 %

% Population under age 18 22.9 % 23.0 % 23.4 % % Population over 65 16.8 % 16.4 % 15.8 % % Population white 97 % 97.2 % 85.1 %

% Population with 81.6 % 85.4 % 88.3 % High school education % Population with Bachelors 12.6 % 10.7% 25.3 % degree or higher

Information provided by www.census.gov and www.stats.indiana.edu (most data: 2013-2017)

North Vernon population has seen decreases of (-3.8%) over the last 10 years. The county is experiencing nearly the same decline (-3.2 %). This is a national trend for rural communities, yet could be a large issue in the future for Jen- nings. This is happening while the state population increased roughly 3.2%. Age distribution is an important recreational statistic. Most communities are planning for the increase in the baby boomer generation aging over 65. Jennings and North Vernon both saw increases in older population and decreases in youth population. Although this is important Jennings County and North Vernon have over 23% of the population under 18. Programming and supplying recreational amenities to this population distribution will remain important.

Jennings County’s minority distribution is essentially negligible. Gender distributions (female pop.= 49.9 %) are negligible as well. Jennings (and more so North Vernon) has a significant population in groups homes, once housed in the State Hospital.

Jennings Counties retention of educated adults is one of the worst in the state (87 th). Relative to recreation, income and education data suggest that trendy and more expensive recreational amenities would be less attainable in Jennings. This does not suggest that recreational diversity is less desired, although to a degree this may be true due to lack of varied experience. Poverty in children below 18 years old is high, but slightly improving.

Economically, Jennings County was hit hard by the recent recession. From 2005 to 2010, Jennings saw a 72 percent decrease in building permits. The property tax caps have decreased local government funding, significantly. Delin- quency property tax in the county exacerbated this issue even more. The issue of delinquent property tax along with foreclosure data will be discussed in more detail in “CSL. Critical Area”, at the end of this chapter.

Jennings County annual unemployment rate (3.4 % ) is slightly higher than the state average. Jennings is a net export- er of workers. The impact on local recreation may be that less time is available for commuters to recreate.

Jennings County Population is 27,611, and is not increasing. On the next page we will discuss population stability.

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Population Growth and Stability Some main components of growing economies/ communities are: • Diverse work establishments Most economies use a model that suggests that growth is • Educated work force something that must always be striven towards. The next • Efficient Access routes (interstate and few generations on the planet will be confronted with a highways) newer model, one that stresses sustainability over growth. • Affordable housing Infinite growth is not possible in a finite system. While technology can modify this basic law, there is growing • Quality of life: concern on major fronts. With climate change, pollution, • School poverty, and crumbling infrastructure in many areas be- • Parks coming more acknowledged and prevalent, sustainability • Entertainment will be an increasingly important topic on multiple levels.

There is a large trend in population decline in rural Indi- Jennings County’s Comprehensive Master Plan ana. From 2011 to 2012, fifty-four of ninth-two counties looked at much of this information and made many shed population. Although Jennings County population recommendations for local leaders. Zoning issues in increased from 2000 to 2009, basically all those increases the form of code enforcement and implementing in- were lost between 2010 to 2019. This happened at the creased design standards were heavily stressed. same time the state saw increases in population (3.2%). When comparing urban growth to rural growth, urban Instead of creating new developments, existing areas growth is 5 times faster. should be reclaimed. Retention of farm land whenever possible was recommended. There are numerous factors that lead to population growth and stability. Economic diversity is one key factor to ur- Protecting and marketing historic and natural re- ban growth. People will follow jobs. Jennings County has sources to a higher level was also stressed. a large (24.7%) percentage of manufacturing jobs. Con- struction, warehousing, education, and retail supply rough- The Jennings County Comprehensive Master Plan ly 42 percent of local jobs. 15 other categories make up could have been more publicized and more debated. the remaining percentage of jobs. Increased communication on all fronts will be needed to stabilize the local economy. Jennings had lost a total of 23 (-5.4%) worker establishments over the past 2 cycles . Jennings had also lost over 1000 jobs (-12.7%). Between 2000 to 2010. Additional statistics are overviewed in the EDC report: www.hoosierdata.in.gov/highlights One Economic Development spokesperson says that “the first step is to keep people from leaving the county, starting with young people.” Jennings County is retaining less The 2017 Community Needs Assessment looked into than the state average people aged 24 to 44. various needs the local community had in regards to stabilizing population. Three of five categories dealt Jennings also has a problem retaining educated workers. with quality of life elements: Jennings County is 87th of 92 counties relative to percent- • #1 Workforce & Jobs age (10.7%) of workers with a bachelors degree or higher. • #2 Education Jennings County has the lowest percentage of Graduate or • #3 Health & Wellness higher workers 2.6%. Of roughly 3221 counties in the • #4 Recreation & Entertainment USA, only 97 counties have a less educated workforce • #5 Beautification (last cycle).

It is beyond the scope of this plan to address much of the Jennings County Parks and Recreation does not ac- information provided above. Obviously the issues are tively use “sliding fee scales”, “free access days” , or complex and a comprehensive approach will be needed to “park prescriptions”. JCPR fees and amenities are move forward progressively. very basic without little differentiation. The parks are open with no gate fees and shelters are first come first serve, unless specifically rented. Primitive camping is reasonably priced and significantly lower than state “without a doubt, people serve as facilities.

the foundation of a viable and vi- JCPR does note that shelters that are rented on week- brant community. Gain or loss of ends tend to get used later in the day or evening by a second or third party. This enables poorer segments of this valuable asset should lead to the community to use the facilities free.

an examination of what is driving this trend and what can be done to promote gains and reverse losses.”

www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/EC/EC-767-w.pdf

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“Parks and Recreation as an economic engine in local communities; strong parks and recreation programs encourage users to spend their recreation dollars close to home, and not just in parks, but in local businesses, restaurants, etc.” Unclean property at CSL ISORP 2015

“ New businesses gravitate toward communities that offer strong quality of life, health, and wellness for their work force.”

ISORP 2015 Abandoned pool near playground at CSL

“New residents attracted to a community bring new tax revenues; residents leaving take their tax money with them. Hoosiers indicate where they prefer to live by moving there.”

ISORP 2015

CSL lake from dam area

JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024 23

Country Squire Lakes (CSL) The Jennings County Comprehensive plan identi- fies this area and many of the associated problems as a Critical Sub Area. With that and the previous Critical Area material in mind we turn to recreation. As might be expected, this impoverished area has more than it’s share of recreational issues. Lack of field space is apparent. Proximity to block parks and As stated in the Jennings County Comprehensive Master neighborhood parks with amenities is lacking. Plan 2012, “Country Squire Lakes’ problems are Jennings The one main recreation area is small by most Counties’ problems.” standards, and only partially functional. The park is vandalized on a regular basis, so upgrades and CSL was a private housing development managed by Elite maintenance are often undone readily. Property management Services. The property is going through receivership. Mike Miller is the local receiver. CSL is considered by the Census bureau as a CDP (Census Des- ignated Place). CSL is the second largest community according to the 2010 census, with 3571 people living in this community.

The Jennings County Master Plan itemized 469 vacant housing units in 2010, or 26.4 percent. Jennings also gained ownership of approximately 950 lots due to tax delinquency.

The nature of the occupied homes is disturbing as well. Jen- nings County Median Home Value for Owner Occupied housing Units is ($82,000) compared to the state which was ($ 123,000) in 2010. CSL is significantly lower than both at $ 39,000.

There are numerous issues that surround this area. Road maintenance has been a major issue, and ultimately the county has gained ownership of certain roads. This partnership will assist the CSL roads, but also free up funding for other needs. Outdated playground at CLS The distressed properties have a detrimental effect on the community as a whole. Declining property values, fore- closed homes, tax delinquency, trash, burning of trash, un- kempt buildings and lawns, security issues are all present in larger than average degrees. Like the Jennings County Comprehensive Plan, Although many lots have been cleaned, it has not changed addressing the issues of this area are beyond the the general character of the area. scope of this plan. We do agree that increased communication and partner-shipping with the county would be a good place to start. JCPR does not want jurisdiction over recreational areas at CSL, but technical assistance in the form of grant writing or volunteer projects using certain groups like the “Lowe’s Hero's” may be merited.

Damaged home structure at CSL

JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024 24 Major Employers List

Information supplied form: http://www.jenningsedc.com/about/list-of-companies/

Company City Product/Services Biehle Electric Seymour, IN Electrical Service Biehle Systems Seymour, IN Electrical Manufacturing CEW Enterprises, Inc. / Plasfinco North Vernon, IN Plastic Injection Molding Chiyoda Montrow Die Mfg. North Vernon, IN Stamping and Die ComPonX, Inc. North Vernon, IN Insert molding and wire harnesses Concept Tool & Engineering North Vernon, IN Tool & Die Dave O’Mara Contractor, Inc. North Vernon, IN Highway & street construction Utilities, water and sewer Molds, manufacturing & service steel molds for plastic in- Decatur Mold North Vernon, IN jection industry Decatur Plastics North Vernon, IN Plastic injection molding Erler Industries, Inc. North Vernon, IN Industrial painting Exegistics North Vernon, IN Logistics GT Industries GERDAU North Vernon, IN Heat treatment of metals Harmon Construction North Vernon, IN Construction Hilex Poly Company, LLC North Vernon, IN Plastic bags & plastics recycling Industrial Machine & Repair Hayden, IN Rebuilt stamping and forging equipment Injection Mold North Vernon, IN Custom injection mold & molding Kromet America North Vernon, IN Industrial powder coating Layman Fabrication, Inc. North Vernon, IN Industrial Steel Fabrication IMI bought out Lee’s North Vernon, IN Concrete mix and trucking Sand, gravel & concrete Lone-Star Tool & Die Welding North Vernon, IN Tool & die welding Lowe’s Distribution Center North Vernon, IN Retailer of home improvement products Martinrea North Vernon, IN Fuel Tubes Metaldyne North Vernon, IN Machine connecting rods Montrow Group North Vernon, IN Muscatatuck Urban Training Center Butlerville, IN Defense North Vernon Beverage North Vernon, IN Distribution of alcohol North Vernon Industry Corp North Vernon, IN Gray iron casting equipment ONSPOT of North America North Vernon, IN Automated snow tire chain device Patriot Packaging North Vernon, IN Custom Boxes and Packaging Pool Guard North Vernon, IN Swimming pool alarms Quality Mold & Engineering Vernon, IN Plastic injection molds R & M Tool Engineering North Vernon, IN Tool & die SET Enterprises North Vernon, IN Rolled steel processing Southern Indiana Mold Corp. North Vernon, IN Plastic molds Stone Tool & Die North Vernon, IN Dies for the forging industry St. Vincent Jennings Hospital North Vernon, IN Hospital Tempest Tool & Machine North Vernon, IN Specialty machining Webster West Packaging North Vernon, IN Corrugated packaging & labeling

JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024 25

Additional Business Listings

1460 AM WJCP Fast Max Accuracy Unlimited Firearms, Archery & Range, LLC FBPH Anna Daisys Candies FC Tucker Real Estate/Lisa Jines-Plessinger Arby's First Christian Church Area Plan Comm of Jenn Co. First United Methodist. Church Biehele Electric (has list of charities on line) FocusPlanlt Big Head Pizza Ford Office Systems Bingham Farm Machinery Fresh Printz Bob Woodward Construction Garlitch Ford, Jeep, Dodge Bootleg Bar & Grill George Uppling & Associates Bradshaw Building Specialties Goecker Building Supply Bright Insurance Services, Inc. Goodwill of Southern Indiana Burger King Graham Creek Sporting Clays Butlerville Grocery Grateful Grub Calhoun Construction Greathouse Hardware Centerstone Green, Jeff Chuck Waggoner, Attorney at Law Hall, Joe & Susie Circle K - Marathon Hall, John Circle K - Marathon Hanson Aggregates City of North Vernon Harmon Construction Classic Stained Glass & Gift Gallery Hayden Corner Store Comfort Inn Hearne Vision Care Computer Repair Center Hoosier Home Furnishing Concept Tool & Engineering Hoosier Street Grill Country Chevrolet Howard's Body Shop CSR Suspension Howell Computer Repair Curves of North Vernon Imagination Graphics Cutting Edge Hair Salon Jackson Co. Bank D & J Mower Sales Jackson/Jennings Farm Bureau Co-Op Davis Chiropractic & Wellness, PCC James, Ron & Jeanette Decatur Mold, Tool, & Engineering Jay C Food Store Decatur Plastic Products, Inc. JC Reality Diekhoff Mower Sales Jenn Co. 911/Emergency Management Dollar General Jenn Co. Auditors Dove & Dillon, Attorneys at Law Jenn Co. Chiropractic, PC & Chiro-Train Dove, Sharp, Funeral Home, Cremations Jenn Co. Community Foundation Dr. Allan Goins, DDS Jenn Co. Domestic Violence DSI/Jennings Rehab Industries Jenn Co. Economic Development Comm Edward Jones - Anita Reed Jenn Co. Farm Bureau Elaine's Massage Jenn Co. Farm Bureau Ins Ellis Gas & Oil Jenn Co. Historical Soc Erich K's Collision Center Jenn Co. Homes Expert Eyecare Jenn Co. Players Jenn Co. Public Library Eye Care Group, The

Family Dollar

JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024 26

Additional Business Listings

Jenn Co. Soil & Water District North Vernon Plain Dealer & Sun Jenn Co. United Way North Vernon Rotary #6580 Jenn Co. Youth Foundation North Vernon Senior Housing Jenn Health Care Center Northern Paint & Supply Jenn Northwest Regional Utilities Office Center, The Jenn Veterinarians, Inc. Old National Bank Jenn Water, Inc. Old World Plastering John's Gun & Tackles One-of-a Kind Gifts Joyce's Flowers & Gifts Onspot of North America K & G Sports Orscheln Farm & Home Kelley's Florist. Our Hospice of Jenn Co.. Kentucky Fried Chicken & Long John Silvers Paint Can, LLC Kiwanis Club of North Vernon Papa John's Pizza Knobstone Development Group Park Theatre Civic Center Lakeside Wood Fire Pizza Patriot Packaging, LLC Lamb Investments, LLC Paul Sandlin Enterprises Lee's Ready Mix Payton Place Auto Group Lord of Life Christian Church Pearsons Auto Body Jenn Co. Schools Louis A Wilson Contractor, Inc. Perry's Pool Shop Lowe's Regional Distribution Center Personal Finance Co. Lucas Muffler & Garage Pfeiffer's Jewelry Lurton's Café Pieratt & Belding, Century 21 Real Estate MainSource Bank Pizza Hut MANAR Inc., CEW Division PNC Bank Marksberry Roofing Co. Poolguard/PBM Industries McConnell & Finnerty, PC Power Clean Power Washing McCrory's Jewelry & Repair Pregnancy Care Center SCI McDonalds Purdue Extension Jenn Co. Medicap Pharmacy R&M Tool & Engineering, Inc. Meeks & Company Professional Surveying, Inc. Ringer's Automotive & Self-Storage Depot Michelle's Wholesale Jewelry River Valley Financial Bank Miller Tire & Auto Care RLM Veterinary Services, PC Miller's Chiropractic Clinic, PCC Rob & Joe's Body Shop MK Roofing Co., Inc. Rose Acre Farms Morgan's Lawn Care Royalty & Associates Morin's Lawn & Landscaping Sabastians Books & Things Murielle S Webster Bright, Attorney at Law Save-A-Lot Food Store Muscatatuck Board of Realtors Sawyer, Pickett Funeral Home, Cremations Muscatatuck Urban Training Center Schneck Family Care North Vernon Abstract Co, Inc. Schneider Feed & Seed North Vernon Beverage Schneider Trucking & Excavating North Vernon China Buffet Schwan's North Vernon Industry Corp Seale's Auto Body

JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024 27

Additional Business Listings

Sears Hometown Store SEI Communications Senior Resource Center of Jenn Co. SET Enterprises, Inc. Sharyann's Quilt Box Shepherd, Jerry & Marie Sheriff of Jenn Co. Sisters Floral & Gift, Inc Smith Benet Southeast Mental Health Associates Southern Indiana Mold “We are very excited and St. Anne's Golf Course proud of our economic St. John's Trucking development, but we think St. Vincent DePaul Society recreational development State Farm Insurance - Jim Apple is closely related to that. State Farm Insurance- Greg Hicks Stearns Supply Center When a company comes in Steps Dance Center here to make a big Stream Cliff Herb Farm investment, Subway they want to see our Taco Bell infrastructure growing Team Fitness - Melissa/Ron Page Personal Fitness and that employees have Tempest. Tool & Machine areas for recreation.” Thermal-X, LLC Tim's Kitchen Tom Jones Real Estate Tom Lawson Real Estate & Auction Services John Hall Totten Mobile Home Park & Supply, Inc.

Town of Vernon (former 3 term North Vernon Mayor)

Treasurer of Jenn Co. Wal Mart Supercenter Walgreen's Wayne Martin (Real Property Lessors) Wendy's Windstream Technologies, Inc. (defunct) Witkemper Insurance Group

JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024 28

Section Four:

Supply Analysis

JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024

Comprehensive Federal Recreation Properties Recreational Inventory

Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge The recreation system in Jennings County can be broken down into six major categories based on the type of Located in Spencer Township, entrance is three miles ownership and the management structure. These types east of Seymour-US 50. are as follows: Federal, State, Municipal, County, Pri- Also located in Jackson County vate, and School. All recreational sites and/or opportunities in the county are considered to be part of the sys- Facilities and Activities: tem defined as the study area. It is also important to be • 7,724 total acres aware of the recreational opportunities within one hours • 3,085 acres in Jennings County driving time. We will consider these items when appro- • Boat launching ramp priate. • Bank fishing

Jennings County has a substantial percentage of Feder- • Hunting ally and State owned properties. Likewise the residents • Mushroom & berry harvesting of the county are within one hours driving time of a • Visitor center (w/bookstore) large number of other State and Federal recreation are- • Self-guided Auto Tour as. • Self-guided Nature Trail/hiking trails

The county of Jennings is blessed with two very nice No Admission Fee and popular parks in the North Vernon City Park and Hours: sunrise to sunset the Muscatatuck Park. These two parks are taking the Managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service brunt of the increasing demand for recreational areas. It Manager: Alexandro Galvin is an issue if these properties are fulfilling the need of R.R.7, Box 189A, Seymour, IN 47274 the public? There is also a growing interest in the acqui- (812) 522-4352 sition and upkeep of smaller neighborhood parks. [email protected]

This section of the plan is going to list all of the recreational assets of our county in the best detail that time and format allow. In the following sections we will then Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge compare our system to the recreation model and accept- ed standards to see how well the system is represented. Located in Ripley, Jefferson, and Jennings County. Proximity to recreational facilities is almost as im- Main entrance is located on U.S. Hwy 421, five miles portant as sheer numbers, so the following sections will north of Madison. analyze this in the supply study. We will also tie in supply and demand with our Issues inventory to make this Facilities and Activities: picture more clear. • 51,000 acres • Access by permit (Mon, Fri. & 2 & 4 Sat.)

• Fishing • Hunting • Boating (20 foot limit)

Managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Refuge Manager: Joe Robb 812-273-1783 [email protected]

Army Reserve Gymnasium

Located adjacent to the North Vernon city park

Facilities and Activities: • Two court gymnasium

At one point, this building was to be transferred to the City Parks and Recreation Department. This never materialized. There is still some discussion that this could happen and be the community “Athletic Club”, serving Muscatatuck National WR the desired purpose of the YMCA/Girls and Boys Club.

JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024 2

State Recreational Facilities Crosley Fish and Wildlife Area

Located in Vernon Township, 2010 South State High- Brush Creek Fish and Wildlife Area way #3.

Located in Campbell Township, this property is now Facilities & Activities: managed primarily by SEPAC with the lake managed • 4,228 acres total area by the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center. • 13 lakes • 6 miles of the Muscatatuck River Facilities & Activities: • Rifle, pistol, and shotgun range • 2,402 acres • Archery range • 150 acre reservoir • Hunting • Boat launch ramp • Bank Fishing • Canoeing • Boat launch ramp • Bank fishing • Canoeing • Hunting (permits via SEPAC) • Trapping

Management: SEPAC (South Eastern Purdue Agricul- • Foot trails (unmarked) tural Center) and MUTC, Muscatatuck Urban Training Center Management: IDNR Div. Fish and Wildlife Manager: Chad Springer Note: this area was to be fenced in 2008 and access may 812-346-5596 be restricted or methods modified. (need to check)!

Brush Creek Public Access Site

Located approximately three miles North of U.S. 50, in Campbell Townships. The site is marked with a Public Access sign and is near the Brush Creek Park private camping area.

Facilities & Activities: • Boat launching ramp • Fishing

Management: IDNR- Div. Fish and Wildlife

Selmeir State Forest View from inside the tunnel, Tunnel Mill area, Crosley SFWA Located in Center Township, 905 East Cnty Rd. 350 N

Facilities & Activities: • 355 total acres • Canoeing

• Fishing • Hunting • Trails

Management: IDNR- Div. Forestry Ben McKinney Regional State Forester 812-346-2286 Crosley FWA Public Access Site [email protected] Located in Vernon Township in the interior of the Cros- ley property on the Muscatatuck River. Municipal Recreation

Facilities: • Concrete boat ramp

JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024 3

Municipal Recreation Facilities North Vernon Swimming Pool

Located in the block of the City park. North Vernon City Park Facilities & Activities: Located in Center Township, on St. Rd. #7, North of • Community swimming pool NEW in 2020! downtown North Vernon. Construction for the new pool facility started in 2019, Facilities & Activities: with work continuing throughout the summer. The pool • 29 acres total area location was a bit controversial in that it is butted up to • 8 baseball /softball diamonds a very busy state highway. Both the passerby distraction • 2 basketball courts, 1 lighted as well as user experience would likely be better off in a less prominent location. Regardless of that issue (which • 3 tennis courts (lighted) is now mute) the pool is a significant upgrade. The city • 4 shelter houses used a 3million dollar bond to finance the project. • 3 horseshoe courts • Concession Stand Management: North Vernon Parks and Recreation • Bathroom facilities (2) • Playground (2 complexes, many others)

• Nature Trail • Paved Walking Trail • RC Track • Skate park (very rudimentary) • Park Offices & Maintenance

The City Park Board hired their first Director in 1998 and this position became full time in 1999. First program director was hired in 2003, as a part-time position.

Note:10 acres of adjacent land is leased from Midwest Natural Gas and is used as a graveled nature trail.

Management: North Vernon Parks and Recreation Director: Chad Speers www.nvpr.org

New pool complex!

Note: JCPR suggests the “City Park” gets a name?

North Vernon Mini-Park

Located in Center Township, one block east of Gum St. and one block South of US 50.

Facilities & Activities: • 1.6 acres total area • playground • 2 basketball goals/one court • small open field Management: North Vernon Parks and Recreation

One of two nice newer shelter in the “City” Park

JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024 4

Tripton Park

Physical address: ?

Facilities & Activities: • 55 acres • approx. 4 miles of paved walking path • Playground • Adult fitness equipment • Outdoor amphitheater • Restroom/welcome area • Pond with fishing dock • Pollinator habitat

JCPR and the author commend the City of North Vernon on the acquisition, planning, and development of this fa- New pathway and playgrounds! cility. In our last master plan we specifically urged the city to acquire this land and at a minimum keep it as green space. The municipality did this and much more.

Tripton is the cities second substantial park development. The original “city” park was developed in 1954. 65 years for a second recreational facility was not a progressive strategy.

The park was developed with good vision. It is a “community park” with good balance of openness and amenities. “JCPR Commends

the city for following Management: North Vernon Parks and Recreation through with the development of Tripton Park. It is well planned and developed. “

Adult fitness equipment under contemporary shade.

Stellar Plaza in down town North Vernon.

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Land owned by the city but not managed Saint Anne's Golf Course by the Parks Department Facilities: • 18 hole course • 55 Acres Muscatatuck Trail This facility was transferred in ownership to the city of Location parallels Gum Street south of US 50 to North Vernon in 2014. It is managed by its own munic- Muscatatuck park ipal appointed Board.

Facilities & Activities: Manager: Robin Brown 812-346-066 • 1.3 mile paved walking/biking path • Mini-park trail head parking area • Muscatatuck Park trail head parking • Watering station • Benches

JCPR and the author commend the City of North Vernon for the creation and implementation of the long awaited trail along Gum street. In the last planning cycle this project was just gearing up to be bid.

The project was first planned as early as 1995, with the city acquiring an ISTEA grant that year. The city was not in a position to move forward on the project though and the money from the grant was never spent.

Around 2010 North Vernon received a “Stellar Com- Stellar Park munity Grant” . This grant was for 16 million and was separated out into 8 main categories. Renovation of City Hall, downtown parking/streetscape up- Located down town north Vernon grades, façade upgrades, and other items were part of this grant. A portion of this grant (roughly $300,000) • Less than 1 acre was then used for match money for an INDOT alternative transportation grant. Total project cost were • Fountains approximately 1.3 million • benches

Management: North Vernon Street Department partnering with JCPR at Muscatatuck Park location.

Rick Marksberry 812-346-1616

Steller Park entrance downtown North Vernon

Land Owned By City For Future Use

School Greenway Park (undeveloped)

Facilities & Activities: Trail head parking at Muscatatuck Park • 8 acres • Small pond

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Vernon Commons Vernon Gym and Park

Located in Vernon Township Facilities & Activities: • Gym rental Facilities & Activities: • 5 acres open field • 2 acres total land • Small stone shelter • 1 shelter house • concrete basket ball court JCPR is working with the Town of Vernon to upgrade the Vernon commons and also this property. Proposed bike / • playground complex walking pathways have been itemized to connect these • Picnicking two properties, and then ultimately the Muscatatuck Park. • Boat launch parking • Art maze Vernon Gym Park is a nice open field that accommodates many practice sessions of various field sports. The area here would be a great place for a paved walking path. The Set aside in the original charter of the town in 1815, the NLT grant proposal will provide some paved trail, con- property was the first or one of the first properties to be necting the Commons to the east and Muscatatuck park to managed as park land when the area became a state in the west. A perimeter path could likely be added to the 1817. other half of this trail to create a paved loop.

The history of the property and that of Vernon make The proposed river overlook at this area would be a signif- this a special parcel. JCPR is currently working with the icant amenity and a nice tourist asset. Here the river winds Town of Vernon to secure Next Level Trails Grant below over 100 feet. The area below this overlook is geo- funding to make upgrades to the facility and ultimately logically significant. Ultimately, after NLT grant up- connect officially to Muscatatuck Park. grades, a continuation of the Vernon/Muscatatuck river trail section could lead to a near quarter mile trail of ex- The Town of Vernon has made substantial upgrades to posed limestone nearly perfectly flat. The area below the the facility over the last planning cycle and facility is overlook accessed by the naturally level stone is very well used. peaceful, and picturesque.

Upgrades proposed in the NLT grant include public rest Discuss rental (rental fee 600?) rooms (only ones in town), a new shelter, and interpretive information to promote the history of the town and park. Management: Vernon Town Council

Vernon block/pocket Park

Facilities & Activities:

• Short gravel trail • Decorative benches

This small park was recently developed and give residence and visitors a nice place to relax along the historic walking tour.

Vernon Commons Vernon “Next Level Trail” Trail-head Parking Area

Facilities and Activities:

• Water Street Easement Trail Significance of the small park historically is important, and support from the state seems merited. With a popu- JCPR has partnered with Vernon to maintain the trail Con- lation of only 309 individuals, the small town is land necting this are along Muscatatuck River heading north locked and growth of the tax base not likely. Vernon the west towards the Muscatatuck Park and historic Vine- has and should look to the county for assistance, as it is gar Mill. The trail is nearly flat, is mostly flanked by lime- noted in the counties last masterplan stone cliffs, and gives easy access to the river.

Vernon is applying for grants through the IDNR public access program, to assist in the development of river Management: Vernon Town Council friendly sports. www.vernon.org Management: Town of Vernon partnering with JCPR Mayor Dan Wright

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County and Township Paris Crossing Township Park Recreational Facilities

Old Paris Crossing School located in Montgeomery Geneva Township Park JCPR reached out the Township Trustee and explained Located in Geneva Township, his townships motivation to turn the old school into a community center. Facilities & Activities: • 37 acres Facilities & Activities: • 1 picnic shelter • Gym • 3 baseball/softball diamonds • Grounds • 2 basketball goals/one court • Playground • Miniature golf • Playground (3 areas)

Management: Geneva Township Board

Paris Crossing Community Center (older school)

Geneva Township Rec. Center Jennings County Fair Grounds

Located in Sand Creek Township, 4 miles northeast on St.#3. We reached out to all township trustees. Only two of the eleven trustees had any dedicated budget to apply to Facilities & Activities: recreation. • 40 acres total area • Community building • Motorcycle racing track

• Concession stand • Bob Itell Bigger 812-718-1494 • 5 barns • Machel Murphy Campbell 812-458-6447 • 15,000 sq. ft. open barn/shelter • Laurie Blackburn Center 812-346-3966 • Pam Sporleader Columbia 812-530-6056 Management: Jennings County Fair Board & County • Bill Foist Geneva 812-392-2880 Commissioners • James Malcomb Lovett 812-873-6522 • Robin Deputy Marion 812-528-1558 • James Redman Montgomery 812-767-1642 Price for community building rental is 600 per day, with • Frank Schneider Sand Creek 812-592-3394 a 200 security deposit. • Larry Macschino Spencer 812-392-3563 • Roger Taylor Vernon 812-767-0376 Call: 346-2967 (JC Highway Dept.)

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Muscatatuck Park Eco Lake Park

Located in Vernon Township, between North Vernon and Vernon @ 325 N. St. #7, North Vernon, IN 47265. Location: Geneva Township 970 North State Highway #7, North Vernon, IN 47265

Managed by: Jennings County Parks and Recreation Managed by: Jennings County Parks and Recreation

Historic Vinegar Mill 1840

Lake view in summer, Eco Lake Park

Winter on the Muscatatuck River

Eco Lake

Note: There is a more detailed inventory of the Muscat- Note: There is a more detailed inventory of the Eco atuck Park at the end of this section. Lake Park at the end of this section.

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Private Recreational Facilities Gassaway Lake Campground

9355 N 875 W Campgrounds: Elizabethtown 60 dependent sites 0 independent sites

Deer Creek Campground Water: public PWSID: N/A 505 E. Private Drive 250 N. Sewage Disposal: Holding tank North Vernon Pool: No 25 Dependent sites Beach: No 75 Independent sites Owner: Helen Gassaway Water: public 9355 N 875 W PWSID N?A Elizabethtown IN 47232 Sewage Disposal; onsite 812-579-6305 Pool: yes Beach: no Camp closes for winter season.

Owner: Deer Creek Campground William and Kathy Maschino 2355 N. CR 90 E North Vernon IN 47265 812-346-1683

We note :

Lakeview Campground

930 South 300 East North Vernon 812-873-7599

 This facility is no longer recognized as public campground by the Department of Health.

Brush Creek Park Campground

CR 50 North off OS 50 Butlerville

 This facility is no longer recognized as public campground by the Department of Health. It has been reported that this area is used seasonally for military exercises and does still host overnight stays in conjunction with field exercises.

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Private Recreational Facilities School Recreational Facilities

State Cooperative Nature Preserves: All of the active schools in Jennings County, except St. Mary's Catholic School are operated by the Jennings County School Corporation. Schools not currently Calli (Violet and Louis J. Sr.) 179 aces in Rec. active are listed and current use and ownership will be Inventory of the State. listed, in some cases.

Owner: Jennings County Community Foundation Jennings County High School

Guthrie Memorial Woods (Sarah Lewis) Located on the west of N. Vernon on US 50. Owner: Oak Heritage Conservancy Facilities & Activities: Tribbet Woods • 97 acres total area Owner: Oak Heritage Conservancy • Lighted football stadium

• Running track Wells Woods (State Forest) Owner: IDNR • Lighted baseball field (2) • Practice fields (1 football, 1 baseball) • Gymnasium • Tennis Courts • 3 basketball courts in parking area

Other Private Recreational Facilities High School facilities have posted that the fields may only be used with permit and proof of insurance.

• Ball Fore Miniature Golf & Bating Cage Jennings County Middle School • Brush Creek Conservation Club Located contiguous to JCHS. • Coffee Creek Conservation Club Facilities & Activities: • Country Squire Lakes • Baseball field • Football field • Fish Creek Long Rifles • Swimming pool (indoor) • Running track (indoor) • Green Meadows Pay lake • 2 gyms • weight room (indoor) • Jennings Cty. Senior Citizens Center • Nature trail (outdoor lab)

• 3 basketball goals in parking area • Jennings Sportsman's Club The Middle School is open to the public on days that • Kimberly Lake the school is open. The use of the running track is usually open evenings and other facilities like the basket- • Muscatatuck Christian Ranch ball courts are open when teams are not practicing or later in the evening when they are done. The swimming • Six Mile Coon Hunter's Club pool is accessible for a small fee.

• St. Ann Recreation Center

• St. Joseph Church and Rec. Center North Vernon Elementary

• Tea Creek Recreation Center Located contiguous to the JCHS and the JCMS

• Twin City Race Track Facilities & Activities: • Anytime Fitness • 5 basketball goals in parking area • 3 large playground systems/areas • Jennings County Youth Foundation (no location) • Indoor gym • Curves (fitness center) Vernon gym

• Chiro-Train

• Ron Page Zumba 767-2713/767-0720

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Brush Creek Elementary St Mary's Catholic School

Located 4 miles east of N. Vernon on St.# 7 Located in North Vernon

Facilities & Activities: Facilities: • Separate kindergarten play area • 2 Basketball courts • 5 playground systems • Playground • 1 basketball court • 1 soccer field • 1 baseball diamond • Pagoda How School facilities • Outdoor lab: add (and do not add) to inventory

School facilities do add to overall recreational invento- Graham Creek Elementary ry. JCSC does have a joint-use agreement, relative to indoor usage. The middle school provides significant Located 5 miles south of Vernon on St.# 3. recreational opportunity to the public. Swimming and a indoor running track are two main elements. Play- Facilities: ground equipment is present outside. Tennis courts are • Gym open seasonally. The track is not open, but is not adver- • Playground tised as such. One baseball field specifically states that it is not open to the public. The open field/football field • Baseball field at the middle school has been recently fenced in. • Outdoor lab The main issue with school facilities are that they are significantly separated from the public. JC High school, Hayden Elementary JC Middle school, and North Vernon Elementary school are all adjacent to each other in a somewhat closed ac- Located north of Hayden off US 50. cess scenario. The complex is accessed by car only from US 50 (three entrances). The east and south bor- Facilities: Fenced, yet open. ders are separated by a thin forested area with only one • 15 newer playground items pathway for access from the east. The local residents • Preschool kiddy yard could use the facility as a neighborhood park, approxi- • 4 goal/one court basketball mately a 100 homes would be a quarter mile from the playground area and close to 300 homes within a half of mile. Road access from the east would make this a bet- Sand Creek Elementary ter option for the general public.

Located 1/4 mile from North Highway # 3, 3 miles Scipio, Hayden, and St. Mary’s elementary have good from #7 junction. access to the local population. Other schools are rural.

Facilities: • Playground (access hidden) Inactive or Modified School Facilities • Soccer field (lighted) • 2 practice fields Vernon Elementary • 4 goal/2 court basketball area • 200 plus parking lot This gym is rented out to the public for daily and hourly rates. The large open field is typically used Note: Area west and also north could make nice on a first com first serve basis as is the stone shelter and fields (soccer) for park/school facility. This is an active the outdoor basketball court. proposal. North Vernon Junior High School

This building is being used as an Early Learn- Scipio Elementary ing Center and an Adult Education Center. Ownership of the building belongs to The Jennings County School Located 1/2 mile south of Scipio on St. # 7. Corporation. There was a nice soccer field on the property and a nice parking area. The local soccer club had Facilities: used this facility for practices. • Playground • Baseball diamond • Paris Crossing Elementary School (now Township) • Southside Intermediate School? • Zenas Elementary? • Marion Township Elementary

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Regional Recreational Areas The relevance of these areas relative to the recreational We are listing regional recreational opportunities that opportunities of Jennings County is based on the concept exist for the Jennings County resident within an ap- of the regional park and that of specialty parks. A regional proximate one hour radius (or 45 miles) from the park has certain characteristics and an accommodating center of the county. The impact of these areas on size for larger sections of the public. Specialty parks sup- supply and demand will be discussed subsequently, ply a need that would not necessarily be incorporated into and in our supply and demand analysis. an average park system: ski slopes are the example here.

Atterbury State Fish & Wildlife The important point here is that it is assumed that a one Brown County State Park hour driving time to a regional park is a justified standard. CERA-Land With this in mind, it seems apparent that the county of Clark State Forest Jennings has a wide range of regional parks to choose Clifty State Park from. Five State Parks (one is the largest in the state), two Greensburg St. Fish & Wildlife large recreational reservoirs, three State Forests, two Fish Grouse Ridge State Fishing Area and Wildlife Areas, and the Hoosier National Forest, Hardy Lake State Recreational A. along with the counties own amenities of two Fish and Hoosier National Forest Wildlife Areas, one State Forest, and two National Wild- Jackson-Washington State Forest life Refuges leave the county resident with a plethora of J.F.D. Lanier State Memorial amenities to recreate in and around. The list is extensive, Monroe Reservoir as is the acreage, yet so is demand. Do these areas meet Pigeon Roost State Hist. Site our needs? Too many visitors, does indeed, take away Perfect North Slopes Ski Resort from the experience. Today, State Parks and definitely Ski World Ski Resort State Reservoirs like Hardy Lake are very crowded. Be- Spring Mill State Park cause of this we turn to our local areas to fulfill most of Starlite Ski Resort our recreational needs. Yellowwood State Forest Versailles State Park Falls of the Ohio State Park Columbus KOA Brown County Zip-lines Mega Caverns Zip-lines

Clifty Falls, Clifty Falls StateJCPR Park Master Plan 2020-2024 13

Jennings County Fishing Waters Jennings County has over 130 miles of fishable streams and rivers. These streams support the following species: Our earlier recreational plans had an extensive list and a detailed description of river characteristics such as: length, width, depth, seasonal variations, • Large Mouth Bass pollution sources, access points, fish most likely to • Small Mouth Bass inhabit the waters, land use of adjacent properties • Rock Bass and associated land game species. Due to the textu- • Spotted Bass al manner of that inventory we are leaving this supportive information out of the new JCPRMP, • Blue Gill yet if this information is of interest to you, we refer • Green Sunfish you to the 1992-'97 JCPRMP. The DNR has just • Long Eared Sunfish recently done a release program for trout. Fisher- • Crappie people must have a trout stamp on their licenses. • Channel Catfish • Flathead Catfish

• Bullhead Catfish • White Perch • Black Suckers • White Suckers • Gar • Buffalo Rough fish • Dogfish

"One of the biggest The Muscatatuck River problems bass fisherman

face today is increased

fishing pressure on lakes

and rivers. It's a problem

that has grown substantial- Jennings County Rivers and Streams: ly in recent years and one

• Sand Creek that will become more seri- • North Fork Vernon Forks ous in the years to come." • South Fork Vernon Forks • Otter Creek • Vernon Fork Muscatatuck River • Tea Creek Kevin Van Jo Dam • Big Graham Creek • Wyaloosing Creek

• East Fork Muscatatuck River • Six Mile Creek and Vernon Forks

Jennings County Lakes:

• Catfish Joe’s Pay lake • Others were previous listed in Inven- tory

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Source: http/www.city-data.com/county/jennings

Popular fishing spot at the Muscatatuck Park

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Jennings County Points of Interest Jennings County has a proud heritage. These points of interest are a sample of what the county has to of- Cultural and Historical Sites fer. The Jennings County Interim Report (1989) has an inventory of historical sites and structures in the The 1992-97 JCPRMP described the location, age county. This report can be found in the Public Li- and other significant characteristics of each site. Due brary. The Historical Museum as well as the Visitor's to the textual manner and length of this discourse we Center in the Muscatatuck Park. Vernon would also are only going to list a sample of the sites of interest prove to be helpful with this information. in our county. For a more detailed description of the following sites we refer you to our last recreational study.

• Scipio Covered Bridge (1886)

• James Covered Bridge (1887)

• Jennings County Courthouse (1859) • Vernon Commons (1817) • Vernon (1815) State Historic Marker • Heritage House (1838) • Jordon Funeral Home (Civil War Era) • Home of Smith Vawter (Prior to 1840) • Hickman New Residence (1832) • Henry Pool/John Vawter (1816) • Whitcomb Apartments (1822) • Tunnel Mill (1825) • M & I Railroad Overpass (1837) • Morgan's Raiders Site (1863) State Historic Marker & Regional Trail element • Vernon Cemetery (1816) • Indian (Grouseland) Treaty Lines (1795) State Historic Marker • Kellar's Mill (1814) State Historic Marker • Town of Geneva (1817) • Scipio/Amick Homes • Hayden (7 major league baseball players) • Selmier (1827 -Vawter Site & Cemetery ) • North Vernon (1854 Trippville) • Indian Camp Site • Quaker Cemetery • Hicklin Home (Underground Railroad) • Millhouse Home (Richard Nixon's Mother) State Historic Marker • Old Barns Home (Kellar) • Hopewell Cemetery (Church/Indian S.) • Lurton's Store • Pleasant Hill Cheese Factory Well • Deputy Farm (F.D. Hendricks) • Charles Wright Home • "Old" Paris • Curtis Russell Farm Historic Tunnel Mill:

• Wilson's Hill ( Water Mill and Cemetery) This unique area will be highlighted and over- • Edwards Home (Cemetery/U.R. Cave) viewed in the Issues portion of Section Seven. • Muscatatuck Park State Historic Marker • Walnut Grove School House (1913) • Red Brick Inn (1840) • Vinegar Mill (1830 Ruins Stone Mill)

• Jonathon Jennings State Historic Marker

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Natural and Scenic Sites Many areas in the county have very suitable scenic overlook potential. The county could possibly profit from pullouts, decks, mini-parks or supporting facili- Jennings County has numerous interesting topo- ties taking advantage of these interesting and natural- graphic variations that create beautiful and scenic ly beautiful areas. A few possible overlooks are as overlooks as well as valleys, coves, and caves. This follows: is a brief list of some of the more interesting areas. • Vinegar Mill Upper Overlook (MP) • Vernon Gym Overlook • Tunnel Mill (Above Tunnel) • County Road 50 N, 175 E, Vernon T. • ST. # 3 & 7, near MP*** • County Road 450 W, Spencer Township • C. R. 775 E, near Zenas in Columbia T. • C.R. 850 S. near Commisky • Montgomery Township

Rock Rest Falls in Calli State Nature Preserve

• Crosley State Fish & Wildlife Area • Tunnel Mill (Crosley) • Calli State Nature Preserve • Walker Woods • Guthrie Woods • Conboy Woods • Hemlock Stand Cox's Cave • Laurie's Cave • Egan's Cave • Biehle's Cave • Henchman Cave • Muscatatuck Park • Selmier State Forest • Wells Woods • Tribbett Woods

Vinegar Mill Shelter at the Muscatatuck Park

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• Hayden Baptist • Hayden United Methodist • Highway Holiness Church of God • Jennings Church of Christ • Kingdom Hall Of Jehovah's Witness • Lord of Life Lutheran Church • Middle Fork Christian Local Church Inventory • Muscatatuck St.D. Center Chapel • Nebraska Church of God • New Bethel United Methodist There are 81 churches listed in the County's church • North Vernon Church of Christ directory. Many of these churches have shelters, play- • North Vernon Church of God grounds, and other recreational amenities. Unfortu- nately it is not possible to research all of these areas • N.V. Presbyterian Church and study the supply and demand associated with • Old Path Church of God each of these organizations and their facilities. Our • Otter Creek Baptist list is as follows: • Pleasant View United Methodist • Queensville Community Church • Risen Savior Bible Church

• Rock Creek United Methodist

• Rush Branch United Methodist • All Saint's Episcopal • Sardinia Baptist • Azalea Friends Meetings • Scipio Baptist • Baha'i Faith • Scipio Baptist Presbyterian • Bear Creek Baptist • Scipio United Methodist • Bethel Baptist Church • Second United Methodist Church • Bible Baptist • Seventh Day Adventist • Big Creek Old Regular Baptist • St. Anne Catholic • Brown's Corner Baptist • St. Denis Catholic Church • Burnt Pines Church of Christ • Stillwater's Baptist Church • Butlerville Independent Baptist • St. Joseph Catholic • Butlerville United Methodists • St. Mary's Catholic * • Centerville Independent Baptist Church • St. Paul's Episcopal • Christ's Way Christian Church • Tea Creek Baptist • Church of the Nazarene • The Lord's Chapel • Christ Baptist Church • Trinity Pentecostal Holiness • Church of Christ • Vernon Baptist Church • Church of Reason • Vernon Presbyterian • The C. of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints • Weston Baptist Church • Coffee Creek Baptist • Wesleyan • Coffee Creek Christian • Wilson Chapel Christian • Commiskey Baptist Church • Zenas Baptist Church • Commiskey First Baptist Church • Zion Baptist Church • Community Christian Church

• Corinthian Baptist Church • Crossroads Community Church • Dupont United Methodist • Faith Trinity Holiness Church • First Apostolic Church St. Mary's Catholic Church is listed with the schools • First Assembly of God inventory and has a detailed description of the schools amenities. It should be the goal of the next • First Baptist Church Master Plan to look at these properties and the asso- • First Baptist Church-Dupont ciated supply and demand of recreational opportuni- • First Christian Church ties. • First Marion Baptist Church It can be generalized that these properties do • First United Methodist supply a good portion of the local supply of recrea- • Grace Missionary Baptist tional opportunities, especially on Sundays. Churches are a great place for families to recreate, and it has • Graham Baptist Church been observed that a few churches have upgraded • Graham Presbyterian some of their facilities to accommodate the user. Oth- • Grayford Road Community C. of God ers have let assets fall into disrepair. It can also be • Harvest Ministry Center generalized that churches are not supplying enough

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recreational opportunity to decrease demand for Having a wide variety of accessible recreational recreational opportunity at other areas, as most opportunities should be the goal of all communi- facilities in the area are showing increased demand ties. This is very important at the younger ages for the amenities on each respective property. because walking and biking are their means of travel. Alternative transportation, in the form of greenways, walkways, bike trails, bike lanes are important supporting elements of complete recreational systems. Planning for the future needs of the Potential Recreational Developments county will insure positive recreation opportunities. It should be the goal of the community as a whole • Zenas Project to secure the support, planning, and implantation for our needs today and for tomorrow. • North Vernon Quarry Reservoir Many possibilities have been forgone due to lack • City green way park of concern. Every existing item in our system needs to be maintained and upgraded. Only with a com- • CATP Multiple Phases plete system will the community be fulfilled. And only with all of our existing agencies working to- • N. Guard Armory Gym Transfer gether can we insure good representation and fulfillment of the needs of all the counties • Jennings County Youth Foundation Youth citizens. Center

• YMCA (defunct)

"The key to success is the willingness of citizen groups "Recreational and government agencies at all opportunities should be levels to forge new planned through partnerships partnerships and work together with the existing park agencies on the goals set forth..." and also the school corporation to help guide the Indiana Trails 2000, creation and eventual IDNR-DOR maintenance of the proposed

enhancements while insuring efficient use of our

tax dollars."

SCORP 2000

Summary of Inventory Section

The county of Jennings is home to a large recreational base. The presence of extensive Federal and State recreational land is a great asset to the public and their life styles. The School Corporation as well as the City and County parks supply most day to day recreational needs of the community. We are witnessing over crowded periods at these areas. There are different strategies available to the community to better utilize existing facilities and plan for tomorrows needs. Recreational facilities need to be close enough to the public, the closer the better. Access is often the deciding factor in pursuing a recreational activity.

JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024 19

Sand Creek School

Large field to left of School sign is undeveloped and idle. Field is also ideal as a soccer complex as it would only be an extensive of an existing soccer complex. Field would be low cost to maintain and could provide youth soccer a home for a long time, possibly indefinitely.

Northern Bike Path

Approximately one mile of abandoned railway sits in near perfect condition for a trail upgrade. The city owns about half of the length already. Path could connect North Vernon to CSL

Early Learning Center

Once used informally as a neighborhood park, this property still gets some use. Official adoption into a joint-use management scenario with signage, and some amenities (picnic tables, small shelter, etc.) could go a long way. Good location for NVPR Dog Park.

JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024 20

Programs Activities

Jennings County Parks and Recreation does not ad- We list specific facilities and activities at each individual minister department developed programs. JCPR does site within the inventory. We revisit Activities here as an partner with various groups to provide program like overview of the community. activities, including: summer camps, mountain bike and trail running events, obstacle races and historical Jennings County Parks and Recreation facilities are gener- events (current main events). JCPR does not have a ally low intensity passive recreation orientated. A few program director. This issue and the focus of the de- Special Events break this routine and give the public a partment have created a cost effective means for location for a large and/or diverse event. To a degree this providing programs. Only weekday programming conflicts with regular usage (camping, trails, and shelter could fill un unfulfilled need (within current classifica- usage). tion format) as weekend programming (and some evening) creates use conflict. NVPR provides a large and fairly diverse list of activities. By many standards they provide too many activities for North Vernon Parks and Recreation is the most suited only one developed facility. Soccer games inside the base- group to provide programs to the Jennings community. ball diamonds is a conflict. Listening to remote control Soccer, softball, baseball, are currently programmed as cars or a baseball tournament while having a family reun- well a special events. Increased programming with ion are others. more diverse interests are demanded (as noted by public input), NVPR does handle some of this demand JCYF does provide a well attended summer camp at the (tennis lessons, adult flag football), but may need to Muscatatuck Park. They create various programs with the expand to meet the communities needs. Partnering city park., as well. They diversify out of the recreation with JCYF could potentially diversify and increase niche with poverty assistance programming. community wide program availability. The school corporation has an open pool (am) at their The YMCA initiative has failed twice in Jennings. It Middle School facility. They also offer an indoor running seems as if concept for a YMCA is fairly well support- track on evenings that do not conflict with official school ed, but financially this group has not gained traction in athletics. the Community. The last incarnation of the YMCA did try to create programs for a diverse audience as well as Geneva Township has a nice softball complex. They host the basic leagues. Likely the group tried to do more adult softball tournaments. than possible for the organization. Quality of some programs was criticized.

Jennings County Youth Foundation is striving for many items that the YMCA could not deliver. The practically of this initiative can be questioned, but the group has shown good success with their intensive Maintenance Issues effort. Partner-shipping more with NVPR and also JCPR could help add continuity to this organization.

JCPR does an annual review of a detailed maintenance Jennings County School Corporation hosts youth bas- inventory. Daily issues are complied by both the mainte- ketball (NVPR administered at one point), and football nance Director and the Director. The Director reports (Kiwanis) on their facilities. They had once hosted maintenance issues to the Park Board monthly. youth soccer. It is unlikely that this group would host more programs without development of increased fa- Relative to the Muscatatuck Park’s main road, collabora- cilities. The development of the Sand Creek School tion with the County Highway Department is done as unused field is an example that could provide a low needed. In some instances JCPR will act proactively in cost increase in the quality of Jennings County’s avail- maintaining the main road, above what the Highway De- able programs. partment may choose to do .

JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024 21

Important System-Wide Properties

Sand Creek School and Soccer Complex (highlighted in yellow), accessed from County Road 500 North

Image supplied from Google Earth

Tunnel Mill, accessed from gravel lane from West County Road 60 S

Image supplied from Google Earth

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Vernon Next Level Trail 2020

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Important System-Wide Properties/Maps

Vernon and Vernon Parcels

Image supplied from Google Earth

Jennings County (US 50, State Roads #3 and #7 are the main thoroughfares)

Image supplied from Google Earth

JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024 27

Summary of Inventory and Identifying Trends How Does Availability Affect Supply and Demand?

We supplied a fairly detailed inventory of the county. A Obviously, availability directly effects supply. In some few properties will need to be revisited before the final cases availability will create (indirectly) additional de- draft. The list of churches and nature sites goes a little mand in other areas. For example, hunters that visit beyond the IDNR planning guide and are provided for Crosley SFWA or Big Oaks NWR will demand a place information. We do note that many churches do provide to camp. shelters and sometimes playground equipment. Exact effect on county recreation would be hard to determine. Availability in one area could decrease demand in another. JCPR may see campers shift to Eco Lake Park JCPR recently acquired the Eco Lake property in late instead of using Muscatatuck Park. We assume that this 2007. JCPR was not actively looking for additional park will happen to a limited degree. land, but was approached by the gifting organization. This acquisition does expand the services of the depart- We note that increased supply of trails has made trails ment. Budgets were not increased with this acquisition. more popular, increasing demand.

North Vernon has acquired additional land north of Likely, having soccer games in baseball diamonds (poor town. Some additional land in a TIF district is currently quality) would decrease the demand for the activity. being studied for annexation. The majority of this land is Higher quality products generally increase demand, the to be developed into industrial park areas. The majority same is true for the opposite. of this land is north of town. The lack of availability will also create demand. Having NVPR acquired a small 8 acre track of land near the community paved trails is being demanded by a large JCSC School Complex. This is undeveloped. An ease- section of the public. This demand is generated by need ment was granted to NVPR to develop a small gravel for facilities as well as comparison of state and regional trail in a wooded scenario, just north of the City Park. goals and amenities. This basically enlarges the City Park 10 acres. Lack of availability of connector trails and barrier free NVPR developed a small 1.5 acre park in 1976. The city access restricts youth travel, creating latent demand to park was acquired in 1954. The trend in North Vernon recreate in general. was that new parks were not a priority, NVPR turned that around last cycle!

JCPR has eliminated buildings over the past 10 years, trying to clean up the center of the facility. NVPR has had renovation as well. An older grandstand was removed in the late 1990’s. A baseball quad-plex was built a few years later. This renovation is a quality upgrade, but grandfathers the facility into a “Sports Complex” classification. “At a minimum, developing Jennings and the entire country were hit hard with the recent recession. There was some discussion of eliminat- an alternative ing both county park facilities. As the pendulum swings transportation plan and back, we see decent economic recovery and increased usage in both county facilities. strategically planning for acquisition of new park land should be priorities for a new master park plan.”

North Vernon Comprehensive Plan 2009

Northern Trail Head Muscatatuck Trail

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Additional Supply Information Accessibility

Partnership Potential The current trial initiative will help create a much need- JCPR and NVPR have been proposed to join. This hap- ed upgrade to accessibility, initially in two facilities and pened first in 1997, then again in 2003. The later at- then ultimately in all centered facilities. Muscatatuck tempt was mostly by the two respective Park Directors. Park is bordered with a residential community. Current- The first proposal was mostly conceptual and presented ly, Gum street was no sidewalks for the majority of its by JCPR. There is significant logic in a merger. Larger length in this area. budgets to more easily provide for larger projects. Part- nership would have increased the visibility of recrea- Access from Vernon to North Vernon is limited by a tion in the community. Combing the work force could narrow stretch of state highway. This area has no side- have resulted in increased specialization, increasing walks and has significant foot travel. quality. Duplication of services and facility use could also be minimized. This partnership is unlikely to mate- The NVPR mini-park is hidden to most. It is accessed rialize, in the short run. only by a alleyway. The Gum Street section of the Trail Plan will open this small park up to safe pedestrian traf- NVPR could partner with the school corporation to fic while increasing visibility. develop the sand creek facility. We detail this further in our Issues and Needs sections. NVPR could also part- The North Vernon City Park is bordered by State High- ner with this organization for their dog park goal. JCPR way’s #3 and #7 to the west. This creates a significant is not opposed to assist in development of either of the barrier to the residential area just to the west. Access two aforementioned projects. from the south is good. The northern and eastern bound- aries are commercial. NVPR could partner with Jennings County Youth Foundation at an administrative level. This could assist this group in creating continuity. JCPR could assist in this partnership as well. NVPR is a provider of programs though and is better suited for this. Both JCPR and NVPR should facilitate outside programming on their facilities were conflicts do not exist.

The Trails Project is the best example of multi- collaborative opportunity in Jennings. Both Vernon and North Vernon, along with the County have came together to itemize this plan. Joining with the local Jen- nings County Community Foundation to link to Calli SNP, and the IDNR Division of Fish and Wildlife to connect to Crosley, is important, as well.

Long Street access to School Complex. This much needed lane could be upgraded, and formalized to promote usage.

School corporation properties are significantly isolated. The main complex (High School, Middles School, Ele- mentary School) has three entrances along US 50. One paved sidewalk along US 50 from the east serves this area with a small gravel lane from Long Street providing the best pedestrian access. Roughly 250 homes would be in the service area of the neighborhood park classification.

Scipio Elementary serves the local population, but the Vernon Commons is sidewalk needs attention. Hayden Elementary serves its Indiana’s oldest public playground. local population. Brush Creek, Sand Creek, and Graham Vernon Master Plan has conceptual design Creek Elementary are rural with little local population plans for a much needed upgrade. access.

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Park and Recreation Model: Park Classifications

This page paraphrases the basic park classifications detailed in Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guide- lines (1996). We also reference Park, Recreation and Open Space Standards and Guidelines (1983/1990). The newer publication only makes slight reference to the Historical District Park classification (page 72). As the newer manual is geared towards municipalities and properties that should incorporate Level of Service Standards, District Parks, Re- gional Parks, Regional Metropolitan Parks, and Historic District Parks are left somewhat undefined, and reference to the earlier manual helps complete our classifications model. We note that both of the last two Indiana Comprehensive plans used the earlier publication model classification system.

Classification General Description Location Criteria Size Criteria

Mini-Park Used to address limited, isolated, Less than 1/4 mile in residential 1 acre or less. or unique recreational needs. setting.

Neighborhood Park The basic unit of the park sys- 1/4 to 1/2 mile radius, uninter- 10 to 5 acres. tem, serving the recreational and rupted by non-residential roads social focus of the neighborhood. or other physical barriers. Focus is informal active and passive recreation. School-Park School parks can fulfill the space Determined by school district Variable, depends on function requirements for other classes of property. parks: neighborhood, community, sports complex, and special use. Community Park Broader purpose than neighbor- Two or more neighborhoods, 1/2 50 to 30 acres, as needed to hood Parks. Focus is on meeting to 2 mile radius. accommodate desired usage. community-based recreation needs, also preserving unique landscapes and open spaces. Large Urban Park Broad based community wide Serves entire community. 100 to 50 acres, as needed to purpose. accommodate desired uses.

Sports Complex Consolidates heavily pro- Strategically located for commu- 80 to 25 acres grammed athletic fields and nity wide usage. associated facilities.

Historic District Park Historic Area of natural or orna- Several Communities, Often larger facilities (300 mental quality. Focus in passive 1 hour driving time. acres+), but could be smaller to recreating and/or tourist related facilitate specific historical ele- facilities. ments. Natural Resource Area Lands set aside for preservation Resource availability and oppor- Variable. of significant natural resources, tunity. remnant landscapes, open space, and visual aesthetics/buffering.

Green Way/Park Trails Effectively tie park system com- Resource availability and oppor- Variable. ponents together to form a con- tunity tinuous park environment. Multi- ple types

Special Use/Private Park Either single-purpose use and/or Variable-dependent on specific Variable. private facility that contributes to use. complete system.

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Population Within Reach of Suggested Service Radiuses

NV City Park and Tripton park as Community Parks (most appropriate designation for City Park is a Sports Complex)

Vernon, St. Mary’s and JCS Complex as Neighborhood Parks

NV Mini-Park

Muscatatuck Park shown with both Neighborhood and Community Park service radiuses (* see note below)

Map above supplied from Google Earth

If the city park was just a “Community Park” then the population would be served well with this classification. The city park is in reality being used as a “Sports Complex” as well North Vernon’s “Community Park”. Tripton helps NV significantly.

Vernon is served as a “Neighborhood Park”, and has added elements from last cycle.

* We show Muscatatuck Park with both radiuses for comparison only. Technically it is a “Historic District Park”, but doubles as a “Community Park”. This is not optimal, but commonly excepted by most. This limits the appeal as a Dis- trict Park to a significant degree.

Pedestrian access is currently very limited to most facilities, (except the west entrance to Muscatatuck Park and the mini-park) due to major road ways, and lack of pedestrian paths.

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Population Within Reach of Suggested Neighborhood Park Distance (0.5 mile radius)*

Only the JC School , Vernon, and St. Mary’s should be considered a neighborhood park

Map above supplied from Google Earth

• We show NV City Park and Muscatatuck Park with “Neighborhood Park” service radius for comparison only. If they were this classification we would note that there is still a significant amount of population underserved. Re- move both and we see that this classification is not well represented.

• Vernon’s park amenities are very limited.

• The School Complex has limited access by one paved lane on Long street.

• Access to all facilities is limited. The Gum Street Greenway will help this though.

• Black circle is service area of Early Learning Center. Once used informally as a Neighborhood Park with a field for soccer practice, this area could be utilized better.

• Orange circle is the new Tripton Park. It is a nice Community Park.

“A word of caution about flexible-use polices is that they should not be used as a means to avoid developing a legitimate system capable of meeting the community’s long term needs. For example, a community should not use a neighborhood park for activities that are intended to be accommodated in an athletic complex. Granted, a neighborhood park may have to be used at a higher than desirable level until appropriate facilities can be built. But this type of use should not be considered acceptable on a long term basis.”

Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines

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Inventory of:

Jennings County Parks and Recreation Properties

Muscatatuck Park

Eco Lake Park

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JCPR Properties

Muscatatuck Park, accessed from State Road #3 and Gum Street

Image supplied from Google Earth

Eco Lake Park, accessed from State Road #7

Image supplied from Google Earth

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Muscatatuck Park Detailed Inventory of the Muscatatuck Park Located in Vernon Township, between North Vernon and Vernon @ 325 N. St. #7, North Vernon, IN 47265. The Muscatatuck Park is managed by the Jennings County Parks and Recreation Department and Board. Facilities & Activities: The board is under the supervision of the County • 215 acres total area Commissioners and the County Council. The Park is • 150 acres approximately forested specifically managed by a full-time Director. There • 4000 ft. waterfront on Muscatatuck River are two full time assistants to the director. The park • 9 picnic shelters has historically hired Green-thumb/Experience Works (now National ABLE) workers throughout the • Dining hall “Community Building” year. County restitution workers are occasionally • One-room school house incorporated into daily work activities. 1995 was the • Visitor Center “William Read Home” first year that the park started using a campground • 35 electrical/water campsite host. This worked out to help the efficiency of the • Shower / bathroom facilities camping facilities and freed up the park staff to han- • Primitive camping field dle other responsibilities. • Group camping The Muscatatuck Park has a total acreage of 215 • 2 soccer fields acres. There are a few areas of encroachment and • Open fileds dispute. The park is comprised of approximately 150 • 1 basketball goal/half court acres of forested area and 75 acres of mostly open • 5 horse shoe pits grass covered land. The park has two permanent • Sand volleyball court marshes that cover about half an acre and the park • 9 miles wooded hiking/4 marked trails has a water front with the Muscatatuck River that is approximately 4000 ft. • Trails are multiple use

• 1 baseball field The park has a very interesting and varied topogra- • Playground (complex & 15 single) phy. Numerous drainage channels cut the hills creat- • Historic buildings and ruins ing a diversified rigorous hiking terrain. The upland • 2 wetland marshes forest is primarily Oak-Hickory with a good represen- • Fishing (river) tation of Maple and Beech. River bottom species are • Picnic areas also represented.

JCPR added a new playground complex in 2017, and

is currently nearing completion of a small Splash Pad.

Management: Jennings County Parks and Recreation A new Bathroom will also be completed soon.

The issue of the glass dump has not been resolved. In Director: Greg Martin 2019 JCPR volunteers harvested approximately 130 812-346-2953 gallons of sharp large glass pieces. www.musctatatuckpark.com www.jenningscounty-in.gov/parks/index.php

Campground at the Muscatatuck Park

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Facilities Parking Areas:

Rental Buildings • Dining Hall 32,000 sq.ft., 70 spaces The park has six open shelters and a selection of other buildings that can be used for various activities. • Red Brick 18,000 sq.ft., 33 spaces Modern* denotes electrical outlets, lighting, and water. • Basketball Area 6,000 sq.ft., 10 spaces These buildings generate revenue by reservations. The shelters can be used first come first serve with no charge • Playground 12,000 sq.ft., 20 spaces if not reserved. Locked buildings must be paid for for use. • Main. Office 6,000 sq.ft., 20 spaces • Bathroom 1,200 sq.ft, 3 spaces Shelter 1 1200 sq. ft., open/modern* Shelter 2 3200 sq. ft., open/modern* • Horseshoe 2,000 sq.ft., 5 spaces Shelter 3 880 sq. ft., open Shelter 4 1200 sq. ft., open/modern* • Shower house 600 sq.ft., 2 spaces Shelter 5 1200 sq. ft., open/modern* • Shelter #1 4,000 sq.ft., 10 spaces Shelter 6 1000 sq. ft. open Dining hall/Kitchen • Shelter #2 4,000 sq.ft., 10 spaces 3000 sq.ft., heated/modern* 2 toilets, sinks, 1 urinal • Shelter #3 6,000 sq.ft., 15 spaces 2 stoves, freezer, refrigerator • Shelter #4 3,000 sq.ft., 8 spaces

• Shelter #5 3,000 sq.ft., 8 spaces Other Public Buildings: • V. Mill Shelter 1,200 sq.ft., 3 spaces JC Visitor Center “Red Brick Inn/ WRH” • Vinegar Mill 3,000 sq.ft., 8 spaces 2100 sq.ft Canyon Creek Shelter • baseball Road & Grass 315 sq.ft., open & primitive Vinegar Mill Shelter • Wetland Drive Road & Grass 1200 sq.ft., open & modern

Campground Shelter 750 sq.ft., open & modern Walnut Groove Schoolhouse 1000 sq.ft., modern, no bath. Shower house 576 sq.ft., 4 showers, 3 showers, 1 urinal Bathroom 576 sq.ft., 5 toilets, 2 urinals

Camp Privies (M&F) block building w/pit Privies 2 privy toilets for winter use

Park facilities not open to public use:

Tractor shed 2000 sq.ft., closed, wood furnace, electricity Cabin Residence Removed 2019.

Quail Barn

New Splash Pad to open in 2020!

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Playground and Recreational Facilities: Estimated Visitor Use for 2019

Kiddy playground 5,000 sq.ft., Activity # Visitor Days 11 units, e-wood chips Shelter Rental (144) 6,000 Playground complex 4,000 sq.ft., 1 unit Shelter FCFS 4,000 E-wood chips Dining Hall (76) 4,000 Visitor Center 1,000 Camp. 5 item swing Camping (1975) 6,000 1 slide Day visitors 25,000 Soccer 1,000 Other Playground 4 swings Civil War R. 1000 2 slide DINO (mountain bikers) 2,000 Wheelchair swing Horseshoe Pits 500 (stolen) Tame the Terrain 1000 Color Run 750 Horseshoe pits 5 courts lighted, Other Special events 2,000 Boulderers 500 Volleyball court 1, sand Cross-country 2000 Walnut Grove 100 Basketball court 1/2, concrete, 225 sq.ft.

Baseball 1 field Drive through for commuting purposes is approxi- mated at 30 cars a day in 2013 or 9,750 for the Soccer 1 full size fields year.

Other 2 open fields In 1992 the MP estimated the annual visitors days to be approximately 50,000. For 1996 the Trails 4 trails, totaling 9+ Park estimates that the annual visitation is approxi- miles rugged and mately 60,000 not counting the drive through com- level terrain muting traffic. Updated use figures estimate total visitor days at 65,000.

Campsites 35 electric sites Soccer moved off the Park around 2009. They still 15 specific primitive use the facility for practices and occasional games. field/group camp This lowered total usage of the park, but this is considered positive as this activity pushed usage to a dangerously over crowded level. As well as, in- All electric sites and the specified primitive sites fringing upon other users. have a picnic table. The electric sites all have water hookups accessible. The methods of approximating visitor use could be The Muscatatuck Park has nine open shel- improved, but familiarity with the facility and actu- ters that can be used on a first come first serve ba- al receipts gives us fairly reliable data. sis unless otherwise reserved. These facilities have picnic tables, lights, electrical outlets, water, an upright grill, and fire pit. Playground equipment is located in close proximity with the larger playgrounds area close, but not in the most ideal safe location. Trail heads are also close in proximity.

The Muscatatuck Park supplies approximately 30 picnic tables in various places throughout the Park to be used by day visitors. The park supplies 5 benches to the Playground areas

Random day at Vinegar Mill when water is up!

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Eco Lake Park JCPR is currently working with the engineering firm FPBH, Inc. engineering 4 phases (A-D) of campground This property was newly acquired in November of master Plan. Plans will be submitted to the State Board 2007. The property was given to the County Com- of Health. missioners to be managed by the Jennings County Parks and Recreation Department. The property was JCPR is also working with Lowe’s RDC and the Lowe's given by the Cosco Recreation Committee, which Charitable Foundation to secure a Community Partners was a nonprofit private organization working with Grant. Tim Grady, manager of the RDC, believes we this Columbus based corporation. Cosco was recently have a good chance at receiving $90,000 to $100,000 to bought out by Dorel, but the recreation committee finish Phases A-C & E, with roughly a $40,000 match still held the older name. from JCPR.

Location: Geneva Township 970 North State High- way #7, North Vernon, IN 47265

Facilities & Activities:

• 127 acre total area • 9 acre lake • Public Access Site

• Beach (needs attention) • One shelter • Playground • Basketball Court • Baseball diamond Eco Lake Park • 6 horseshoe pits

• Picnic areas • Campgrounds (25 to 70 potential) Phase D is currently being debated for a loan to accom- • Forested area plish the work in conjunction with the above phase. Not • 3 mile trail (some reroutes planned) having a bathhouse open for the camp is not deemed positive and may have detrimental long term effects on the success of the camp. Managed by: Jennings County Parks and Recreation Significant money could be saved with Phase D added to the original bid. The income stream of the camp will be more significant with supporting elements, specially fundamental elements like a bath room shower-house.

JCPR is currently trying to acquire a local Jennings County Community Foundation Grant to supply playground equipment for this property, as well as the Mus- catatuck Park. Grant application is being processed currently.

Front entrance sign at Eco Lake Park

JCPR partnership with the IDNR, public access site.

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Eco Lake Park Campground Master Plan

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Eco Lake Park Aerial

Image Supplied from Google Earth (Google 2015)

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Section Five:

Accessibility

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Accessibility and Universal Design Self-Evaluation of currently inaccessible facilities

Overview JCPR adopted the www.adachecklist.org forms as the best means to do self evaluation. Forms for each facility Jennings County Parks and Recreation Department will will be kept on file. administer self evaluation methods as a best management practice. The main parking lot to the Dining Hall/Community Building is accessed by two different sidewalks, one from the east and one from the south. These sidewalks are 3 foot (meets minimum), but not the recommended Self-evaluation of currently accessible facilities 4 foot. The sidewalks open up to gravel parking lots. The sidewalks do not have unloading zones. The south JCPR has made significant upgrades to various facilities sidewalk could have a perpendicular zone that was re- over the past 15 years. In 1997 no shelters on the facili- cessed into the yard. An extended zone would get a lot ty had ramps into shelters that were all raised off the of traffic and likely would not be as stable. Paving the ground, many a foot tall. Today all shelters except two parking lot would be ideal, but unlikely in the short run. smaller shelters (1936/37 CCC/WPA) structures and a non-rented campground shelter have ramps. The west door does not have the 18 inch swing clear- ance needed to avoid the door, as it swings. The south Unfortunately the Muscatatuck Park does not have as- entrance does and would be the easiest to modify. Side- phalt parking lots in various places. Unloading zones walk/ramp here is also at 9%. Thresholds in this build- were added in conjunction to shelter ramps that had ing could be improved. gravel parking. Bathroom facilities have had hand rails added and the Bathroom and shower facilities have had hand rails sink was modified to provide access. The bathrooms did added. not supply appropriate turning radiuses or accessible dimensions. JCPR has started this work in this building JCPR did work with a local citizen confined to a wheel in 2015. They have removed a concrete block wall in chair during this period to overview many of these each of the bathroom units to get the bathrooms closer needs and eventual upgrades. This was considered a to the needed standard. Paper towel dispensers are cur- positive relationship and fulfilling endeavor. rently too high and should be modified in transition.

The 1850 built William Read Home which houses the Door knobs have been replaced. Improved signage Department Office and Visitor Center had displays in needs re-installed. 2009. Some displays were added up stairs. This stairway was not accessible so the department added a JCPR does not wish to modify the 1936/37 WPA/CCC downstairs picture volume so someone not able to as- structures. Both of these facilities have tall slabs and are cend the stairs could view the same material. accessed by gravel roads. Ramps and unloading zones in this area would protrude into driving lanes. Potential A handicap playground area was installed in 2010. modifications could be applied, but at a substantial cost JCPR received a small grant that included a wheelchair while changing the rustic historic natural appearance of swing that had been placed at the now defunct Muscata- the structures. If the roads were paved, than this may tuck State School. This swing was installed as were two need to be reevaluated. strapped swings. A picnic area was created with accessible area, accessible picnic table and appropriate un- There is one non-rented shelter in a cul-de-sac like turn loading zone. An accessible grill was also added. Resili- around in the southern most part of the campground ent surfacing was applied over the concrete area needed road. The shelter does not have a ramp or unloading for swing protection. This area was created for signifi- zone. The height of this shelter (3 sides) and its proxim- cantly disabled individuals that were not accustomed to ity to the graveled road do not lend itself well to meet direct sunlight. Originally the group wanted to add this the standard. The north side is level, but has a water to an existing shelter, but normal rental would have hydrant. Accommodating a ramp, unloading zone, and prohibited inclusion during rentals. An area with signif- parking spot here is not feasible. icant shade was chosen. After installation the area was often used, but then became a teenage hang out. Signifi- Ramps to the shelters were built at approximately 3% or cant vandalism has removed the grill and multiple ta- better than 1:20. Eco Lake Park between 3 and 4 %. bles. Early in 2014 the wheel chair swing was stolen. The campground bathroom stalls are not wide, 3 foot. Modification of theses structures are not feasible as the plumbing is concrete and additional space is not present. Shower valves are a bit above the recommended standard.

Doors to this facility need new closers, as do the doors in the dinning hall facility. Opening force is right at the limit and should be modified when the doors are replaced. Towel dispensers in this room are adequate, mirrors are as well. JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024 48

The main park bathrooms have a sidewalk perpendicu- Programming lar to the building with a wider concrete slab in front. This sidewalk is only 3 foot wide. Each of the units (women's/men's) has larger stalls, but they are only 4 Jennings County Parks do not program their own activi- foot wide. Other stalls are 3 foot wide. The larger stalls ties through the department. They only host other do have better turn radiuses, but are still below stand- events programmed through other agencies. Regardless, ard. The bathroom has a gravel parking lot and does not JCPR should increase diligence to make sure programs provide an unloading zone. Designated parking is not are as accessible as possible. present either. Adding a zone and marking this would not be that difficult. Appropriate signage has been placed during most periods. Recent vandalism has re- Notice of Requirements moved appropriate signage, which will be replaced upon reopening of the facilities in the spring. A new The local government building as well as the court- privacy fence has cut off the main sidewalk access and house have ADA guidelines posted along with other should be modified. Hand towel height is a bit over the pertinent employee/citizen information like anti- maximum discrimination labor law.

Many of the park’s toilets did not meet the correct height requirement, and are being replaced with taller Grievance units. The park board excepts written and oral grievances to Playground equipment in both facilities have been up- be addressed at their monthly public meetings. graded and both complex units have engineered wood chips as the resilient surface, which is considered accessible. Both playground units also have accessible side- Transition Plan walk with unloading zones.

The primitive bathrooms in the campground were built The transition plan is itemized on the next page. accessible, but there is no accessible pathway to them.

Two parking lots have aged over time and they could use restriping to remark once well marked handicap ADA Director parking spots (Vinegar Mill and the Visitor Center). Jennings County has hired a new ADA director. JCPR will be working in coordination with this individual to Muscatatuck Park is building new bathrooms and they survey and improve accessibility. Nicci Lucas 812-352- are designed in accordance with ADA. 3051, [email protected].

Long wooden ramp to the raised shelter

at the Muscatatuck Park.

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Transition Action Plan

The following buildings and amenities will be reanalyzed annually to gauge the progress at each site. The Dining Hall/ Community Building is the most used building for the public other then the simple outdoor shelters. JCPR has recently completed the self inspection. Files along with pictures will be delivered to the ADA director and JCPR will work incoordination with this individual to solidify upgrades.

2020 Bathroom (new)

New bathrooms will greatly assist the Muscatatuck Park in meeting ADA standards. All items (access, amenities, other) will be built at ADA standards or greater.

2021 Dining Hall

An unloading zones with appropriate signage should be installed at the south location. Modification of west entrance to cannot create an acceptable grade. Door handle should be replaced.

Older Bathroom

An unloading zone (should?) could be installed. Handle features in back stalls could be improved although complete standard accordance is not possible.

Camp bathhouse and primitive bathrooms

Re-plumbing of the shower units should be done to lower access to below maximum height. An accessible walkway should (could) be added to the primitive bathroom. This may require elimination of one campsite. An unloading zone should (could) be added as well.

Signs

Many signs need upgraded and/or replaced

Shelters

Lights and electric outlets should be repositioned lower.

William Read Home

Office ADA compliance is close, but not quite there. Many of the issues are smaller and infrastructure does lend itself to easy fixes.

Parking Lots

The Office/Visitor Center and Vinegar Mill parking lots should both be re-sealed (prior) and then re-striped.

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Section Six:

Public Participation

JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024

Public Participation Older Plan Overview

JCPR invited the public to participate in the planning Last cycle did not have great survey response, yet process in a variety of ways. each cycle has gained public input. In general there appeared to be strong support for additional parks, First, the public was invited to attend the Park Board trails, greenspace. There was also strong support monthly meetings. JCPR ran a press release in the local for proposals relative to Eco Lake Park, a commu- papers in May. The parks web page overviewed the nity youth center, the Sand Creek Soccer proposal, master plan process and schedule, as did the press re- and partnership with the Town of Vernon. lease. Updated playground equipment was the main up- Each monthly meeting had time set aside for the com- grade suggested relative to JCPR. Bathrooms were munity to participate. The meetings did not have great also noted. Playgrounds became the main depart- outside attendance. This has always been the case (6 mental focus for JCPR, and the department was plans), it is discouraging. reasonable successful this endeavor. Bathroom issues are being addressed also. The NLT grant committee did attend the park board meeting asking for support for their initiative. The trails Final presentation of the plan was well received grant committee did have an open public meeting to and assisted the department in securing a grant that overview their proposal. The NLT Grant committee kick started the playground effort and substantial also attended a couple County Council meetings and local donations. presented their proposal. These meetings had larger attendance.

JCPR first published its survey on-line on its web site Increased Communication and on Facebook in July. JCPR emailed the local paper with an attached press release, asking the public to participate in their survey, which could be found on their JCPR representatives have had increasing commu- website and online. nication with many elements of the community. As a small department with large day to day work Many stake holders were contacted in a local leadership load, historically communication is limited and conference held by the Jennings County Community fractured. Foundation. This was a two day event and updates/ presentations where delivered by many local service Monthly meetings with the Next Level Trails com- providers. These included the local School Corporation, mittee has brought the main administrators togeth- Municipal Parks and Recreation, County Commission- er and it is nice to them working on shared inter- ers, City Councilors, Economic Development, as well ests. as many other supporting private and public agencies. Monthly meetings with the wellness team, The city Parks Department is currently working on their “Joining Jennings for Healthy Living”, has wid- 5 year plan. This author is in contact with the city Di- ened the communication base considerably. The rector and JCPR plans to deliver the draft plan at the new Wellness Coordinator has proven to be excep- same time as rough draft submittal to the IDNR. Specif- tional at reaching out to all related community ically both directors plan to share and overview survey players. results as well as general future plans. JCPR also acknowledges the increased communi- Both Directors have been meeting regularly along with cation provided for the newly hired county Human the Trails Committee (NLT). This group has meet Resource Director. Monthly meetings with Depart- monthly, and sometimes more often. This group is well ment heads are very positive. represented and includes North Vernon Mayor and assistants, Vernon Mayor, Tripton Park Project manager, JCPR appreciates the directive currently underway The regional Wellness Director, as well as resident en- from the JCCF. The leadership seminar in the sum- gineers and other trail advocates. mer was very productive, and ultimately this group can be a neutral objective central hub for increased The JCPR Director has attended monthly meetings for communication and community vision. the Wellness Team

JCPR plans to follow up with a few specific interviews JCPR is has contacted the local Township trustees. of key players. Specifically, Mike Miller the “receiver” They asked general interviews questions to clarify for Country Squire lakes, City Director, Wellness direc- recreational needs and goals within their jurisdic- tor, School corporation representatives, and the town- tion. ship trustees. The Jennings County Council members have been talked to in a number public meetings and Stakeholder interviews were also planned, and were presented with a rough draft hypothetical Action some have been complete. Specifically JCPR has plan on December 10th. 2019. talked to municipal and county council members and TIF representatives. JCPR hopes to talk to the CSL receiver, and other important stakeholders.

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Other Means to Gauge Public Input “CNA 2017” Community Needs Assessment Google Reviews:

Muscatatuck Park has approximately 410 reviews In 2017 Jennings County conducted a local on google. Many of these reviews are only grades, “Community Needs Assessment. The administra- but often people comment in depth. Rating is 4.6 tive group was a well represented cross section of out of five. JCPR welcomes this feedback, and near- the community, including local government lead- ly all reviews are positive. Comments on natural ers, Economic Development, School Corporations, beauty, peacefulness, friendliness, and cleanliness as well as local small business and larger corpora- are often mentioned. tions.

The CNA had approximately 1000 respondents to the their local questionnaire. They also broke the data down to overview general population needs, Facebook Reviews: corporate needs, and even broke down the under 18 involvement. Methodology and final results Muscatatuck Park gets a 4.5 out of 5 on Facebook were exemplary. JCPR appreciates the efforts of reviews. General comments support the natural this Committee. beauty of the facility, good trail opportunity. Clean- liness and friendliness are also noted. Most negative The Plan was used to justify the creation of the reviews dealt with things out of JCPR control (local new city park, Tripton Park. race track is loud for campers), homeless campers, small staff not always easy to locate, and issues that To a degree the results are common sense, though. have already been noticed (trail marking) yet had Perhaps the generality of the results is adequate to not been completed. point the community in the right direction. Specific steps to address each needs of each category are not laid out in depth, thus pointing the need for more specific studies like this plan.

North Vernon Parks and Recreation Survey The CNA listed the following in terms of local importance: The survey was just recently started and the JCPR • Work Force & Jobs director plans to meet in January with the city Di- • Education rector to share survey data. • Health & Wellness • Recreation & Entertainment Historically, NVPR survey results echo general sen- timents expressed in the county process. NVPR • Beautification results will be geared towards softball, baseball, soccer, and swimming. Guiding themes were presented as were directional Statements. Specific to recreation the plan does support additional outdoor recreational facilities, mre walking and biking trails and connectivity between them all. Additional programs and outdoor activities was noted.

Jennings County Youth Foundation

The JCYF has attempted to gauge public interest through out the years and through many initiatives. There group is mainly directed towards the creation of Girls & Boys Club. There is support for this type of facility within their survey as well as JCPR. JCPR survey points out that monetary support is not as high as general support, but the group did have a very successful 2018, and likely their momentum carried out into 2019.

Mayor Ochs and JC Community Foundation https://jcyf.in representatives dedicating city gift on county property at Muscatatuck Trail head parking area.

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‘SCORP” Indiana Statewide Comprehensive Letters to Santa? Outdoor Recreational Plan 2016-2020

JCPR will not declare that the following information is a soundly scientific. We do believe that this informal We will generalize some of this studies findings: method of surveying the public does illuminate some interesting information. • “Recreation Close to home is still a priority.” • “The Movement to reconnect children with nature Every year around Christmas the local news paper, the is expanding.” North Vernon Plain Dealer & Sun, asks the local youth • “Indiana’s obesity Epidemic is worsening”. approximately ages 4 to 8 to ask “Santa” what they • “Many communities are built in ways that make it would like for Christmas. Each you simply writes a difficult or unsafe to be physically active. letter to Santa expressing their most desired present. • “Tourism is the state’s 7th largest industry. They also submit a picture • “Nature based recreation is grew about 7.1 percent and the number of activity days grew about 40, in Assuming that the parents promote this activity some- the previous decade (2000-2009) what via the submittal process, we generalize local par- • “Walking/Jogging/Running” are Hoosiers favorite ticipants read the paper, and support their kids in posi- activity. tive and educational means. In a rural community with • “Mandates for revenue cost recovery may lead to very few upper class individuals participants can be social inequity.” generalized as “rural middle class”. Lower class partic- • “Walkable cities draw millennials, fueling a subur- ipation is not as likely. ban exodus”. • “The exodus of disadvantaged populations will be Results are interesting and local. Out of 214 responses to nearby suburbs.” that specified identifiable material object that could be purchased (excluding cures for cancer, world peace, etc.) we broke apart responses relative to outdoor vs indoor recreational pursuits. We then listed more specif- National Parks and Recreation Association (NRPA) ic outdoor recreational items. Some gray areas exist. Engagement with Parks Report. Seventy percent (70%) of respondents listed general Results Summarized by Joe Bush in Recreational Man- non-physical orientated indoor items. Main responses agement news letter article , Survey Says: American’s were iPhone, gaming toys, Oz-bots, LOL dolls, drones, love their Parks. RC cars and planes, lap tops, etc.

• 93 % say it is crucial to protect natural resources. Of the responses that itemized objects to used outside, • 88% say local parks provide good opportunity to 39 percent were Hoverboards. Add in other motorized interact with nature. objects and we are at 47 percent. Seems to be high de- • Respondents visit their local park and recreational mand for hoverboards (29 responses) and not so high facilities an average of twice a month, with 1 in 10 demands for traditional gifts like bicycles (5 responses). visiting weekly if not daily. • 85 % consider parks and recreation opportunities As we noted, the data is not soundly scientific, yet the important factors when choosing a new place to trend seems obvious. Likely many of these youth al- live. ready have bikes, and the Hoverboard would be an specialty toy. “Parks are a solution to many of the issues people face, especially as it relates to health and the natural environ- The demand for technological toys has grown over the ment, “Roth (Kevin Roth, NRPA Vice President of pro- years and this interpretation seems to fit this local data. fessional development, research and technology) said, “Easy access to park and recreational amenities for all In respect to activity, lack of physical activity, obesity members of the community is essential to the well- and youth development what a kid desires is a product being of our cites, towns, and counties.” of marketing and social norms. Two youth (less than 1 percent) asked for Fit-bits. Most did not desire traditional recreational objects that likely were more desired a few generations back (bikes, basketballs, skateboards, etc.) “Parks are a Perhaps it suggests the challenge we face nationally to solution to many of grow up healthy?

the issues people Final Public Presentation of Plan

Final Public Presentation of the plan has not been face” scheduled at this time, but main elements of the cycles initiative, (the NLT Grant, and a rough action plan) have been presented to the public during Council and Kevin Roth, NRPA Vernon town meetings. JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024 82

Jennings County Parks and Recreation Master Planning Survey 2020-2024

Question #1: Where do you reside?

Survey percentage: County was 54%, City37 %. Actual percentage of population: County is 76%, City 24%.

Note: Jennings County population has decreased by 918 between April 2010 and July 2018.

North Vernon population has decreased by 265 individuals over same period.

Question #2: Please list your five favorite recreational activities in order of preference?

First Tier Importance: Second Tier Importance:

Walking/Hiking 73% Walking 47% Kayak 14% Hiking 46% Softball/BB 14% Swimming 29% Playground 11% Camp 25% Family Time 8% Bike 21% Picnic 8% Fish 18% Experience Nature 7%

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Question #3:

Q3: How often do you visit Muscatatuck Park? What is your main reason to visit?

Analysis: Responses can be broken into five general user volumes.

▪ Very Heavy (over once per week) 12% ▪ Heavy (over once per month up to once per week) 30% ▪ Medium (up to once per month) 17% ▪ Low (couple times a year) 39% ▪ None (does not visit) 2%

Although the majority of users do not participate more than once a month (12 visits per year), the average number of user visits per year is 33 visits per year, or a bit over once every two weeks.

Note: Data may not reflect the observation that many respondents may generalized usage relative to better weather months. This is not proven either way, but experience tells us that we often do not account accurately for the colder months which generally lower usage considerably.

Why do you visit?

▪ Hike ▪ Walk ▪ Bike ▪ Run ▪ Playground ▪ Fish ▪ Reunions, parties, picnics ▪ T3 ▪ Pictures ▪ Relax ▪ Pokémon

Question #4

Q4: How often do you visit Eco Lake Park? What is your main reason to visit?

Analysis:

▪ The majority of respondents (73%) have not recreated at this facility. ▪ Only 4% recreate here more than once per month. ▪ Fishing is the main reason to visit this facility.

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Question #5:

Q5: How often do you visit North Vernon “City” Park? What is your main reason to visit?

Analysis: Responses can be broken into four general user volumes.

▪ Heavy (over once per week) 11% ▪ Medium (once per month, yet less than once a week) 41.5% ▪ Low (once a month or less) 41.5% ▪ None (does not visit) 6%

The average number of user visits per year is 18 visits per year, or a bit over once per month.

Why do you visit?

▪ Softball ▪ Baseball ▪ Soccer ▪ Walk ▪ Swim ▪ Farmers market ▪ Fourth of July celebration ▪ Playground ▪ Car show ▪ Shelters

Question #6: What other recreational areas do you visit and how often?

State and National Parks, refuges, and wildlife areas were often noted. Indoor Commons Park in Columbus was noted with some frequency, as was Vernon Commons and CERA-land. The full gamut of experience was noted, from amusement parks to casinos, boating lakes, schools, golf courses. Regional destinations from Madison, Columbus, and Seymour were very frequent.

Roughly 10 percent of respondents noted no out of county recreation. A few noted their own property.

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Question #7:

Q7 Are you or your family a member of a recreational user group? If yes, please list program.

Analysis:

▪ 56 % of respondents stated that they are not associated with any type of recreational club, group, or recreational league. ▪ No one user group had more than a 10 percent representation, but sports programs from the municipality were most often cited.

Clubs listed in

▪ Softball ▪ Baseball ▪ Soccer ▪ T-ball ▪ Swim ▪ JCYF ▪ CERA-land ▪ JC Run

Question #8: How would you rate your recreational experinces through this activity?

How would you rate your recreational experiences through this activity? Answer Choices Responses Excellent 10.95% 15 Good 30.66% 42 Average 27.01% 37

Poor 3.65% 5 DNA 27.74% 38 Answered 137

Skipped 11

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Question #9:

Q9 Do we need additional programs in our community?

Analysis:

▪ 64 % of respondents stated that we need additional programs. ▪ 9 % of respondents stated that we do not need additional programs. ▪ Remaining respondents appeared to often support additional programs, yet answered the question in an ambiguous manner (ex. noting need for bike trails, health spa, etc) ▪ Some respondents noted need for additional collaboration

Question #10

Q10 If so, What organization should provide these activities.

The most striking thing to note here is lack of consensus. Three top groups listed in ordered of response frequency are:

▪ City ▪ County ▪ JCYF

Some individuals noted two or all of the above working together to provide increased programing. Parks and Recrea- tion was listed more than any other element, yet respondents did not specify which level (city/county) of government quite often. Private, corporate, and volunteer suggestions were also noted. YMCA was also listed, yet they have no presence in the county.

Question #11: What activities are most needed?

Analysis: Youth programs have historically always been requested. There appears to be an increase in the desire for additional adult recreational programing. We will note here the desire for indoor recreational activity, as it tends to not be well represented in the community.

Answers again fill the gamut, from bowling to rock climbing. Dog park, bike and walking trails had significant frequency.

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Question #12:

Q12 Do we need additional parks? If yes, what should these parks supply (fields, courts, green space, trails, other)?

Analysis: ▪ 45% of respondents say “NO” to new and additional parks. ▪ 65% of respondents said “YES” to new and additional parks.

Again, dog parks is heard again. Fields, courts, and green space, also spoken for. Trails and connectivity are requested. Indoor courts, and swimming noted.

Question #13

Q13 Have you used the paved multi-use Muscatatuck trail?

Analysis:

▪ 25% of respondents said they have not used the pathway. ▪ 75% of respondents have used the pathway.

Question #14

Q14 How often do you use this trail?

Analysis:

▪ Low volume use:

▪ 23% of respondents listed zero days on pathway. ▪ 17% of respondents listed day use less than 6 times per year. ▪ Therefore, 40% of respondents use the trail in a limited fashion.

▪ High volume use:

▪ High volume users skew usage data significantly. Although 40 percent of respondents seldom or never use the trail, the average days of usage for a respondent is 30 days per year (a bit more than twice a month). ▪ Of the roughly 60% of respondent's that stated they use the trail more than once every other month (6 visitor days), they average 46 days a year on the pathway. ▪ 11% of users use pathway between 3 and 4 days per week

Note: responded figures may be somewhat inflated due to generalization of usage not incorporating winter months accurately.

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Question #15:

Q15 Local leaders have identified connections in town and a potential to connect the library to CSL. Do you support this?

Analysis: ▪ 30% of respondents said “NO” to proposed project. ▪ 70% of respondents said “YES” to proposed project.

People also noted other connections including North Vernon to Library and Vernon. Small number of responses noted negative bias towards CSL.

Question #16: How would you rate the importance of developing additional multi-use trails?

How would you rate the importance of

developing additional multi-use trails?

Extremely Not important at Low im- Generally Im- High im- Weighted all. portance. portant. portance. important. Total Average 3.25 12.20 36.59 32.5 15.45 1 % 4 % 15 % 45 2% 40 % 19 123 3.45

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Question #17: There is an initiative to build a Girls & Boys Club, do you support this?

Analysis: ▪ 15% of respondents stated they do not support this initiative ▪ 85% of respondents state that they do support this initiative.

Question #18: Would you donate to the fund to create this club?

Analysis: ▪ 47% of respondents stated they would not donate to fund the club. ▪ 53% of respondents stated that they would donate to fund this club.

Question #19: Would you or your family become a member?

Analysis: ▪ 46% of respondents stated they would not likely become members of this club. ▪ 54% of respondents stated that they would likely become members of the club.

Many respondents answered conditionally relative to services provided.

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Question #20: Who would you rate the importance of developing a Girls & Boys Club?

How would you rate the importance of developing a Girls & Boys Club? Not im- Weighte portant at Low im- Generally High im- Extremely d Aver- all. portance. Important. portance. important. Total age 3.23 11.29 31.45 29.03 25.00 1 % 4 % 14 % 39 % 36 % 31 124 3.61

Question #21: Our community tried to create a YMCA (similar to a G & B Club) a couple times in the past (most recently20 years ago), but was not successful. What do you believe is needed to make this a successful endeavor?

Analysis:

Often it was noted that the city and county would have to add additional support. Trend was that most agreed that increased support from all aspects of the community would be needed to make this a reality.

Many respondents answers noted that a low cost entry fee would be needed for local participation.

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Question #22: Eco lake park has plans to develp the campground. Do you support this? Would you support funding this upgrade to come from the County Council?

Analysis:

▪ 37% of respondents said that they do not support development of the campground. ▪ 63% of respondents said they did support development of the campground.

Many did support the assistance from the council. One individual noted partial payment, another loans. Many noted grants.

Question #23: Tripton Park is nearing completion. Do you support the development of the facility and do you plan to use it?

Analysis:

▪ 15% of respondent's did not support development of this new facility ▪ 85% of respondents did support the development of this new facility.

There appeared to be general support and optimism that the city had developed their second

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Question #24: There is a proposal to use the field west of the Sand Creek elementary school to create soccer fields for youth soccer (school-park partnership), do you approve of this?

Analysis:

▪ 16% of respondents said that they do not support development of this initiative. ▪ 84% of respondents said they did support development of this initiative.

Question #25: Proximity to recreational assets is often a determinant of usage, do you think our townships have adequate recreational opportunity?

Analysis:

▪ 43% of respondent's believed that townships have enough recreational opportunity ▪ 57 % of respondents did not believe that townships have enough recreational opportunity.

Question #26: In 2017 local leaders participated in a Community Needs Assessment. Are you familiar with this study? If so, do you feel we are making progress on the identified issues?

Analysis:

▪ 33% of respondent's were familiar with this study. ▪ 67 % of respondents were not familiar with the CNA study. JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024 93

Question #27: Maintenance.

Please Rate the follow-

ing JCPR specific items: Maintenance. Weight ed Av- Excellent Good Average Poor DNA Total erage

11.2 33.8 42.7 10.4 1.61 1 9% 14 7% 42 4% 53 8% 13 % 2 124 2.57

Question #28: Aesthetics/cleaniness.

Please Rate the following JCPR specific items: Aesthetics/cleanliness Excellent Good Average Poor DNA Total 11.29 32.26 39.52 14.52 2.42 1 % 14 % 40 % 49 % 18 % 3 124

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Question #29: Trails.

Please Rate the follow-

ing JCPR specific items: Trails Excellent Good Average Poor DNA Total 16.26 47.15 30.08 2.44 4.07 1 % 20 % 58 % 37 % 3 % 5 123

Question #30: Campground.

Please Rate the following JCPR specific items: Campground Excellent Good Average Poor DNA Total

1 4.84% 6 23.39 29 27.42 34 14.52 18 29.84 37 124

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Question #31: Community Building/Shelters.

Please Rate the following JCPR specific items: Community Building/shelters Excellent Average Poor DNA Total 10.48 31.45 46.77 9.68 1.61 1 % 13 % 39 % 58 % 12 % 2 124

Question #32 Playgrounds.

Please Rate the following JCPR specific items: Playgrounds Excellent Good Average Poor DNA Total 13.7 41.9 32.2 8.06 4.03 1 1% 17 4% 52 6% 40 % 10 % 5 124

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Section Seven:

Issues Identification

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Issues Inventory As stated in the “Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines” manual, “a community should not use a neighborhood park for activities that are in- Needs Analysis tended to be accommodated for in an athletic complex. Granted a neighborhood park may have to be used at a Our needs analysis will be found in the next section. higher than desirable level until appropriate facilities Prior to that we wish to document issues that have been can be built. But this type of use should not be consid- identified by the Park staff, the Park Board, our surveys, ered acceptable on a long term basis.” This should ap- and recent studies from our community. This section ply to all classifications. Quality is diminished when will try to identify the issue, document elements of the one property tries to accommodate more than one clas- issue, and possible solutions and potential conflicts or sification. hardships in resolving the issue. This section will be the preliminary ground work for the needs analysis. The Other aspects of the Model, like proximity, uninterrupt- following section will prioritize the issues and try to ed non-residential roads and other physical barriers place improvement in the context of time. need to be considered as well.

Issue Analysis will be our primary means to clarify North Vernon does not have any neighborhood parks. which needs are priorities and also how they can be There is one mini-park which is a block Park, and also a dealt with in this planning cycle. smaller classification “pocket park”. The main facility in North Vernon is basically a sport complex, but also is We will also look at general standards for specific park used as the cities only “ Community Park. elements. Certain design standards that are not meet will be identified.

Level of Service Standards (LOS) will be looked at in a general manner. Since both parks under the jurisdiction of JCPR are being managed as low intensity “District System Wide Parks” with significant historical elements as well as large natural resource areas, level of service standards do not directly apply. Comprehensive Plans:

We do note here that the Muscatatuck Park does have This section will overview our communities recent significant elements of the “Community Park” classifi- Comprehensive studies. Both Jennings County (2012) cation. This element does not appear to have a short and North Vernon (2009) Master Plans have expired. term solution and is so excepted that its negative ele- North Vernon Parks and Recreation last comprehensive ments are not perceived by many. As North Vernon plan (2014-2018), has expired also, yet they are current- Parks and Recreation grows and starts to develop other ly working on an upgrade parks, negatives will be controlled further. Jennings County’s Comprehensive plan was completed North Vernon Parks and Recreation should probably by SDG, Strategic Development Group, Inc. and HWC develop there own LOS standards. It does not appear Engineering. The plan was approved and adopted by the that this is the case in the recent Master Plan. NVPR is Jennings County Economic Development Commission, currently working on their new five year plan. the Jennings County Area Plan, the Jennings County Board of Commissioners, North Vernon City Council, The State of Indiana did create LOS Standards for the as well as Vernon, Town Council. One of the main County, Township, and Municipal level (SCORP 2016- points stressed throughout the document is the need for 2020). This standard states that each county should adoption and enforcement of stricter design standards have 20 acres of recreational land per 1000 individuals applying to various types of development. The docu- distributed amongst these three county management ment does a very good job of explaining the benefits of levels (plus like private areas). With that in mind, Jen- adoption and ramifications of non-adoption. It ex- nings County has a population of 27, 611. Applying plained also the need for significant “political will” to this standard yields a goal of 552 acres for the Jennings adopt the higher level standards verses medium level County community. According to the State Jennings standards. County has 694 areas. This figure includes the Calli State Nature preserve we assume, which is owned local- ly by the JCCF. Jennings has improved over the past decade or so with both the County (127), the City (110), and private (179) owners adding additional recreational land.

The park and recreational Model is another way to look at overall land and determine if recreational elements are diversified and conform with proximity standards.

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Jennings County Comprehensive Plan “Once North Vernon Stellar projects are completed, initiate a countywide branding campaign to promote Relative to recreation the following points were Jennings County as a regional destination.” (page 84 made: and 139)

“There is a potential in Jennings County to capitalize “Green space and multi-use trails contribute to a on its significant inventory and quality of managed community's quality of life, which in turn benefits its lands as an additional source of economic develop- economy. More can be done to enhance the county’s ment. Providing wildlife related services and ameni- natural features.” (page 11, and 56) ties, including hunting, fishing, hiking, and biking the county can begin to take advantage of the unique “Abundance of managed lands can be a county re- resources available.” (page104, 111, and 116) source and should be viewed as a potential economic development resource for the local economy. The “The potential economic impact to this industry is community should study opportunities to take ad- often over looked by rural communities but the num- vantage of these properties.” (page 12 and 113) bers are staggering.” (page 111)

“The unique position of the county between two national wildlife refuges, availability of other managed “The …...Trails Master Plan presents a comprehen- lands for wildlife activities, and proximity to the I-65 sive vision for connecting key Jennings County as- corridor uniquely positions {the} county to take ad- sets and cultural resources via the development of vantage of this type of tourism revenue.” (page 12 extensive trail and sidewalk improve- and 113) ments.” (page111)

“Initiate a countywide branding campaign to promote “To complete future planning for Jennings County Jennings County as a regional destination.” (page 12) some additional research is needed. These studies are described below: Parks Master Plan: This plan takes “Provide a county-wide park and recreational master a long term look at the outdoor recreational needs of plan, and marketing plan with North Vernon, IDNR, a community.” (page 136) and USFWS to provide a cohesive campaign to highlight natural resource areas.” (page 13, 113, and 140) The study also itemized natural resources, nature preserves, Vernon’s historic elements, as well as the “Vernon’s historic character need to be protect- Muscatatuck Park as priorities for protecting, as deed.” (page 43) termined by the steering committee (Appendix 3)

“The town must do everything in it’s power to pro- Within the survey for this document 40% of the re- tect its assets.” (page 43) spondents rated bicycle and pedestrian trails as a serious problem with 32% listing them as a moderate “One of the most unique aspects of Vernon is the problem. historic character of the community.” (page 43) A slight majority (52%) of respondents listed the “There are also a number of important historic sites amount of green space as not a problem. A larger within Vernon, such as the railroad bridge and the percentage (60%) listed the need for additional green ’Commons’ which can be showcased for tourism and space as not a problem. 76 % of respondents listed recreational purposes.” (page 45) the need for walking and biking trails as a moderate or serious problem. “Vernon does have a trails plan which provides multi -use connectivity to North Vernon and other im- Response rates to this survey were relatively low portant Jennings County locations. They have begun compared to the population. (response count = 25) trail construction but progress has been limited to date due to the need for additional funding.” (page 45) JCPR specifically looked at this county plan in formulation of their past Master Plan and commitment “Vernon would like to seek funding opportunities in to the Next Level Trails project. Numerous times the future to help with the implementation of its trail Vernon, and the Vernon Commons are noted in the master plan.” (page 45) Counties Master Plan, as well as trails and historic preservation. “The Town of Vernon’s historic buildings and its potential fro development as a tourism site must be protected and promoted.” (page 56)

“Improve signage and gateways to improve access to downtowns and historic destinations such as Vernon.” (page 83)

“Protect and promote the county’s identity as a good place to live, work, and play.” (page 83)

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North Vernon Comprehensive Master Plan Major issues: Commercial Sector They are:

“Branding downtown, creating an image that is This plan was created by members of the Economic easy to communicate and recognize by tourists.” Growth Team, which is a combination of two mem- (page 53) bers of SDG, Strategic Development Group (Scott Burgins and Erin Shane) and two members of HWC “Launch a branding campaign to create North Engineering (Cory Whitesell and Lisa Dunaway). Vernon as a regional destination.” (page 53) These are the two groups that created the Jennings County Comprehensive plan. A large section was created (page81-82) over viewing the need for a alternative transportation plan.

North Vernon Comprehensive Plan Open space was defined and the report states, “Public open space is also of great value to the Relative to recreation the following points were community for social, cultural, and economic rea- made: sons.” “Communities are demanding more parks that are conveniently located and bring recreation “Encourage outdoor sitting areas, benches, plantings, within reach of more people.” (page 87) and clear, delineated walkways to and from parking areas to provide a welcoming and pleasant atmos- “The public has expressed interest in having addi- phere for pedestrians.” tional parks in North Vernon. However, pressure to develop areas for commercial and residential areas “Seek and acquire land for new parks, trails, and oth- often takes precedence over the desire for more er recreational facilities (such as a YMCA) when public space. A balance should be struck between possible, to increase the quality of life amenities de- the need for new development and additional open sired by existing residents and as a tool to attract new space” (page87) residents.” (page 16 and 23) “Open spaces are best located in areas easily acces- “Government facilities, well equipped emergency sible by foot or bicycle to the largest number of services, schools, parks and recreation facilities are locals. Open spaces can be as simple as a lawn the basic building blocks of any community. These where people can play Frisbee or walk their dog or institutions define the quality of life in most commu- as elaborate as the city park, and beyond. A variety nities by offering public access to education, relaxa- of open spaces are beneficial to the community, tion and community involvement. It is no wonder that giving residents and visitors many choices.” “ As cites and towns are commonly judged and ranked by new residential and commercial neighborhoods are their school and recreational offerings.” (page 39) developed, open space should be incorporated.” (page87-88) Primary concerns included: “Long term land use changes could include a con- Developing alternative transportation corridors, or version of the existing railroad into a multi-use secondary thoroughfares, for bicycles and pedestrians trail, providing a recreation amenity for the entire with connectivity to the city parks, the county park, public. Such an asset would provide an excellent civic institutions and other recreational opportuni- outlet for residents in the community in addition to ties.” (page 43) bringing users from other parts of town.” (page 105)

“The city needs a series of bike trails that connect the county park, forest, fish and game areas.” (page 43) The recent upgrades of the “Muscatatuck Trail”, downtown “Stellar Park”, and the soon to be com- “The city needs a YMCA for the community, espe- plete Tripton Park, are all supported by this plan cially for youth.” (page 43) and are successful implementations of the Master Plan initiative. This is North Vernon’s first real “The city should turn abandoned railways into multi- step at a comprehensive recreational system. They use trails.” (page 43) deserve to be complemented on their initiatives.

“The city should acquire more land for parks and recreational to expand the current system. New parks should be geographically dispersed to serve the entire community.” (page 43)

“The city is approaching the time to update their master parks plan.” “At a minimum, developing an alternative transportation plan and strategically planning for acquisition of new park land should be priorities for the new master park plan.” (page 43)

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North Vernon Parks and Recreation Master Plan North Vernon Parks and Recreation

The North Vernon Parks and Recreation Master Plan Historically North Vernon Parks and Recreation had was prepared by ARA, Administrative Resource As- primarily managed the North Vernon City Park. The sociation. mini-park is managed actively also. Tripton Park is considered a nice yet much needed upgrade. Tripton We found many errors in the text of this document, is designed as a “Community” park. but we were only forwarded the draft plan. One possible error stated that the majority of the public was Neighborhood parks are not represented by North not in favor of any additional park land. Although not Vernon Parks and Recreation. privy to all community input sessions, the survey specifically had 51 responses, 28 ( 56%) in favor The city park is vandalized more than its fair share. with one individual unsure. Maintenance of the facility is deemed a priority by many. The facility has seen upgrades throughout the As mentioned above, summary of the public input past twenty years. It is maintained well, by most process stated that the public did not support adding standards, yet the impact of heavy use can be seen additional facilities. The five year action plan, throughout the facility. though, itemized two facilities “To Be Developed” in 2015, a soccer complex and a dog park. The rational The city park is itemized as a neighborhood park in for this was not found, but possible reasons are: the NVPR master plan. This is inconsistent with it’s use. The main usage at this facility is youth baseball • The city Master Plan does itemize the need for and softball. In the words of the director, Chad Speer, additional park land. “this facility is a sports complex”. In reality, the facility is “designed” as a sports complex, yet has dual • The city had not developed a new facility in 65 usage as a community park. By most standards the years. facility is over developed. The park was expected to supply all of the recreational needs of the city. Inclu- • The public survey noted multiple references to sion of the Tripton Park will hopefully spread use out conflicts associated with overlapping use, specif- somewhat.

ically the hosting of soccer games within the Aesthetics of the city park are compromised by over baseball fields. development. We point this out for functional, community, and tourism related reasons. • The youth soccer league does not have a “home” and this activity has been bouncing back and forth to three different facilities over the past decade. Trails Plan The North Vernon Parks and Recreation Master Plan does itemize the need for linear parks/greenways as Vernon, North Vernon, and Jennings County all part of a larger alternative transportation plan. worked together to create a Trail Master Plan, and they have recently revised this plan. Monthly meetings throughout 2019 have led to multiple ideas on Current upgrades at the city pool and in the develop- trail improvements. ment of Tripton Park were not well established in the older NVPR Master Plan, yet generally supported in The creation of the Muscatatuck Trail has seen wide the cities. ranging approval. This paved pathway has rave reviews, and is used extensively.

There are four to five other upgrades that the group is Maintenance issues predominate after the above working on in the short term. Additional opportuni- items. ties also exist in regional connections north to Colo- . bus and south to Madison.

Public input through our survey supports this project MNVPR is currently working on new mater Plan overwhelmingly as does the North Vernon Master Plan and state and national trends.

It is assumed that subsequent phases for the project will be easier to create after the initial phase is created, used, and understood better by the community.

Plans for this project can be found in our Appendix.

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Tourism “Initiate a countywide branding The history of Jennings County Tourism can be viewed as very inconsistent and often unprofessional. campaign to promote Jennings The decades of misuse and lack of consistency are County as a regional head scratching. destination.” Although the County’s (and City’s) Master Plan communicate the need for a strong tourism department it Jennings County Comprehensive Master Plan appears that oversight of this group is near non exist- ent.

Formulation of a new tourism ordinance has been completed (late 2019) by the County Commissioners. The fact that the original ordinance cannot be located sums up the history of this groups endeavors.

JCPR has recognized some much needed improvements from this group. Consistency again becomes an issue.

Specifically the board for this group needs to be staffed with groups or individuals who represent tourism related business.

As noted in the City’s and County Master Plans a “Branding” initiative needs to be completed. After this initial step, following products like web pages, and brochures should drive this “Brand” consistently. JCPR Office/Visitor Center

Participation in the INDOT Tourism Oriented Direc- tional Sign Program (TODS) should be studied and implemented, potentially subsidizing local attractions “There are also a number of participation. important historic sites within Creating a presence in the Indiana State Visitor Guide Vernon, such as the railroad is merited. Dropping promotion on this platform creates a void of interest for our community within bridge and the ’Commons’ the largest and most accessible platform available for Indiana tourist sites. which can be showcased for tourism and recreational purposes.”

Jennings County Comprehensive Master Plan “There is a potential in Jen- nings County to capitalize on its significant inventory and quality

of managed lands as an additional source of economic Overlooks

development. The potential Jennings County has a varying topography that lends economic impact of this industry itself to many scenic overlooks. The Vinegar Mill area in the Muscatatuck Park and the trail that paral- is often overlooked by rural lels the river are very picturesque.

communities, but the numbers There are many areas in the county that have equal or are staggering.” greater potential to highlight this feature. This is a specific developmental asset for tourism and local use. Two main areas are within a park related format: • Rock Rest Falls in Calli State Nature Jennings County Comprehensive Master Plan Preserve • Vernon Gym and Park land.

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Rock Rest Falls is located less than 100 feet from Climbing county road 50 E. There is already a pull off for this Climbing is a growing sport/activity throughout the area, but it is not maintained, advertised, nor are country. Indoor gyms are possibly the second largest there any supporting elements. developmental trend in recreation in our country, next to the linear park/greenway. The overlook at the Vernon Gym Park is exceptional. The Vernon section of the Trail Master Plan was Most gyms are considered training for outdoor climb- deemed our best option for the Next level Trails ers, although they are an end in themselves, specially Grant after communicating with the grant coordina- for youth. tors. This overlook was added to the grant. The area below the overlook is also an area that should be ac- Indiana does not have much rock that lends itself to quired and graven access to. A continuation of the quality climbing. Muscatatuck Park is one of the only trail past the proposed Water Street trail head past places in the state that advertises this activity. The one property owner gives access to an amazing natu- State of Indiana prohibits this activity on their prop- ral feature. The limestone here protrudes out over the erty. Red River Gorge in Kentucky has exploded into river and is nearly ADA compatible flat for nearly a one of the best climbing areas in the world. With this quarter mile. explosion, local demand has increased significantly.

Jennings County will never compete with this area (RRG), but increased development of areas around Jennings could yield a significant and unique tourist and recreational asset.

Climbing in Jennings is primarily bouldering which is the least expensive and technical form of climbing, enabling just about anyone to get involved with minimal costs. Five main areas that could possibly have access acquired (by various methods) will be highlighted in the needs section.

Overlook at Muscatatuck Park

A proposed overlook along State Highway 3 & 7 heading south into Vernon could be added by tree removal. This area is above an existing trail that is proposed to by acquired to complete the river trail connecting Muscatatuck Park to Vernon along the river. This overlook would help slow traffic by highlighting the river while driving, creating an atmos- phere of unique tourism quality.

Overlook at Rock Rest Falls within Calli SNP Bouldering at Muscatatuck Park

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Climbers Coalition One County Commissioner has taken up the project, yet is more interested in a local faciality, but not necessarily in conjunction with national organi- The author has been approached by regional climbers zation. This was discussed somewhat in the JCCF to create a Indiana Climbers Coalition. The model for leader seminar. this group is the Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition. Purpose of the group would be to secure access to Perhaps the best means to have a youth center work additional climbing areas. Interested individuals are in the short run and then evolve into a newer facili- studying this currently. ty would be to either partner with Vernon to gain access to the Vernon gymnasium, or an even better opportunity exists with the National Guard Armory adjacent to the City Park. Youth Center/Indoor Recreational Facility

A proposal for NVPR to partner with the National There has been a significant movement in Jennings to Guard was on the table, yet has not materialized. create an indoor facility that is open to the public. The main vision of this type of a facility would fol- Most likely, a partnership with NVPR and JCYF low the model of a YMCA or a Girls/Boys Club. could give this initiative stability, continuity, and longevity. For roughly 15 years (1997 to 2012) Jennings Coun- ty Family YMCA, INC. worked supplying programs in the community. They were physically set on a cou- Specialty Parks ple different locations, each having general fitness club associated amenities. There was an ongoing capital improvement drive to create a facility of their There is always a latent demand voiced by individ- own. For various reasons the YMCA folded in 2012. uals for various “specialty “ type activities. Often this demand is smaller or the activity hard to ac- An earlier incarnation of the YMCA existed from commodate in a traditional park and recreation set- 1980 to 1988. There are little details of this organiza- ting. Often, trends also change. For example, climb- tion. ing would have been considered a specialty activity 20 years, yet is currently nearing mainstream status. The Jennings County Youth Foundation was created We have heard demand for these types of activities. in 2010. This group is currently working on their own capital improvement drive, specifically targeting the • Horse back riding creation of a Boys & Girls Club • ATV and off road parks • Zip-line parks It does appear from the JCPR survey, as well as the • Frisbee golf older NVPR survey, that there is good support for this initiative. The financial requirement for this endeavor is substantial though and may prove to be an issue. Survey analysis points to general support, yet Trending Changes not as committing to financial. The past year (2018 last year documented) was a banner year for fun raising. Related to the above issue is the changing trends of various activities. We note that horse shoe pits do not get used often, though they have always been This group did make a proposal for partnering with present. A similar activity seems to have taken its the County Commissioners to apply for a Community place, cornhole. Other newer activities like Pickle Development Block Grant, through the “Facilities ball and bocce ball have become popular. We note Program.” The program is geared towards this objec- here that North Vernon has added these two activi- tive. Competition for this grant is high and award will ties as well as frisbee golf. not complete the proposed Club, yet likely should be studied. Women are increasing their participation in outdoor recreation. Technology in the form of gaming and The author notes that in presentation of this proposal esports is increasing. Muscatatuck Park is a “Pok-e- to the Commissioners this group stated that they man Go” hotspot. Drones are a newer activity in- would not need there funds initially (10% match). creasing. They stated that they would get the grant and then follow through with a fund raiser to secure match. Most recreation trends would be considered posi- The Public Facilities Program specifically states that: tive, one example are increased demand and supply “A local match of 10% will be required for considera- of multiple types of yoga. Another is increased re- tion of funding.” Assuming there web site is correct, cycling by properties/departments, though this this group should have this match already. trend adds a large load to already stretched resources. Increased use of opioids in parks would be a negative trend.

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Climate Change Township Parks

Time for debate on this topic is over, yet significant JCPR is reaching out to Jennings County Town- opposition still exists to incorporating meaningful ship trustees and is asking them on what they change. perceive as possible township recreational facilities. Geneva has the most developed facilities Effects on parks due to climate change will range outside of Center and Vernon central hub. from longer growing season, increased likelihood of both flooding and drought, Mores severe storms and It is likely beyond JCPR budget to invest signifi- general increased volatility. cant dollars into any township, yet assistance in the form of grant writing and consultation could Although it is difficult for the average human to de- be supplied. Itemization of potential recreational tect changes that are spread out over a length of time, developments may lead to increased prioritiza- local property mangers and contractors have wit- tion and may uncover some otherwise unnoticed nessed increased volume of rain over short periods. opportunity. Warmer summers will definitely affect the type and amount of outdoor recreation.

Ultimately this issue is beyond the scope of any one Glass Dump? department, but preparing for what we can mitigate will be necessary. Drought resistant trees, irrigation JCPR has tried for over 20 years to get the flow systems, increased use of shade, etc are a few. of dangerous shards of glass form entering the facility from a private landowner via the canyon creek. Ultimately the glass flows into the Mus- catatuck River, yet dangerously stock piles in the area which also is the main attraction to the fa- Covered Bridge Park cility and a plced noted for families to be wading in the river. There is a parcel of land that is adjacent to the Geneva Township Fire Department and the newly refurbished IDEM actually got involved 10 years ago, but Scipio covered bridge. Jennings received a substail their solution was to place a sign at the glass grant from Historic Preservation to remodel this his- dump site, as the property owner had stated that toric bridge (1936). They also bypassed the bridge individuals digging in this area were causing the with a new bridge, just north. Although this seems erosion. Clearly this was an excuse and the ero- redundant, it will ultimately protect the bridge and sion is cause by the surface water from a city insure its longevity. The parcel of land could be used storm drain. for benches and potentially shade. Interpretive information could be added as well. JCPR will semi-annually clean glass form the creek bed. 130 gallons were removed in 2018 by If the bridge is important enough to preserve it is like- a volunteer group. This is a aesthetic and poten- ly important enough to have amenities that would tial negligence issue. increase the utility and appreciation of the area.

Vandalism

Hill Crest Property Vandalism had been a large issue for JCPR for quite some time. JCPR properties are too large to “Hill Crest” west property is owned by the county. conveniently video or security personnel moni- We will study this property and gauge its potential for tor. recreation. It appears to be unsuitable for development due to varying topography and a small stream. It A bit over five years ago JCPR instituted even- appears to be a nice wooded section that could poten- ing hours. This helped the issue considerable. tially host a small trail, or urban sanctuary. We note Increased patrols by local law enforcement that a city sidewalk ends as the property begins helped out significantly also.

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100th Birthday!

On May 17th 1921, Governor McCray dedicated the property now know as the Muscatatuck Park, as Indiana’s Forth State Park. The park was gifted to the state. Many changes have happened over the decades and today the Park is an Indiana gem!

Dining room in the William Read Home, known at the time as the Muscatatuck Inn.

CCC/WPA workers creating one of the many upgrades in this era, approximately 1936

Early days of the Park and Inn

1962 Governor's picnic at Muscatatuck State Park.

Jennings County’s finest!

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Special/Critical Areas

Sand Creek School/Park Partnership

The idea of a partnership between North Vernon Parks and Recreation Department and the Jennings County School Department was first proposed by Jennings County Parks and Recreation during their last master plan cycle. The city council was addressed and the pro’s and con’s of this type of partnership were discussed. At this time the City Council suggested that both the City and the County Director’s should make a proposal to the School Board. JCPR did not follow through with this as they do not host or administer the youth soccer league. Their proposal was theoretical and given as an example of a possible solution to the future needs of this group and the community.

JCPR did eventually consult with a Board member for the school corporation and this individual did propose this to the School Board. The County Director has discussed this concept multiple times with the City Director. Chad Speer, the city Director has stated that we has talked this subject over with the physical director for the school corporation, John Howard. Mr. Howards recent replacement, Amber Fields has been approached and seemed receptive to the idea.

Nearly every respondent to the JCPR survey was in favor of this proposal. The concept was published in the local newspaper. The concept may be getting some traction.

The local youth soccer league has bounced back and forth between three facilities over the past 10 years. Finding a home for this league seems justified. Currently the league plays in the baseball diamonds of the City Park. Earlier the league had played at the Muscatatuck Park. Although this was considered a nice area for soccer, it was over crowding that facility to the point that congestion was a very dangerous scenario. It also did not match the passive recreational goals for the facility.

Soccer played at the Sand Creek school area in an existing soccer complex. Scheduling conflicts and then the transfer of the league administration to the NVPR, after the folding of the local YMCA, lead to the league being hosted at the City Park.

Soccer being played at the city park has resulted in conflicts with the baseball/softball/t-ball leagues. The conflicts are primarily in the spring and rainy weather (cancelled games) has compromised the youth soccer leagues activities, as well as baseball leagues.

Noted above, Sand Creek School has an associated soccer complex. This is the home for high school soccer with a lighted main field and a few practice fields in the vicinity. To the west of this school is an unused field that is owned by the school corporation. The proposal is to use this area, basically just enlarging the soccer complex. Cost for this upgrade could be as low as simply mowing the area. Eventually, drainage and sod quality could be improved, yet it is not necessary in the short run.

JCPR has studied a like facility in Columbus Indiana and consider this a perfect model for Jennings. The properties are near mirror images of each other. NVPR has itemized $100,000 to develop a soccer complex. As noted in the Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines, The School/Park concept is an important development and classification within the industry. Cash strapped communities all across the country have adopted this type of partnership to the benefit of the tax payers, recreational providers, and participants.

The following two pages compare Sand Creek School to Blackwell Park/Parkside School in Columbus, Indiana.

“By combining the resources of the two public agencies, the School- Park classification allows for expanding the recreational, social, and educational opportunities available to the community in an efficient and cost effective manner.”

Park, Recreation, Open Space, and Greenway Guidelines

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Sand Creek Elementary School

Jennings County, Indiana

Existing Soccer Complex (top right) shown next to proposed low maintenance additions.

Various field sizes shown as example only.

Undeveloped Field (s)

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Blackwell Elementary School

Columbus, Indiana

Low Maintenance Soccer Complex, built in conjunction with the elementary school and the High School fields.

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Special/Critical Areas

Tunnel Mill, Crosley State Fish and Wildlife Area

From The Jennings County Interim Report, Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory, published 1989.

“One of the earliest mills built in the Vernon area was the Tunnel Mill built by Ebenezer Baldwin in 1824. Considered to be an extraordinary feat for that time, a tunnel was excavated through solid rock from the north to the southside of the creek. A dam was constructed to channel the river waters through the 15 feet-wide tunnel and power the large tur- bine wheel. Later the mill was powered by steam.

Baldwin constructed a road on the ridge of the creek and built a large log dwelling where farmers would wait for their grain to be milled. Patronized by the residents of the community, the mill enjoyed a profitable operation. When the railroad was built through Vernon, the owners expanded their business into a prosperous shipping trade.

For many years the mill prospered and its products were well known throughout southern Indiana Eventually Tunnel Mill was abandoned as it was unable to compete with mills who employed new and better processes. The elements as well as progress took their toll on Tunnel Mill and in the flood of 1897 much of the stone mill was destroyed. Only a stone wall, a tall brick chimney and the tunnel (40007) remain to mark the site of one of the most remarkable industrial structures of pioneer days.”

“Only a stone wall, a tall brick chimney and the tunnel (40007) remain to mark the site of one of the most remarkable industrial

structures of pioneer days.”

Jennings County Interim Report (Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana)

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Tunnel Mill and our Trail Master Plan

The community-wide trail project has Tunnel Mill as one of its main objectives of connectivity. In 2012, Jennings County Parks and Recreation Department was awarded a $ 52,000 grant from the Lowe’s Charitable Foundation. This grant was supposed to go towards funding for the Gum Street section of the trail project. Shortly after the award the Gum Street section was added into the Stellar Grant. This funding, roughly $ 200,000 was then used as a match for an INDOT grant. The project total being nearly 1.2 million.

The grant was reconstructed and funds ($5,000) were set aside to connect to Tunnel Mill, in Crosley SFWA. There is one property owner between the Muscatatuck Park and Crosley SFWA. An easement to connect the two had already been secured. Some of the grant was used to build trail bridges, and the trail was developed. JCPR had communicated with the Assistant Director of Crosley, Steve Mund. Steve was in favor of the connection trail which was to be a hand cleared single width trail that closely paralleled the county road that connected to a gravel lane that leads to the parking area for the Mill. Tunnel Mill is a short (0.3 miles) on level ground from here.

Steve approved our plans, but noted that he should probably check with his supervisor. Steve was technically the assistant director, but the acting Director for about two years at this time. He was not allowed to be promoted due to a State hiring freeze. His supervisor overruled the project, noting that the State FWA could not promote trails.

Due to historical and cultural significance of this site as well as it natural beauty, JCPR and many community leaders feel that this area needs to have access granted to the public in a more proactive fashion. Tunnel Mill is on the northern border of the SFWA. The Tunnel and a north linear section of the ridge down into the flood plain (approximately 10 acres of the 4,228 ) is needed to connect to Muscatatuck Park in one direction and Vernon, and the historic Vernon “Commons”, (Indiana’s first public playground, set aside in 1815 within the original plat of Vernon), in the other direction.

JCPR approached Crosley management again in 2019 when the Next Level Trails Grant was first released. The local Trails committee had considered this for the first phase of this grant. The new director was addressed and he checked with his supervisor and the results were the same.

Frustration for lack of progress led JCPR to discuss this with the County Council. Apparently this struck a chord as the President of the council reached out to local representatives, Chip Perfect, Jim Lucas. They appear interested, have asked for a proposal package, and are possibly going to introduce this to the Indiana assembly in 2020

We hope that this plan will assist JCPR and Jennings to eventually secure access to this historic area, for the better- ment of all Indiana residents.

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Special/Critical Areas

Vernon Commons

Vernon Commons is considered to be the oldest public park in Indiana. Although some cross referencing may need to be done to clarify this statement as absolute, this is quite likely true. You are invited to visit: www.vernonindinan.org/ commons.php.

Vernon Commons was set aside in 1815 in the original plat of the Town of Vernon. The entire town is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, primarily for it’s early pioneer architecture. JCPR helped the small town in 2009 by writing the grant application for a State Historical Marker, placed on the courthouse lawn.

The Commons, and Vernon in general, are a main element of desired connectivity relative to our Trails Master Plan. The historic triangle of Vernon and the Commons (1815) to Tunnel Mill (1824) then to Vinegar Mill (1840) is a potential tourist and recreational asset especially significant and unique. To not develop this trail and promote it in a more proactive manner is a disservice to the local community as well as the state.

The Commons is one of the more popular access sites to the Muscatatuck River. The “Friends of the Muscatatuck Riv- er” maintain this access and this is the starting location for their annual canoe race. JCPR has partnered with Vernon to plant trees in this location (also throughout the town) and also has supplied picnic tables.

The last cycles JCPR survey supported this partnership. In our last plan we stated that we would hope to be able to assist this facility increasingly in the future. The County’s Master Plan echoed these ideals. Connecting to the trail system was considered a priority and can be done in a couple directions. This information is provided in our appendix.

After JCPR and the Trails Committee approached Crosley and our proposal to them was not adopted we moved onto our other options, now focusing on phase two of the Next Levels Trail Grant. Two options seemed merited, but after consulting with the Next Level Trail Grant coordinators (Phone conference and then actual meeting) they steered us towards the southern or Vernon option. Full grant proposal is supplied in appendix, but our proposal joins the Town of Vernon to the Muscatatuck Park via a natural trail along a significant cliff line. From the Water Street easement heading south a Trail head parking area is proposed. Through the historic town we then join up to the Vernon Commons and also the Vernon Gym. Highlights of the proposal are paved trail elements, natural trail elements, public restrooms, a new shelter, a public overlook, and interpretive information to assist the Town of Vernon in marketing their significant.

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Special/Critical Areas

Next Level Trails

View along trail looking east towards Vernon

Proposed public restroom (we note: only one in town)

Proposed shelter at Vernon Commons

River overlook at Vernon Gym

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Special/Critical Areas

Rock Rest Falls and Calli

Rock Rest Falls is one of the most picturesque natural elements in Jennings County. Rock Rest Falls is in the south- ernmost section of the Calli State Nature Preserve, which is owned by the JCCF. A linear parking lot along county road 75 east has been hear for at least 30 years. The nature preserve was formed around the turn of the century. There are two homesteads that break the property up somewhat separating the southern section from the main northern section. A small track of steep banked hill joins the two areas. JCPR had inquired about connecting the two sections via a natural trail. JCCF Board members were also approached about a land swap that would join the homesteads, which are separated by a slender parcel owned by the foundation.

JCPR was then contacted and a potential trail connecting the Falls to the main trail section was studied. The foundation Board members were in favor of this and even approved a proposal for the trail along with enhanced parking, an observation deck overlook, benches, and interpretive information. JCPR and the Next Level Trails Committee were going to propose this along with the Tunnel Mill proposal. Subsequent communication with a city representative (also on trail committee) who had talked to the original donor, Doctor Louise Calli, JR. about connecting the new Tripton Park to the preserve had noted possible restrictive covenants in the transfer of the property.

Prior to that JCPR had approval to erect a sign (Foundation was to finance) to help locate this area for visitors, as well as locals. The Director was unaware of that this was in conflict with the deed. The sign was never placed as JCPR was waiting to have the Muscatatuck Trail sign erected as to emulate the same design.

Two covenants were in conflict. One stated that there could be no trail within 200 feet of the Falls, and that the preserve could only have one parking lot. Both of these items were contradicted from day one. Parking has “always” been in the southern section and a shorter trail also exits. JCPR had planed to contact Dr. Calli and communicate there concerns and hopes, yet after studying the “Property Master Plan” which worked as the contract between JCCF and the IDNR.

JCPR also notes that they promote the Preserve as well as the Falls often on Facebook (most liked picture in 2016 150 likes), and to visitors to the office. Often people are following a Indiana Waterfall Guide (find) and are asking for directions. The falls were featured on the cover and in article in Outdoor Indiana in 2005. In 2018, the Division of Pre- serves put the same picture on the cover of the Preserve’s brochure. JCPR is in conflict sending visitors and promoting this feature as it directly leads to a breach of the restrictive contractual covenants

As the area is directly off the road the place is often used as a dump. JCPR had voluntarily cleaned this area a couple times a year over the decade or so. JCPR believes that an upgraded product here would deter this negative behavior.

JCPR also believes that the covenants are not attached to the deed, yet to the contractual agreement and therefore there is a possibility JCCF could rework this agreement with the IDNR. It appears from following hand written notes, that the original donor suggested the restricted of access.

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Special/Critical Areas

Trails Master Plan

JCPR, NVPR, and the Town of Vernon, came together in 2007 to create a Trails Master Plan. JCPR incorporates this plan into their master Plan as do the other entities. In 2019 the Trails Committee met at least once a month to look at and produce a proposal for the Next Level Trails Grant. The group discussed multiple possibilities of connectivity and additional trail. The success of the Muscatatuck Trail was significant and starting with this pathway it made sense to connect as many elements as possible.

Central Section:

Connectivity to Tripton Park and the “City” Park from the Muscatatuck Trail were two items not in the original itemized. Use of existing roads would be needed here, but the possibility of creating one way streets to accommodate this is currently being considered. Increased and improved sidewalks were added to the Sate Street corridor. This is great for walkers, yet not so great for bicycles.

A shorter section from the City Park to the County Library is also being considered and carries importance for these two elements as well as providing access to pedestrian traffic to the Walmart in town.

Southern Section:

The southern section includes the previously discussed Town of Vernon, Muscatatuck Park, Crosley SFWA, and Calli State Nature Preserve. This area had always been the focus of JCPR as it incorporates their main property.

A reginal connection to Madison via the Madison Railroad has been pondered. Currently only one business uses this line with any frequency. This was Indiana’s first section of railroad via the historic Incline. Madison has develoed the southern most section of this potential longer trail.

Northern Section:

The Northern Section of the Madison Railway has been abandoned for some time. The Trail section was itemized in the original Trail Master Plan, yet JCPR had not studied in depth. In late 2018/early 2019 JCPR and the Wellness Co- ordinator scouted out the line. The line is in superb shape. For most of the length the tracks are still present. Only one area of erosion was significant. JCPR became quite impressed with this section and is firm believer that the trail section would be significantly more important to the community than the Muscatatuck Trail. From the northern section of town, from an already existing parking lot, the rail line heads north. The newly created bypass has on overpass of a smaller creak. Access under the bridge is sufficiently wide to accommodate a paved trail. Continuing north the line ends (yet continues on after road) on County Road 275 W. From here a small section of road leads to State highway #7. Although not a perfect intersection, a short distance north is the main intersection to Country Squire lakes, (CSL) the second largest population area in Jennings with approximately 3500 individuals.

This area does not have a great reputation and is itemized as a critical area for the county. That being the case, connecting North Vernon to CSL via a paved trail would do great things for this underserved population in regards to alternative transportation as well as general recreation. We note that the city owns approximately 60% of the line already.

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Special/Critical Areas

Obesity

We have known for awhile now that we are in an Obesity Epidemic. Last cycle we reported that roughly 35% of Indi- ana residents were overweight and 30% were obese in 2009. In Jennings County adult obesity spiked in 2012 and 2013, saw a small decrease in 2014, and popped back up to 33% in 2015. Indiana registered the same percentage for adult obesity 33%. That is 4 percent higher than the national average. Indiana has made improvements over the last few years compared to the nation. Indiana is currently ranked 39th compared to 41 (past four years). Jennings ranked 71 in the state in this category.

Indiana ranks 13th worst in the nation relative to childhood obesity at 16.6%. Curbing childhood obesity is considered extremely important. There are numerous negative results from childhood obesity, and the problem is increasing. The CDC notes: “obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled for adolescence over the last 30 years. They also note that over on-third of youth have a weight problem.

It well understood that unhealthy eating habits along with physical inactivity are the two main cause of obesity. Socio- economic factors and age also are related. Jennings County does register higher rates of inactivity 32% in 2015, compared to the state (25%) and nation (22%). Indiana is also ranked the 9th worst compared to the nation.

A new study just out (based on a 2012 report, by Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Foundation) noted that by 2030 half of national population will be obese, and over 25 percent will be “severely obese” (current stat is 18%). Although this studyi s alarming it ruins counter-intuitive to most studies which show some stabilization in adults.

Wellness

Jennings County ranks 89/92 in the general category of “Health Outcomes” .Jennings ranks 90 of 92 in length of life. As stated by the our regional Community Wellness Coordinator, Jeff Walker, “The ranking is used often in conversa- tion about public health, but the really important information are the components of the ranking which show things like physical inactivity rates, doctors per capita, diabetes prevalence, water quality violations, premature death, etc.”

We now the problems, so what about the solutions. The above mentioned Wellness Coordinator has created a Well- ness task Force. “Joining Jennings for Healthy Lifestyles” was formally named in mid 2019and formed group late 2018. Monthly meetings throughout the year have been reasonably attended.

The group assisted the Coordinator in completing his “CHANGE” Tool community analyzation. The group has also identified five main elements of direction. They are currently focusing on:

• Web based central hub of wellness information

• Tree planting

• Adult fitness equipment

• Trails and alternative transportation

• SNAP and/or nutrition oriented objectives

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Special/Critical Areas

Country Squire Lakes

Country Squire Lakes (CSL) is Jennings Counties second largest community, with approximately 3,500 residents. CSL was a private development managed by Elite Property management Services of Indiana. Jennings County had acquired 950 tax delinquent properties at the end of our last planning cycle. The property is currently in receivership. Jennings has also worked out an agreement to take over the roads of this community. Trash, vandalism and general disrepair are still prevalent, although the area is improving.

The recreational amenities in the community have been in disrepair, as well. The pool has been abandoned, apparently filled in and now a unmanaged overgrown area. The playgrounds have been improved.

Update after review.

We note that roads in this area are not wide and pedestrian travel is not very safe. We also note that the Trails Com- mittee is very optimistic with the potential northern trail section. This area would provide a much needed alternative transportation pathway connecting the two largest population centers of the county together.

“Country Squire

Lake’s problems are

Jennings County’s

problems.” “ Safety concerns in this area Jennings County Comprehensive Plan prohibit adequate recreation.”

“No need it would be abused and destroyed.”

“ Changes may be futile until that area is cleaned up as a whole”

As to what is needed: “Everything!! Pools, Bas- ketball courts, playgrounds, sidewalks.”

JCPR survey 2015 JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024 117

Strategic Development in Regards to Departmentally Organization and Facility Development

Joint Departments:

Twice the currently author has proposed joining the county and municipal departments. The issue was brought up again outside of a JCPR initiative. Although this seems very unlikely the pros and cons should always be considered. In 1997 there was support for looking into this from the city council, yet the city took another direction. Likely this proposal was the impetus for the first director for the municipal department. The second proposal was from this author and the second director for the municipal department. Both individuals were working together to study this possibility. Specifically, the then Mayor took offence to the proposal and this was curtailed. Current author has dropped the idea.

Municipal Organizational Development:

With the creation of the Muscatatuck Trail, North Vernon took on the largest new recreational development it has had in approximately 65 years. The Trail is very nice and well maintained. Oddly it is not directly under the umbrella of the Park’s Department. It is maintained primarily by the city street department, with the Trail Head parking lot being managed in partnership with the county and the above mentioned street department. On the surface this may not seem like a large issue, yet some issues do arise.

Two other areas of development are related to this, so we will introduce those and then bring in the analysis of the larger picture.

The municipal golf course is a nice facility. Management of this property is also not under the umbrella of the City Parks Department. An additional recreational board was created to oversee a municipal golf Director. Again, at first glance this does not seem that egregious (and is likely not), yet like our above mentioned scenery issues arise and should be analyzed.

Tripton Park has recently been developed. By all standards it is a great upgrade. This facility is under the umbrella of the municipal park’s department. Creation of the facility was done primarily by a city appointed project manager. He did a very professional job. It is assumed that he did work hand in hand with the municipal director. In 2019 the issue was discussed as how to mow the facility? Three options exist: parks department, street department, private sub contract. Apparently the street department will be mowing both the Muscatatuck Trail as well as the new Tripton park

The City Park Director is also the pool director. Quite likely this is a sufficient load for the individual and the above management scenarios have unfolded in conjunction with these constraints.

Conversely though, “economies of scale” may not be being maximized in relation to the Municipal Parks Departments development. With the above noted scenario the parks department has not added additional staff (or how many). If responsibility for the maintenance was delegated within the recreational department then the department would need to grow. There are various ways to share responsibilities and likely significant modifications would need to be considered and enacted, yet a stronger recreational department can be formidable force.

Strong departments with central administration guarantee professional outcomes in the form of oversight, industry knowledge, specialization, and often stream lined communication.

Additional staff to the Municipal Department would widen and deepen the department itself. As a historical small department, this opportunity was huge. A larger Department could better prepare the organization for future upgrades and additional facilities.

In successful communities the parks departments are a well respected central organization. Increasing the community presence by enlarging the department responsibilities increases the importance of the organization to the community. Parceling out potential responsibilities can do the opposite.

A larger work force in the department can also assist in larger project completion, and often needed time related tasks. A more robust crew can get jobs done faster, and then move onto the next possibility.

If Jennings is to curtail the tide of the rural exodus the municipal recreational department will need to be a an increasingly proactive and progressive entity. That has started, and they are commended, yet all means to grow the department should be considered in depth.

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County Organizational Development

Both county facilities are low volume natural resource centric regional/district parks. Camping is not a traditional community park amenity. The likelihood of the county being the main recreational provider is not realistic considering current trends and local recreational support. Both county facilities have nearly been sold and/or transferred to different management. This does not seem to be merited from a 52 year old department.

That issue seems to have subsided, yet hard economical times can bring short sided results. JCPR has improved significantly with a small increases in county funds.

If camping is to open at the Eco Lake Facility, JCPR feels as if the will need at a minimum one additional field employee and likely some additional office staffing. As noted in our municipal discussion, this supports a stronger department which would be better prepared to tackle additional and larger projects.

Creative Financing and Community Responsibility

JCPR commends the municipality for taking the long needed steps to upgrade recreational amenities in our community. Bond issue of approximately 6.5 million dollars was a substantial step in the right direction, yet also one with com- plicating conditions. This bond is being paid by 6,500 city residents (half via the municipal TIF Board). The county residents (as well as those in Vernon) will reap benefits, yet will not be finically responsible.

Clearly the county is a stakeholder also in the future stability of the community population. Increased recreational amenities will be needed increasingly in the future. JCPR feels that an increased commitment to the department is merited both through the general budget and definitely in capital improvement allocations, likely via bond issue.

Specifically the County government had a bond issue in the last planning cycle. Proposals from all departments were requested and studied. Of course there are many far ranging needs for the county and this bond did assist the county in improving many departments and ultimately the tax payers community. JCPR proposed 200,000 to assist in development of the Eco Lake Park campgrounds (phases A, B, C, & E).

This was supported by many county council members, but reportedly not by the commissioners, thusly it was not granted and the upgrade sits idle.

JCPR is a firm believer that the county has responsibility to assist in the progressive development of recreational amenities now and more in the future.

We propose the county do bond issue for a minimum of four initiatives (County TIF should also be involved and perhaps work with the city TIF?):

• Eco Lake Park Campground • Partnering element of Northern Trail section (library to CLS) • Muscatatuck Park Shelter upgrades • Muscatatuck Park parking area and road upgrades

Like the progressive commitment from the city, the upgrade would be deemed substantial. As the county commitment has never been substantial, a one time upgrade would be considered merited by many. If this were to happen, then JCPR would secure additional income and ultimately become a more self sufficient department. Getting over that hill could be a game changer.

JCPR’s commitment to the Next Level Trails initiative was not a small commitment. It could be argued that that money should be going towards the above proposed initiatives. Taking advantage of grant opportunities takes commitment and carries risks. Creative and progressive actions will be needed above status quo to change the tide of the rural exodus.

The above mentioned proposal along with the City’s four large recreational upgrades combined with a Town Of Vernon Next Level Trail grant, then transfer of Tunnel Mill, would transform a sub-par recreational community into a “model” rural recreational community. Add significant and professional tourism related marking bringing together our local, state, and national amenities then perhaps a level of sustainability would formulate?

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Site Planning JCPR Properties Maintenance Area Relocation Project (MARP)

Muscatatuck Park The first phases of this initiative were incorporated in the past two planning cycles starting on 2004; Dining Hall/Community Center • Fence removal. • Demolition of south barn This facility is a rented out nearly every weekend • Demolition of open bay storage area often both Saturday and Sundays (85 rentals aver- (moved there in 1997). age last 10 years). Annual maintenance often in- • Remodel of old office to open shelter cludes touch up painting, tape removal, etc. Up- grades have been itemized and repairs and modifi- • Asphalt removal in front of north barn cations to the older section of this building are be- adding sod and landscaping coming a priority. Upgrades consist of: • Increased parking lot • ADA issues • Increased fill to new maintenance location • New tables and chairs • Window covering on north Barn • Decorations could help • Cleaning of maintenance yard • Mirrors in bathrooms After the above items were taken care of it was noted • Landscaping that this was a significant improvement to the facility • New Furnace/air conditioning and having the maintenance area in the middle of the park was not nearly as intrusive as before. Ertel industry is working on a second year of fundraising dedicated to JCPR. Approximately 4000 is Moving the maintenance to the Gum Street location is expected and they hope to assist in air condition- still deemed important, but may not be a priority. Likely ing. this would take precedence after Eco lake campground development.

Campground Playground Area (s) As this is the biggest income for the departments non-reverting funds continued upgrades have fol- The main playground area was the center of JCPR at- lowed over the years. The campground is consid- tention over the last cycle. The main playground is ered nice by most. Issues itemized: complete and the splash pad area and shade area will be • Need for 50 amp service complete early in 2020. • Re-epoxy bathhouse walls • Tree planting JCPR will be landscaping the area also. Likely at a later • Fire rings date modification of the pump house to incorporate color and/or art seems justified to make the building • Wi-fi less generic.

Without specifically identifying which electric boxes would need to be upgraded, the department Adult fitness should be prepared to replace a couple of these pedestals annually. In 2019 two pedestals were There is a proposed walking track around the play- replaced and another has just recently been dam- ground complex that incorporates a series of adult fit- aged and will be replaced in 2020. ness stations. The concept is open to additional stations being added in subsequent phase. Likely this would have larger precedence if JCPR was not as committed to the NLT trail initiative. Regardless it appears that it Quail Barn could be realized in a 50/50 matching scenario. The

Wellness Team, JJHL, is working on a fundraiser to The large barn in the center of the facility is in start this process. Concept is supplied along with gen- need of exterior repairs. It has been discussed to eral concept plans near end of this document remodel this structure into an open shelter. The location of the barn relative to two other shelters dose not lend itself well to renting of this building as an open shelter. Removing a few support poles Basketball court/volleyball was discussed and even adding basket ball goals has been proposed. JCPR jokingly acknowledges that they have the worst basketball court in southern Indiana. The court is a sin- After the demolition of the building at the parks gle goal square, not rectangle, therefore a 3 point shot main entrance storage can only be facilitated in the from in front of the goal would be in the grass from the Barn. If the MARP was to evolve to fruition, this baseline. The park has sufficient space in the central building would likely not be needed. playground area for this type of upgrade, along with improved swings and other upgrades. If JCPR was not focusing on system-wide trails and historical promotion, this project would gain priority JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024 120

Bathrooms Plan here is to revert the area mostly to green space with a small welcoming flagpole plaza with a one or An anonymous donor gifted the creation of a substan- two panel interpretive display. Front entrance aes- tial bathroom facility to be added in conjunction with thetics are important. the splash pad/playground area. Construction started in 2019 and completion is itemized for spring 2020. JCPR JCPR was approached by the local pollinator group agreed to pay for water and sewer connections as well which is regionally very successful, about the crea- as concrete flatwork to and from. Gift was approxi- tion and implementation of a final (larger) project. mately 125,000. JCPR portion 30,000. The concept called for a water feature in association with a pollinator plant garden. An area by the office and one-room school has been approved, yet project is currently on hold due to other commitments. Shelters

Muscatatuck Park shelters were all created in roughly the same general time frame. We note that maintenance issues are becoming apparent. Assuming future needs, design of the shelters should be considered. Shelters currently are generic pole barn structures. No shelter floor was constructed with control joints so vertical improvements are not on a solid foundation.

Parking Lots

High on the “Wish List”, yet low in probability is the concept of paving the two larger parking lots at the Muscatatuck and smaller shelter lots. We note below road needs. If the lots could be paved this would decrease herbicide use and other maintenance (grading). The aesthetic change would be huge.

Eco Lake Park Road

The Muscatatuck Park main road was paved 1998, 22 Campground years ago. Engineers estimate life expectancy to be 20 to 25 years. Significant spidering is being witnessed Both JCPR and the County Council have large in- over its length (1 mile approximately). This is the main terest in upgrading the facility to host camping. En- park road which is a county road registered with the gineering plans were developed for the water up- state for assistance funds. The same road has issues grade. Currently the engineers are working on the along the historical retaining wall (1936) along the can- Bathhouse/septic plans which are currently under yon rim. Re-stabilization was performed last cycle, yet review with the State Board of health. directly adjacent and nearby the issue is prevalent. Conceptual Master Plan for the Park and Campground will be supplied. Horseshoe Area Playground JCPR did upgrades t this area after the local horse club essentially disbanded. The improved area is not an aes- JCPR added a new playground complex in 2018, thetic liability as before, yet seems to have little or no and parking area an ADA ramp/sidewalk in 2019. participation. A modification to corn-hole would not be Upgrades will be more important if camp comes that difficult, yet this activity in a centralized location is online. not optimal, when the average user would most likely be near a shelter when participating in this activity and Maintenance Area (and miscellaneous items) flat ground is sufficient. The maintenance area is in the general area of the park entrance. Trees have been planted to hide the facility, but trees grow slow. Additional landscaping Residence Building Demo and Front Entrance will be needed around this structure. Landscaping The road to the campground is relatively narrow as well as being gravel. Paving and widening the road This building was raised in 2019. County Highway will increase in priority when camping is opened. Department is to remove concrete in 2020. JCPR currently is hiding the concrete under a large flat mulch Trails were created a few years back. Use has low pile. and entire system needs to be revisited. JCPR has markers to install. JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024 121

JCPR Operational Planning Staffing

By-Laws If Eco Lake Park campground opens a few things will need to done. An additional camp host (s) will need to JCPR created by laws last cycle. The by-laws were be hired. Additional staff will need to be added and/or a essentially a re-wording of existing Indiana code. The caretaker will need to be added. On property caretakers creation was primarily a training and reference guide are often less than desirable relative to productivity and to assist board members on powers and duties. A few responsibility. items not covered in the code were relevant. Where the County Council wishes to get the facility up Tourism and running, creating a revenue stream, an initial investment will be needed to create a product viable to pro- There does not appear to be much discussion relative duce a return. It is not likely that the council wishes to to moving tourism back to the Muscatatuck Park, make this investment, from the general budget, so alter- although the JCPR office and visitor center is the native funding should be studied. main stop for visitors. The contradiction is apparent.

Although JC Tourism has made some improvements Programming (Park Events) in the last year, basic tasks are beyond their capabil- ity. Specifically, JCPR sat down with all board mem- Historically, JCPR does not create or maintain their own bers and director five years ago to suggest simple yet programs. This was one reason JCPR made the proposal important needs from them. Most were not addressed to merge with NVPR, to partner and better supply pro- and others made worse. gramming and other higher quality amenities to the public. Asking to correctly state the number of campsites provided at the facility should not be that hard (30 JCPR is host to many successful special events. This second modification to web page), yet due to belliger- mode of programming is cost effective, yet often events ence, ineptitude, apathy, and lack of oversite, this lose continuity as volunteers fatigue and bow out. simple task has not been performed. JCPR sells 50 sites, yet they advertise us as 26? One example of JCPR feels as if an increased municipal programming many. agenda would be best for the community. JCPR properties will still want to remain mostly medium to passive It is probably the best option for the county to have in recreational intensity, but summer camps, ropes the Jennings County Visitor Center within the Histor- courses, and more special events would be welcome. ic Park building. Likewise, it is probably most beneficial to the objectives of the tourism department to be absorbed into JCPR. Freed funds could then be ap- The National Register of Historic Places plied to an Office Manager or part-time labor. As cash strapped as JCPR is it would likely not be advantageous to try to secure this nomination. Specifical- Marketing ly, The William Ream Home and Vinegar Mill had been on the application with the Town of Vernon in 1976. JCPR did upgrade it website last cycle. They started Local review suggested that these be removed, and they the cloud based RMS in 2014. Facebook has been were. The grotesque cinder piles at the Mill area are used strategically with decent success. Park director likely the cause for exclusion. is not a professional photographer, yet is an avid outdoor enthusiast, and if you take enough pictures you This area is cleaned now and it seems as if the area has are bound to have a few good ones. Presentation of sufficient historical relevance to be considered. As not- the facilities is well received. Google is used also, yet ed above, restrictions due to classification, may be to this primarily customer driven. large of a burden for the department without additional county support. JCPR plans to be on Instagram in 2020, and Twitter will likely be incorporated at some point also. Fundraising JCPR plans to participate in the State’s Tourism Ori- ented Directional Sign (TODS) Program. They had Last cycle JCPR raised significantly more funds than in hoped for partner tourism to potential split costs or be previous years. Having playgrounds as the central focus fully subsidized. Likely the department will have to is to thank in large part. JCPR appreciates the wide pursue on its own, and limit additional marketing ranging and robust assistance from individuals and busi- avenues. ness alike.

The State Visitor Guide is used by JCPR, yet they The gift by the anonymous donor moved the needle to area the only facility in Jennings participating. Mus- the next level. Jennings residence can be proud of there catatuck Park has a campground and recreational list- input to the JCPR facilities. JCPR is very thankful. ing. A few additional area listing area merited. To be the only representation sends messages likely not JCPR also has an endowment that is added to annually. desired. We look forward to additional assistance here and the day when the return can be used for projects. JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024 122

Grants Climber Coalition

JCPR was successful last cycle with grants from This issue may not be directly related to the Depart- the local Community Foundation, local industries, ment, yet the author has been contacted by two sepa- and a large vendor grant. Most of this went to- rate individuals, one recently and a few years back. wards the playground initiative. Over 100,000 was grated. JCPR is the only known entity currently promoting this activity in Indiana, and the park Director is the main Historically, JCPR has been proactive on this front, promoter of the activity through time. The Director yet fairly specific in the endeavor. If the ranking also has “discovered” additional areas and has criteria is not viable relative to the project it is li- “developed” a few of them. kley a waste of time to participate. Conversely, when projects do align, JCPR should and has been The main goal of a coalition would be to bring more proactive. climbs online, and protect existing resources. There is some concern relative to the NLT trails grant in that JCPR has assisted other entities in grants also the area termed “Strawberry Fields”, which holds the (Town of Vernon, Friends of the Muscatatuck Rive best climbs near Muscatatuck Park could be threatened Society). The width of assistance ranging from if the land is secured only by easement verses outright IDNR tree planting, IDEM water quality manage- purchase. ment, to State Historical markers. If that was indeed the case JCPR, has located private The local Community Foundation has proved to be funding to secure the area as a recreational preserve to JCPR best friend. Multiple grants have been re- managed via JCPR and retain access. This in turn ceived over the years, and they were awarded a would point to purchase of the other areas and the 10,000 grant for 2020. Lowe’s foundation has giv- “vehicle” of a climber coalition could be borne from en two grants in the past decade. Thanks! this issue. Some funding has been dedicated towards the other areas currently. JCPR has not participated in IDNR, LWCF or RTP grants. Grading criteria and timing of match securi- Climbing in Jennings could double, and if a coalition ty have been the two main issues. arises this group could take this original success and look to secure other areas throughout the state. JCPR is participating in the IDNR administered Next level Trails Grant. The Town of Vernon, The The Red River Gorge Climber Coalition is a model for County Council, JCPR, along with the Trail Com- this endeavor. mittee which has municipal representation, believe they have a very competitive grant.

Bouldering Competition

JCPR should follow through with their second bouldering contest and likely make it an annual event.

Local APC was looking into the technicalities associated with the addition of an artificial wall that is suggested to be used to round out the boulder competition.

JCPR does believe the Community Block Grant relative to a youth facility is a viable option for the county. Matching funds would need to secured to be considered for this grant. Operational funding and additional capital funds would be needed above and beyond this grant to prove viable.

One the surface the Tourism Destination Grant seems viable for the campground initiative at Eco lake Park. Funding and competition are keen here and seem a long shot, yet funding format has changed over time and should likely be considered.

Grant study is and should be on going.

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Long-Term Camping Policy JCPR Maintenance Planning

Twenty years ago JCPR had rules stating that no A detailed maintenance inventory is updated annual- campers could stay longer than 14 days in the camp, ly and is a comprehensive overview of all facilities and if the desired they would have to leave for 48 and maintenance needs. Maintenance issues are a hours before they could repeat this cycle. This was daily/weekly procedure of reporting, prioritizing, modeled after IDNR policy. and correcting relative to timing and funding. A few

larger to medium issues are known to be present and JCPR relaxed this rule over time allowing a few than will need to be dealt with within this planning cycle: increased this total up to 5 sites. It is not clear if this includes the camp host or not, but we assume it does not. • Shelter 3 • Road issue at Mill Area Through time JCPR has seen the pros and cons of • Office/Visitor Center Windows this type of arrangement. 2019 was a banner year for • Visitor Center settling the department and long term campers have supplied • Visitor Center gutter the boost. Often the camper is a traveling contractor, • Shelters and JCPR considers them their best customers. • Campground Conversely some long term campers are individuals • WGSH ceiling in transition and often the RV’s do not look as good • Vinegar Mill Stairway as one would hope. Longer term campers clutter • Mower (may need upgrade at end of their sites and other negatives arise. JCPR rules (and cycle) contracts) have been created to keep this in check and likely could be tightened. Enforcement can be an issue as subjectivity is often used to point out issues. Shelter 3 reroofing has already started and is the 2020 winter focus of the Department.

Homelessness Shelter two roof is rusting significantly. This issue is currnely onlu an aesthetics issue. Replacing the roof only does not seem justifying with the poor founda- Related to the above issue is the fact that JCPR is tional concrete below. Industrial paint may be short- seeing increased numbers of homeless individuals er term fix? often wanting to stay longer term. The above restrictions assist in JCPR policing the camp, yet it has Vinegar mill stair caase is starting to lean. This Cano not been seamless. Again, tighten rules and stand- levered element will need attention sooner than later ards might need to be looked at to assist the issue, avoiding discrimination, and negative elements that Visor center windows are in need and the WGSH historically arisen. celing needs attention in 2020.

All ADA issues are being studied and consultation with the ADA coordinator will give the department Friend Groups some assistance on timing.

JCPR does not have an official “Friends of the Mus- catatuck Park (or Eco Lake Park). Often these Hauling trailer is in ok shape, but as it is used more groups can serve as volunteer bases and assist in often than previous cycles a newer and more sub- multiple tasks. stantial one will be needed at some point.

The “Friends of the Muscatatuck River Society “ is a local model, yet they focus on the river specifically. Glass in the creek is not really a maintenance issue, it is a legal issue. JCPR usually annually cleans the area, yet a long term solution is more than justified. 100th Birthday

JCPR has asked the community to assist in the up- coming milestone celebration. Out of the master plan hopefully a committee can be formed to tackle this. JCPR has contacted Indiana artist Justin Vining to create some art to assist in this commemoration. Using this could assist in development of the committee.

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Section Eight:

Needs Analysis

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Need Analysis Jennings County Comprehensive Plan In Section Seven we identified multiple issues that appear as priorities to Jennings County. We tried to Although the Commissioners have not updated their discuss the issues in an objective manner listing pros, plan the following information is still relevant. cons, possible solutions, and barriers to resolution. Many of the issues in the county are beyond the We pulled out most of the Parks, Recreation, and scope of JCPR and ultimately this study. It is our Tourism related statements in this document and re- hope that issues not specifically dealt with by JCPR stated them on page 73, citing multiple references in will continue to be discussed, debated, and then ulti- many cases. The authors repeated certain elements mately improved upon. often. This clarifies their importance. We thank and appreciate their work. Because these authors deal We will briefly revisit our main issues and where with many communities throughout the state over appropriate contrast with public opinion. Many of our years of effort in a very competitive environment, we issues have been studied in our communities other must acknowledge the importance of their advice and master plans. This adds importance and clarification wisdom. Their advice is sound and tested, and should to many of our issues. The two main comprehensive be strived for in our community. plans are very general, but out line important elements that most communities have and have dealt Specifically, they see Jennings County’s unique as- with. sets in natural resources as an economic tool. Many local leaders see this as a means to stop development. System Wide Needs Conversely, the comprehensive plan states, “more can be done”, “the community should take advantage Jennings County Parks and Recreation is a county of these properties”, we need to “initiate a county wide department. Although, JCPR primarily manag- wide branding campaign to promote Jennings County es two specific facilities, their scope and vision is as a regional destination.” county-wide. JCPR is open to assist various community needs. This can be done in partnership, technical Supporting Vernon is a stated priority. JCPR should assistance, marketing, and other methods. continue to do this whenever possible.

The trails initiative is well supported by the plan. Level Of Service Standards (LOS) Tying together Jennings County’s many historical and cultural elements in a user friendly trail frame- The states level of service standards should be strived work will support not only the citizens, but will cre- for. The Indiana Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan ate a unique visitor appreciated tourism asset. gives Jennings County a concrete number to shoot for in developing recreation lands at the county level on down. Their target for Jennings is 552 (was 565 before population decline) acres of managed Park and Recreation land. When we compare this standard with our recreational model we can see what type of facilities should be developed. With the additional of the two additional municipal properties (golf course and Tripton Park), and Calli Nature Preserve Jen- nings exceeds the standard.

Park and Recreation Model

The general Park and Recreation Model has been used for decades. It is a general outline on what types of facilities should be developed. It is excepted nationally as a starting point of comparison and ultimately development.

One facility may have attributes of two classifications. This should be excepted only in the short run. Long term needs of a community will best be addressed by not undermining excepted standards and models.

Proximity is a very important element that should be studied in relation to our Model. Often this and other barriers will constrict usage even if demand and supply are well represented.

Sunrise in Jennings, MNWR

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North Vernon Comprehensive Plan Most dog parks are only an acre in size or less.

Like the County Comprehensive plan, we The land that was once set aside for the local YMCA acknowledge the importance of this study. This study initiative is roughly 8.5 acres and is adjacent to the was conducted in 2009, should be updated, yet is still undeveloped city owned “Green Way Park”. Either very relevant. of these properties looks good for a dog park, but the older YMCA land looks more clear, yet does not We note that this plan stated, “The city should ac- have good access. quire more land for parks and recreation to expand the current system. New parks should be geograph- The school corporation also owns two parcels along ically dispersed to serve the entire community.” That middle school road, one with frontage to US 50. Re- did materialize, and the city added their first substan- taining this as green space would be good for every- tial park in 65 years. Geographical distribution and one. Partnering with the school corporation with ei- smaller accessible neighborhood parks would help ther one of these properties makes good sense. The round out the system. Early Learning Center property is another option.

This plan itemizes a low cost alternative, the Sand Thirty thousand dollars was itemized ($ 30,000) for Creek School/Park partnership. This will be dis- the dog park. This park did not materialize. cussed more in-depth under that heading, page 101.

The trail initiative was well supported by this docu- North Vernon Parks and Recreation ment. This and the Sand Creek Park, along with current upgrades to three main thoroughfares in town, and the Stellar Grant upgrades will start a much North Vernon Parks and Recreation has grown over needed transformation in the community. We note the past 20 years, when they hired their first full time the importance of the Stellar Grant, in funding the Director in 1998. match for the INDOT grant. NVPR is the best means to provide programs to the As stated in our model discussion and echoed in the community. Jennings has seen the YMCA initiative North Vernon Comprehensive Plan., “New parks fold twice. The concept of a YMCA/youth center/ should be geographically dispersed”. This is accom- Girls and Boys clubs is a popular idea, but for what- plished by smaller neighborhood parks with service ever reason it has failed to gain financial traction. radiuses one-quarter to half a mile. North Vernon NVPR can partner with groups like the JCYF to give Parks and Recreation does not have representative them stability and continuity. parks in this classification. These parks should be developed concurrently with new residential and We do commend the city on the aquaistion and de- commercial developments. They should also be add- velopment of the Tripton Park. NVPR should round ed retroactively to provide access that is within reach out their parks department with more parks and less of pedestrian travel. overcrowding of elements. The current “city park” was a “catch all” park. It simply tried to provide everything for the department. North Vernon Parks and Recreation Master Plan Neighborhood Parks are not represented by NVPR. This master plan specifically itemized two facilities Proximity is one of the largest factors on determining to be developed. One was a soccer complex and the if someone will recreate or not. other a dog park. The NV Department budgeted $100,000 to be applied to the soccer complex in The Sand Creek School/Park partnership proposal is 2015. This amount would not be needed if the Sand the best means for NVPR to gain additional recrea- Creek Park partnership was created. Initial costs tion land. The cost effectiveness of this proposal is a could be as low as simply mowing the area. Drainage “win-win” scenario and the tax payers would be upgrades and seeding could be done at a fraction of grateful for this type of management arrangement. the costs. Likewise, the ELC property could provide a nice neighborhood park, and/or dog park. While some believe (45% in our survey) that new parks are not needed in the community. 84 percent of NVPR is significant supporter of the trail initiative. respondents (89% last survey) were in favor of a They understand the wide ranging benefits of a trail partnership to create this facility. system. The first step to an alternative transportation network was the Muscatatuck Trail. This trail has We note that the soccer league has moved back and had rave reviews and is used daily. Capitalizing on forth to three different facilities. The league currently the northern section should be the next step for the participates at two different location in the spring city and would prove to be even more important than season. League games are held in baseball/softball the Muscatatuck. fields. A new facility is needed to give this group a permanent home. The Sand Creek opportunity is a NVPR should follow the aesthetics standards applied perfect fit for the activity, the community, and the tax to Tripton Park. Relative to the “city Park and future payers. upgrades. There are multiple relatively easy steps that can be taken to create cleaner and more aesthetic A dog park would not be a hard item to provide. parks. JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024 127

Vernon, North Vernon, Muscatatuck Trail Plan Overlooks

The Muscatatuck Trail was a long awaited installa- Three overlooks mentioned in the issues section should tion of the first phase of this project. This was a be managed. Two of the overlooks would take only tree perfect greenway project, and today supplies recre- removal for significant improvement. Ultimately the ational access to a large number of the community. Vernon gym area should have a platform/built overlook with supporting elements. This is proposed in the NLT The trails committee has looked at various connec- grant. tivity projects. All of these projects are merited. The northern section, from the Library to CSL is Rock Rest Falls just needs to be cleaned and promoted deemed the most socially significant. This section in the short run. A platform and supporting elements has significant city ownership already and is in would be a long term goal. This area could be a trail very good condition for this upgrade. Both the city head also, connecting to the 1.7 mile existing Cali inter- and county have joint responsibility in this endeav- pretive trail. or. Tree removal above the Muscatatuck River, heading east from the Muscatatuck Park traveling south into Plans for this project can be found in the Appendix. Vernon would create a picturesque scenic drive. A pull off could also be created. This simple upgrade could Main areas to eventually Connect: have a dramatic impact on the aesthetics of the commu- • Tunnel Mill nity. Installing a decorative guard rail in conjunction • Vernon Commons (from south) with the pull off would also be desirable. Demolition of • Vernon (west side via river trail from one of the two abandoned homes on the corner town has Musc. Park) occurred and the other should be removed as well.

• Calli SNP-Rock Rest Falls • Calli trail system (1.7 mile interpretive trail) • NV City Park • Public Library • Selmier • St. Annes • JC Fairground • Sand Creek Elementary • CSL

“Many businesses state that quality of life factors including parks and recreation opportunities are Climbing a primary determinant of Bouldering is a growing sport. Jennings County has where the will relocate or some of the only potential for this activity in the state. Five areas off the Muscatatuck Park have been itemized start a new business.” and partially developed. Securing access to these properties could make Jennings a small destination for this ISORP 2015 activity. A small portion of the Red River Gorge demand would be a great impact to Jennings. A bouldering festival should be incorporated annually. Tourism Areas to acquire: Jennings needs this group to improve. Some im- • “Strawberry Fields” (adjacent to Muscata- provements have occurred, yet these are small and tuck Park and part of trail plan) inconsistent. Having tourism housed in the William • “Nine and Three Quarters” area (Dryden) Read Home should be the goal of the community. Specifically following through as recommended by • “Heizteman” Wall the County Master Plan with a Branding Initiative • “Ripple” Wall (Moran) should follow. Link in purchased “Indiana State • “Commiskey” Wall Visitor Guide”, (pg. 106, 2019 & pg. 108, 2020) tells you everything you need to know about this The on-line guide needs to be updated and expanded. group: jenningscounty.net.

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Climber Coalition Sand Creek School Soccer Complex & School Park Partnership Proposal As the NLT grant initiative unfolds, it may be imperative to look into this potential for liability reasons. It appears that this growing activity will continue it's This partnership was proposed 12 years ago, by JCPR. It growing trend and providing access to this recrea- appears well received, yet no motion has been generat- tional is very important. The national organization, ed. No other alternative has as many benefits at such a the “Access Fund” is a very important resource, as low cost. The North Vernon Master Plan itemized 5 would be the Red River Gorge Climber coalition. years ago acquisition of new park land. NVPR specifically itemized $100,00 for a soccer complex to be developed in 2015. Soccer needs a home. Conflicts with soccer and softball are being voiced. The land is owned Youth Center by the tax payers and already is a soccer complex.

The concept of a Youth Center is well supported in A formal partnership with JCSC and NVPR would open theory but not monetarily. Private fitness clubs, the door for other future cooperative initiatives. churches, and schools seem to provide a relative equivalent. Access to the National Guard Armory by NVPR would be the most logical short run solution. It is understood that this might be a complicated issue and will be difficult to gain access to, but the potential is significant. Partnering with the JC Youth Foun- dation could yield their desired goal while giving this group stability and longevity.

Obesity

This issue needs to be attacked at multiple directions and levels. Accessible trails linking parks and schools, while increasing proximity to additional neighborhood parks would be a good first step.

Investing in trails and parks, specially NVPR, would give recreation a higher visibility. Increasing the marketing, programming, and overall image (importance) of NVPR, as well as JCPR, could have a very positive ripple effect on the productivity of our systems and ultimately local health . Unused field west of sand Creek Elementary

Wellness

JCPR is an active participant in the newly formed Wellness Committee. This group has identified at least three elements that seem logical for the JCPR to get involved in. There was an itemized need for a central database of County Recreational opportunity. JCPR has provided funding for the web hosting services. “Good parks

Adult fitness equipment has been studied and itemized in JCPR conceptual plans. encourage

Tree planting is a goal of the group also, and JCPR economic will always have opportunity for this endeavor.

JCPR also assisted in a bike cycle training program at development” CSL.

The local running club is indirectly related to the group and they run at the Muscatatuck park and Mus- ISORP 2015 catatuck Trail on a regular bases.

Likely future opportunities will arise in the future, and JCPR should be an active supporter of this group. JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024 129

Covered Bridge Park Tunnel Mill

The demand for this upgrade does not seem high, Tunnel Mill has significant local and State significance. but the area in question would support a nice park If we are to take the IDNR quote at face value: adjoining the historic Scipio bridge. Use by the local Fire department seems likely, and with the “……the tunnel (40007) remain to mark the local DSI (Developmental Services) nearby as well, site of one of the most remarkable industrial this group could use it on a regular basis. structures of pioneer days.”

The area has national significance. The best case scenar- Hill Crest Park io would be to acquire the roughly 30 acres of land on the northern fringe of this property. This would enable This was just recently proposed as an area to con- JCPR to promote the area, join Vinegar Mill to Tunnel sider. Study of the area will be done over the next Mill then the Tunnel to Vernon and Vernon Commons. month or so. The State Fish and Wildlife area has no mandate to promote historical elements or trails. Crosley SFWA has increased area significantly over the years (adding Township Parks roughly 300 acres over the past 20 years). Transfer of this property to JCPR would not effect the properties Only two of the eleven local townships have plans objectives, and could alleviate some maintenance. for anytime of recreational management. Geneva is a well developed facility. Local representatives have been contacted and it appears that this issue may get some floor time in the up- Paris Crossing is currently looking into stabilizing coming general assembly. the gyn and outdoor elements related to the older Paris Crossing School. JCPR plans to do a site review in the next month.

Assistance in the form of grant writing is one service JCPR has noted the could assist in potentially.

Glass Dump

The County has been aware of this issue for some time, yet with private ownership as the source it is complicated. President of the Commissioners was approached in 2019, and he seemed interested in at Vernon Commons least looking into the county doing the project for the property owner. The “Common’s” is a significant element of the trail initiative. Being Indiana’s first public playground gives it state significance and should be promoted accordingly. It is also a local tourism asset. This is a centerpiece to our NLT grant proposal

“...the tunnel… Vernon Gym

Incorporating the trail system with this facility would be one of the most a great asset. It has a nice field open to many practices and field activities.

remarkable The overlook is an exceptional opportunity as well, and will likely be used a geat deal more than people would industrial first assume. “Build it and the will come,” rings true for many upgrades and likely this spot will see daily activity being along the trail and a perfect evening sunset structures of viewing location.

pioneer days.” I Water Street Trail head and parking area

Jennings County Interim Report Beyond the NLT grant initiative, the IDNR public access grant should be applied for for this area.

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Country Squire Lakes Happy Birth Day Muscatatuck Park!

Recreational amenities to this property are scattered around the main lake. Having playground 100 years as the centerpiece of Jennings County ! It equipment on both sides of the main lake would be does seem merited that a little extra attention be given to ideal. Upgrades to all equipment is needed. Proba- this amazing facility! bly with security equipment installed concurrently. JCPR has contacted Indiana artist Justin Vining to do a JCPR did note that many of the cleared lots that are commemorative “plein aire” creation or two for the fa- currently vacant could be used for smaller neigh- cility. Follow up will occur after next Park Board meet- borhood parks. Even with budget restrictions these ing. could supply open/greenspace for youth to play.

Additional development seems merited, though.

“Do NOT count public school acres unless there is a current, signed legal joint-use agreement “A little extra attention between the local seems merited for this school district and occasion. Perhaps the the parks.” council and community can step up for this IDNR Planning Guidelines 2016-2020 facility which has been centrally prominent for

so long? Neighborhood Parks and School Property

Schools often double for neighborhood parks. In JCPR 2020 the rural setting there are often the township community park. Although this will be used in this case, IDNR warns us that we should not consider this land the alternative to creating needed park facilities. Specifically, they note: “Do NOT count public school acres unless there is a current, signed legal joint-use agreement between the local school district and the parks.” JCSC does have an older joint-use agreement. Having the track open to the public would be nice. We generally acknowledge that the Middle School and Saint Mary’s (more so) do supply some neighborhood park like use.

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Site Planning Eco Lake Park

Muscatatuck Park Campground

• Council assistance to make this a reality is Community Center/Dining Hall needed. • Tables and chairs 2020 • Heating/air 2021

Playground Campground • Wi-fi should be priced • Complete wood chip distribution early 2020. • Toddler elements could be added. Playgrounds • Completion 2020

Adult fitness Maintenance Area • JCPR really likes the concept for this upgrade, yet is spread fairly thin rela- • General landscaping to replace buffer mor- tive to the NLT grant. Likely after tality, with additional level of planting to another season (towards end of 2020 increase buffer season), income stream can be reevaluated for project viability. This is also Trails grant/fundraising dependent. Likely a couple years worth of the Tame the • Winter Project 2022, with some work Terrain assistance could push this on 2021. through?

Basketball court/volleyball • Wish list

Bathrooms • Completion 2020

Shelters • Next cycle large focus

Parking Lots • Wish list

Road • Highway Department

Horse Shoe • Remove 2022?

Front entrance Landscaping • Complete 2020 Phase 1 • Phase 2 before B-Day 2021

Quail Barn • Maintenance, not remodel

Trails • Some bridge maintenance from 2019 flood

Maintenance Area Relocation Project (MARP)

After getting the Eco Lake Park campgrounds up and running and then upgrading playground amenities at both facilities, this project will likely be pri- oritized. Past work has cleaned up the area significantly, but relocation is still a goal. New Complex added to ELP 2018!

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Operational Planning Staffing

The proposal to absorb tourism, hire a part-time office By-Laws staff/visitor receptionist, with the Park Director taking over the marketing budget responsibilities makes sense for Jennings. The Park Director, having worked along Reviewing the Policy and Rules manual will need side the tourism department for 15 years, makes him to be done periodically, but is a good overview of probably the most qualified individual to fulfill these the Department. tasks.

Spending the tourism budget in a more productive man- Tourism ner would not be a problem for JCPR. JCPR is also more likely to foster tourism developments, many out- As stated in a few places in this document, the lined in this document. tourism issues have been long and very unproduc- tive. JCPR would hope that tourism could be locat- If this does not materialize than addressing the need for ed at the Muscatatuck Park, within the William additional labor with a new campground will need to be Read Home. Some collaboration would be needed. done. A camp host will be incorporated, but additional duties will be created and this type of an arrangement The best means to have this work would be for does not equal a paid employee. JCPR to absorb the department. JCPR should be asked to counter propose the current tourism proposal. Programming

JCPR is not pleased with Jennings County having JCPR should continue to partner with local agencies to limited marketing, specially being absent from the create programs. This method puts much of the labor State Visitor Guide. required for events and programs outside the department. There is a delicate balance here, though. Increased As Muscatatuck Park is very dependent on the weekend programming would be hard to accomplish regional marketing reach, an inefficient tourism with the current demand for shelters and community department is a significant liability. With Eco Lake center usage, often annual reunions. Park coming online soon, this need will only increase. Week day programming could be increased in the summer. Groups like the JC Youth Foundation do a good job As stated in the Jennings County Comprehensive with their summer camp. Longer and more camps, in- Plan, Jennings natural resources. “uniquely posi- corporating more diverse elements could be implement- tions the county to take care of this type of tourism ed. revenue”, and Jennings should, “Initiate a county- wide branding campaign to promote Jennings Fund raising County as a regional destination.” JCPR should continue working with Erler Industry, St. Tourism needs to upgrade their web presence as Mary’s, Decatur Mold and other companies well as social media outreach.

Tourism, JCPR, as well other entities need to enact Grants the newer Indiana Tourism orientated Directional Sign program. Specifically, Calli SNP should have With significant commitment to the NLT Grant , JCPR signage on US 50. will be spread pretty thing to provide any matching funds, till the end of the cycle

Marketing Climber Coalition With reasonable success JCPR should branch out into Instagram and likely Twitter. During the Boulder competition marketing and if the NLT grant materializes seems to be a good time to ad- The TODS (Tourism Orientated Directional Sign- dress this issue and start the process age Program), should be looked into and the tourism department should subside this upgrade at a minimum. Bouldering Competition

JCPR should continue to use the Indiana State Vis- Since the first was well received and many have spoken itor Guide. Other county elements like the golf up for this, it appears that demand is there, therefore course and Stream Cliff seem merited as well. securing the time slot between the regional other events seems merited.

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Long Term Camping Campground

Long term camping has assisted JCPR in increasing heir Electric Pedestal upgrades will be needed through- revenue stream. The negative elements to this scenario out the cycle, yet this can happen on a as needed can be limited buy increased standards for RV’s and bases. user rules. Increasing this too far should likely not be Fire rings should start to be replaced, likely 5 per attempted, as turn around is a good thing for a family year till they are upgraded 100% orientated campground. WGSH Homelessness With a little luck JCPR may be able to find preser- Without creating discriminatory regulations, JCPR vation orientated assistance for this structure. Using should strive to limit this type of customer in-so-far-as the Day of caring volunteers could assist as well the perception is a derogatory marketing element. Lim- iting tent camping, increased RV model standards Mower should be used and enforced. Likely a new mower should be considered at the Friend Group tale end of the cycle, or beginning of next.

JCPR could benefit from this becoming a bit more formal. JCPR has multiple daily/weekly users who are out Quail Barn keeping the parks clean. Thank You! Without going to in-depth with remodeling this structure, new board and batten can be replaced at a 100 Birth Day! reasonable cost.

Hopefully soon the Park Board will consider this item Trail and formulate a committee to work on it. JCPR will be contracting out Justin Vining, hopefully and his work Flood issue, and replacement demo 2020 could work as a marketing piece to assist this project.

Vinegar Mill Stairway

Maintenance Planning South section is settling

The following issues are priorities for JCPR:

Eco Lake Park Muscatatuck Park

• Road issue at Mill Area (County High- Maintenance Barn way Dept.) • Road Paving (same) Some additional plantings for this building are merited.

Office Visitor Center Windows Office/Visitor Center Soffit Trails Office/Visitor Center settling

These trails will need to be marked and certain sec- JCPR started replacing the windows in this historic tions re-cleared upon opening of the campground. building. This can continue on a schedule that does a few at a time or the complete job can be done. When Lake Water Quality the first windows were replaced, the Park department was responsible for the building frame wood work/ Lake Water Quality will also need to be addressed painting. Looking into a preservation grant seems mer- if the campground opens up. Seasonal algae and ited. vegetation is significant.

Shelters

The rusting roof could be painted with a brown rust protecting paint. It does not seem meritied to upgrade to significantly as the shelters are nearing lie expectancy

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Section Nine:

New Facilities Location Map

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Sand Creek School and Soccer Complex (highlighted in yellow), accessed from County Road 500 North

Image supplied from Google Earth

Tunnel Mill, accessed from gravel lane from West County Road 60 S

Image supplied from Google Earth

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Vernon and Vernon Parcels (deeds and parcel printed maps supplied in Appendix)

Image supplied from Google Earth

Early Learning Center (yellow) and Ford’s Crossing (orange)

Image supplied from Google Earth

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Northern Trail Section, County Library to County Squire Lakes Rough approximation is blue line (connection not drawn). Image supplied by Google Earth

Proposed Scipio Covered Bridge Park

Image supplied by Google Earth

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“The city should acquire more land for parks and recreation to expand the current system. New parks should be geographically dispersed to serve the entire community”

North Vernon Comprehensive Plan 2009

“Avoid the tendency to excessively program neighborhood parks as a means to avoid developing a legitimate system capable of meeting the communities long-term needs.”

Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines

“A person’s propensity to use a neighborhood park is greatly reduced if they perceive it to be difficult to access or not within a reasonable walking distance”

Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines

Large open idle school corporation property next to existing Sand Creek Soccer Complex

“One of the ideas is to encourage the use of school facilities for recreation.”

“Parks Departments and schools are beginning this process of sharing resources ( ) in a few Indiana cities. But this process needs to be fostered and encouraged to grow.”

“Along with encouraging school use, simply providing more public open space needs to be promoted as well. While it is a good idea to promote the formation of partnership and sharing programs, the simple fact remains that there is an open space deficiency in Indiana. It is desirable and necessary to help promote and strengthen park boards and their formation throughout the state if Indiana’s recreation future is to be insured.”

SCORP 1994-1999

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Section Ten:

Priorities and Action Schedule

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Priorities

JCPR Priorities

System Wide: • Trails (create first phase of connectivity then proceed proactively to incorporate full potential) • New Park Land (ideally in partnership with JCSC, Vernon, Crosley to capitalize on unique opportunities.) • Tourism (solidify and brand the county and invest in proactive marketing) • Communicate (increase communication to public and public leaders) • Educate (increase understanding and importance of quality of life upgrades to leaders and public)

Site Planning:

Muscatatuck Park • Playground Equipment • MARP • Universal design and general accessibility

Eco lake Park • Campground • Playground • Other amenities

Operational and Maintenance Planning:

Maintenance is always a JCPR priority, the biggest issues are:

• Main Road and Bridge issues • Dining Hall/Community Center (maintenance/upgrade schedule) • Quail Barn and MARP • William Read Home (windows, floor supports)

State Priorities

Within the Indiana Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan 2011-2015, the Division of Outdoor Recreation overviews trends and priorities. The plan discusses effects of the recession on recreation, one example is that people are recreating closer to home. The plan discusses the nation wide goal to reconnect kids (and adults) to nature and outdoor recreation. The importance of this is further illustrated by acknowledgments and discussion of the “obesity epidemic”.

The State Plan goes at lengths to highlight the importance of parks in economic development. Parks are simply more important than ever and cannot be left out of the economic development discussion. The plan also supports conservation and preservation in general and specifies many needs to address.

Priorities of the state are expanded in the plan (we will supply them in the Appendix), but the major themes are:

• “Develop more trails and bicycle/pedestrian facilities.” • “Protect and enhance Indiana’s natural and outdoor recreation resources.” • “Encourage and promote outdoor recreation participation.” • “Provide funding for outdoor recreation.” • “Continue emphasis on Indian’s aquatic resources, both natural and man-made.”

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Priority Action Schedule

Year Site Action Cost Estimate Source of Funds

2019 Muscatatuck Park FPBH Eco lake 4600 1178 Shelter 3 1064 1178 Master Plan 6000 1178 Spray/Bathroom 51,125 1178 Shade 4000 1178 Spray Landscape 3000 1178 NLT Hold 40000 1178

2020 NLT Hold 40000 All 1178 Maintenance 10000 Front Entrance LC 3000 Hall Tables 7000

2021 NLT Hold 40000 All 1178 Maintenance 10000

2022 NLT Hold 30000 All 1178 Maintenance 10000

2023 Eco Lake Hold 40000 All 1178 Maintenance 10000

2024 Eco Lake Hold 40000 All 1178 Maintenance 10000

JCPR along with the Jennings County Council are the two main suppliers of match money for the Town of Vernon Next Level Trails Grant Initiative. JCPR committed 150,000 over the next three years assuming the Grant is awarded. The County Council pledged 100,000 over the same time period. To simplify looking at this grant, the park’s funding, and the action and priority action schedules, we will separate the two. Above and on page 140 we will show the strategic funding from JCPR only. In between we will show the cost breakdown for the NLT grant specifically, as estimated by FPBH engineering and as submitted to the NLT grant.

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Income & Cost Estimate Over 5-year Plan

Year Project Income Expense Balance

Beginning Balance $ 40,000.00 2020 Hold One NLT $ 40,000.00 $ - Income $ 90,000.00 $ 90,000.00 Hold Two NLT $ 40,000.00 $ 50,000.00 Maintenance $ 10,000.00 $ 40,000.00 Front Entrance landscape $ 3,000.00 $ 37,000.00 Dining Hall tables $ 7,000.00 $ 30,000.00 Adult Fitness $ 25,000.00 $ 5,000.00 2021 Income $ 90,000.00 $ 95,000.00 Hold Three NLT $ 40,000.00 $ 55,000.00 Maintenance $ 10,000.00 $ 45,000.00 2022 Income $ 90,000.00 $ 135,000.00 Hold Four NLT $ 30,000.00 $ 105,000.00 Maintenance $ 10,000.00 $ 95,000.00 2023 Income $ 90,000.00 $ 185,000.00 Hold Eco Lake Park $ 50,000.00 $ 135,000.00 Maintenance $ 10,000.00 $ 125,000.00 2024 Income $ 90,000.00 $ 215,000.00 Hold Eco Lake Park $ 50,000.00 $ 165,000.00 Maintenance $ 10,000.00 $ 155,000.00

$ 155,000.00

• JCPR plans to hold 40,000 for three years (2019, 2020, 2021) and 30,000 for 2022 to reach their commitment for the NLT Grant. • Eco Lake Hold will be attempted to work as match money for potential grant or council appropriation. • Income for JCPR in 2019 was 104,000. JCPR is estimating income at 90,000 to create buffer. • JCPR would transfer buffer to maintenance issues annually or save. • At the end of the 5 year cycle JCPR would have funded their portion of the NLT grant assisting the community to secure over a million dollars of outside funding. • Also at the end of the cycle JCPR would have held funds for ELP (100,000) with a balance in 1178 of 155,000. Assuming some chance of Tunnel Mill Acquisition these funds could be applied towards either ELP or Tunnel Mill? JCPR Master Plan 2020-2024 148

Transition Action Plan

2020 Bathroom (new)

New bathrooms will greatly assist the Muscatatuck Park in meeting ADA standards. All items (access, amenities, other) will be built at ADA standards or greater.

2021 Dining Hall

An unloading zones with appropriate signage should be installed at the south location. Modification of west entrance to cannot create an acceptable grade. Door handle should be replaced.

Older Bathroom

An unloading zone (should?) could be installed. Handle features in back stalls could be improved although complete standard accordance is not possible.

Camp bathhouse and primitive bathrooms

Signs

Many signs need upgraded and/or replaced

Shelters

Lights and electric outlets should be repositioned lower.

William Read Home

Office ADA compliance is close, but not quite there. Many of the issues are smaller and infrastructure does lend itself to easy fixes.

Parking Lots

The Office/Visitor Center and Vinegar Mill parking lots should both be re-sealed (prior) and then re-striped.

www.adachecklist.org

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Plan Evaluation

Plan evaluation will be significant in the coming months. Due to JCPR being a three person department managing nearly 350 acres of land, customer service and grounds maintenance is a consuming reality. The off-season is the only period in which improvements (“soft” as well as “bricks and mortar”) can be significantly worked on. This draft is considered a rough draft. Technical review, additional in the field review is planned, as well as increased discussion with the county leaders.

Plan re-evaluation will be specifically needed if the Council decides to proceed with a loan to fund aspects of the Eco Lake Park upgrade. This will be specially true relative to two grants that are currently being pursed.

Annual review is standard procedure. With a small department, unexpected items have a large impact. The last planning cycles did stay very close to original action plans. Having a plan is an important tool and helps us prepare for not only the main objectives, but also unforeseen issues and opportunities.

Conclusion

Many of the priorities in our Master Plan mirror those of the State within the Indiana Statewide Outdoor Master Plan. Trails, historical sites, as well as the addition of new park land are all important. The relevance of our findings is strengthened by two local master plan studies, the Jennings County Comprehensive Plan and the North Vernon Master Plan.

We also propose various partnerships within the community to further the recreational objectives and bring out the potential in Jennings.

Specifically, a partnership with the Jennings County School Corporation to incorporate idle lands into recreational amenities is one of our main proposals. The Sand Creek opportunity is a remarkable option. Other options exist also and could provide a much needed upgrade to the local recreational supply.

With a few key connector sections, the trails in Jennings could be some of the best in the State. Highlighting the significant historical elements in the community along the trail system would provide a unique and marketable tourism asset, and ultimately a solid economic upgrade. Adding paved bike trails will round out the system and increase accessibility, reduce barriers, while providing a significant quality of life improvement. This in turn will connect people in a wellness activity that we all can share in and be proud of.

The potential in Jennings recreational system is enormous. Simply working together with local agencies and taking advantage of existing amenities could provide extraordinary results with a very small investment. This investment would likely bring a return that is beyond our expectations. Increased health, community interaction, cultural and historical appreciation, tourist assets, are all dividends that our community could realize.

If we envision our recreational potential alongside the recent upgrades to the community, we can see a much brighter future. This is a future that our youth demands, our adults need, and our community will revel in for the years to come.

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Pre-engineered estimate for walking track at approximately 1/5 of a mile.

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Eco Lake Park Conceptual Plan

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Appendix

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