The Zionsville Parks and Recreation Dept. wants public input in choosing a name for the new park located at the intersection of county roads 400 S. and 875 E.
The park will partly serve as a railhead for the existing Rail Trail, which could one day connect the town with Lafayette. Zionsville is already home to 3.5 miles of the Trail, and seven additional miles already exist northwest of Lebanon.
“The idea for the park came on the radar in 2009,” said Parks Supt. Matt Dickey. “It has value as a railhead. The land can also be shared with a future fire station, should Zionsville’s population increase.”
Want to name the park? Call the Parks Dept. at 733-2273.
Dickey said the park was funded through federal monies, and not taxpayer dollars.
“We applied for a grant in the same time frame as the land was closed on,” he said. “We received a $200,000 reimbursable grant, which will be rolled back into Parks Dept. coffers.”
Park names submitted for consideration should provide some form of individual identity consistent with the neighborhood, geographical identification or other outstanding features, as well as historical or cultural significance.
The practice of using public input is likely new to Zionsville, Dickey said.
“I believe it’s the first time this department has taken this stance,” he said. “We’re looking for suggestions – it’s not like a contest.”
Park facilities will include an open-play area, a basketball court, bocce ball courts, shelter and picnic facilities, a playground and parking.
Late summer 2013 is a potential opening date for the park.
The Parks and Recreation Dept. has grant funds available for establishing new recreational opportunities and the continuation or expansion of existing recreation programs.
Persons, groups or organizations are eligible for consideration. Funds are not limited to existing groups or organizations, and all age groups are eligible. Programs, projects, facilities or services must be open to the general public, and funding is intended to assist in the initial costs of a program or expansion of existing programs and is not intended to be ongoing.
The maximum request considered will be $5,000; smaller amounts are highly encouraged.
Call 733-2273 to apply for grant funds.