Minutes - February 22, 2017
NOBLE COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 22, 2017 MEETING
Present: Ray Scott, John Metzger, Scott Allen, Zach Becker, Doug Keenan.
Guests: Steve Hook, Noble County GIS, Patty Fisel, Mayor of Ligonier.
The January 25, 2017 meeting of the Noble County Parks and Recreation Board was called to order at 10:00 AM by President Ray Scott.
Ray Scott reported that James Haddock has been reappointed to the Board.
The Minutes of the January 25, 2017 meeting were approved as sent.
Old Business:
Web Site. The new website is working well and the links to Noble County Government and the maps are working well. Thank you to Scott Allen and Steve Hook for their good work. Steve Hook has added a blog to the Noble County Government site, pointing people to the website. Scott has added the Take a Stroll Saturdays to the website. The website URL is: www.noblecoparks.wixsite.com/website .
Take a Stroll Saturdays for 2017. The dates and locations are:
May 27 – Parkview Noble Hospital trail. Ray Scott, Parkview Noble Hospital.
June 24 – Hidden Diamonds Park, Albion. Doug Keenan, Albion Parks Department.
July 22 – Elkhart River Canoe/Kayak Event. John Metzger, Gene Lightner.
August 26 – Noble Trails, Beginning at Detering Preserve. Jim Haddock, Acres Land Trust.
September 23 – Merry Lea Environmental Center. Zach Becker, Merry Lea.
October 28 – Fishing Line Trail. Scott Allen, Noble Trails.
Doug Keenan distributed an updated flyer. Thank you to Zach Becker for suggestions.
Steve Hook will add the events to the Beacon Website.
Zach Becker will be working with Becky and Randy Younce to promote the Elkhart River Event with students at West Noble Schools. The school owns 16 canoes which are used for environmental studies.
New Business:
Strawberry Valley Cultural Trail. Ligonier Mayor Patty Fisel explained the Strawberry Valley Cultural Trail to the Board. There is a rich Native American, Amish and Jewish heritage in Ligonier. Wild strawberries were once abundant in the Ligonier area, and so the trail in Ligonier is called the Strawberry Valley Cultural Trail. The trail is part of the United Trail System, and they hope to eventually connect to the Pumpkinvine Trail to the north, the Fishing Line Trail to the east and the Syracuse trails to the west. An extensive 5 mile trail will make a large loop throughout Ligonier, and the total project cost will be $1.4 million. The trail project has received $480,000 in TIF Funds, and may be receiving funding from Noble County EDC and a Regional Development Grant. Mayor Fisel is excited about the project, and it will make a great opportunity for the people of Ligonier and visitors to Ligonier. There are 36 murals in Ligonier, and several projects are underway along the Elkhart River and in town.
Noble Trails. Scott Allen noted that Noble Trails will be closing on some properties in March and April. There will be a 5K run at the end of April. The trail will be 12.1 miles when completed. The website is www.nobletrails.org .
Meeting adjourned at 10:50 AM
Next meeting – Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 10:00 AM at the Noble County Public Library.