Minutes - August 22, 2018

NOBLE COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD

MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 22, 2018 MEETING

Present: Ray Scott, Scott Allen, James Haddock, John Metzger, Doug Keenan.

Guests: Matt Getts, KPC Media; Kenneth Hughes, Noble County Plan Commission.

The August 22, 2018 meeting of the Noble County Parks and Recreation Board was called to order by President Ray Scott at 10:02 AM.

The Minutes of the July 25, 2018 meeting were approved as sent.

Old Business:

5-Year Parks Master Plan Update – Kenneth Hughes, Noble County Plan Commission Director, addressed the Board in regards to the 5-Year Master Plan update. The Qualtrics Survey to gather public input is available online. Kenneth will be setting up a focus group meeting for further stakeholder input.

Website Review – The website is working well. Scott Allen is keeping items up to date. As Board members become aware of recreational events, please send the information to Scott so he can add them to the event calendar on the website.

“Take a Stroll” Program –

Jim Haddock reported on the July 28 Canoeing/Kayaking Event on Elkhart River. Five people attended the event. West Lakes Association had a good turnout for the river clean up that day. There was also a bass fishing tournament going on that day. So, lots of activity on the Elkhart. John Metzger spoke with an IDNR Officer at the State Fair about the Elkhart River. It seems there are many roadblocks to getting work done on the river, including law suits.

Jim also reported on the upcoming event on August 25 at Bixler Lake Trail. This event is in partnership with Kendallville Parks Department. A barbecue cookoff will begin at 4:00 p.m. Jim will set up at 2:30 p.m. and take either one or two groups on the hike, depending on the number of interested people. Entrance fees will stop at 3:00 p.m.

Doug Keenan reported on the upcoming event on September 22, 9:00 AM at Chain O Lakes State Park. In partnership with Indiana Department of Natural Resources and National Public Lands Day. Free park admittance. Doug Keenan is in charge. Doug will be working with Kaitlyn Sproles on the hike, which will be around Sand Lake. There will also be an invasive species removal time that afternoon.

Noble Trails program – The section between Angling Road and Gene Stratton Porter will be paved this fall.

Matt Getts suggested the Noble County Parks and Recreation Board sponsor a contest to promote outdoor recreation this winter. A $100.00 prize for the best photo of winter recreation.

Meeting adjourned at 10:55 AM.

Next meeting – Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 10:00 AM at the Noble County Public Library.