Below is a list of what the Russiaville Park and Tree Board has accomplished or helped to accomplish in 2017.

• Finalized a Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2017-2021 that was approved by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Preparation included open meetings and a community survey. Having this plan approved opens additional grant opportunities for the Town.

• Received a Recreational Trails Program grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for the construction of a trail behind the Jeff Stout Community Center. The grant is for ~$120K while the project budget is ~$150K. Preliminary work such as the Project Consultant selection, the Archeological Survey, the Category Exclusion submission, and the Stakeholders Meeting have been completed.

• Upgraded the Town Park by removing the white climbing structure and replacing it with a new ADA compliant climbing structure. Worked towards a more CPSC compliant park (e.g. improving setbacks, reducing the number of swings per bay, etc.)

• Spread new mulch at Town Park and Brady Park. This was done as part of WHS Senior Community Day.

• Bought and spread more stone at the Community Center Circle. Repaired the Circle after the car drove through it.

• Put window tinting at the Jeff Stout Community Center as a result of a community cash donation.

• Maintained the landscaping around the Jeff Stout Community Center.

• Supported the Kokomo Howard County Public Library / Russiaville Branch in their grant application and fund raising for a Nature Explore outdoor classroom at the library.

• Assisted the Kokomo Howard County Public Library / Russiaville Branch in their celebration of Arbor Day.

• Planted one tree at the Community Center; this was a bur oak replacing a tulip tree that had blown over. Planted two red maples at the Town Hall to replace the two old maples that had to be removed a couple years ago.

• Helped edit an ordinance on Park Rules.

• Planted 300 daffodil bulbs on the north side of the east SR-26 entrance to the town.

 

• Received an end of year cash donation of $2,500 from the Indiana American Water Company.

• Applied for a $2,500 Feed a Bee grant from Bayer CropScience for the development of three pollinator gardens along the recreational trail. This grant is in review.

Improvements for which the Board was not actively involved.

• A new pavilion in the Town Park

• New ADA striping and signage

• New bike rack at Main Street Christian Church

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