Minutes - March 23, 2016

NOBLE COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD

MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016 MEETING

Present: Ray Scott, John Metzger, Doug Keenan, Jim Haddock..

Guest: Steve Hook, GIS Coordinator; Matt Getts, KPC Media; Dave Gorsuch.

The March 23, 2016 meeting of the Noble County Parks and Recreation Board was called to order at 10:20 AM by President Ray Scott. The minutes of the January 27, 2016 meeting were approved as sent.

Old Business:

Five Year Master Plan. It was decided that the Board would continue its work on trails and the Elkhart River in 2016 for the action plans.

Noble County Parks and Recreation Board Web Site. Steve Hook demonstrated a new interactive web application that could be used to replace the current application for the maps and inventory of recreation in Noble County. The new application would be more universal in use and easier to navigate. Pictures and descriptions for each site provide will help people find what they are looking for in terms of recreation in Noble County. Steve will be investigating further and will let the Board know how we can help him make this transition.

All In Noble County Block Party. This event, which will be held on June 25 at the Noble County Courthouse, may be a venue for promoting recreational areas in Noble County. The Noble County Parks and Recreation Board may join with another group at this event.

Take a Stroll Saturdays. Dates and locations for the “Take A Stroll Saturdays” for 2016 will be:

May 14 – Parkview Noble Hospital.

June 11 – Edna Spurgeon Nature Preserve.

July 9 – Crooked Lake – Canoe, Kayak, or Hike.

August 13 – Elkhart River – Canoe, Kayak or Hike.

September 10 – Chain O Lakes State Park – Canoe, Kayak or Hike.

October 8 – Lonidaw Nature Preserve.

All of these events will begin at 9:00 a.m.

New Business:

Elkhart River. I good discussion was held on the needs of the Elkhart River in order to make it more navigable. Dave Gorsuch, who provides canoe and kayak trips, noted that some areas of the river are in need of responsible tree cutting and tie backs to open up the middle of the river. The Board is working on awareness now, and will be advocating for permission to clear the river in the future.

Meeting adjourned at 11:40 AM

Next meeting – Wednesday, April 27, at 10:00 AM at the Noble County Public Library.

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