Minutes - September 26, 2018
NOBLE COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 MEETING
Present: Scott Allen, James Haddock, John Metzger, Doug Keenan.
Guests: Matt Getts, KPC Media; Kenneth Hughes, Noble County Plan Commission.
The September 26, 2018 meeting of the Noble County Parks and Recreation Board was called to order by Vice President Scott Allen at 10:05 AM.
The Minutes of the August 22, 2018 meeting were approved as sent.
Old Business:
5-Year Parks Master Plan Update – Kenneth Hughes, Noble County Plan Commission Director, presented a first draft of the Five Year Master Plan Update. The Qualtrics Survey to gather public input is not having many responses. The link for the survey is available at the Noble County Parks and Recreation Website and the Noble County Facebook Page. A discussion was held on the shifting population age in Noble County, and how we can target different ages. Several recreational events are age-specific, while others, such as trails, can be utilized by all ages.
In the action plan, water recreation needs to be added, particularly the Elkhart River.
The Board thanked Kenneth for his excellent work on the Master Plan Update.
Website Review – The NCPRB website is working well. Scott noted that we may be getting a Noble County Parks and Recreation Board Facebook Page in the near future.
“Take a Stroll” Program –
Jim Haddock reported on the August 25 event at Bixler Lake. Sadly, people were ready to eat barbecue but were not interested in hiking the trail at Bixler Lake.
Doug Keenan reported on the September 22, event at Chain O Lakes State Park. 8 people took the hike around Sand Lake, and the Naturalist pointed out many features along the trail.
Noble Trails Program – The Noble Trails organization is looking into maintenance of the trails. This can be a big task. Should the County government take on the maintenance? Should the Noble County Parks and Recreation Board help with the maintenance? The trails will be an asset to tourism in Noble County, and another piece to attracting people to live, work, and play in Noble County.
Winter Walks Program - The Board discussed the suggestion of promoting outdoor activity in the winter. A hike was discussed, but it was decided that a photography contest of outdoor activity may be more successful. The photography program could be featured for each season.
Meeting adjourned at 11:20 AM.
Next meeting – Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at 10:00 AM at the Noble County Public Library.