ELWOOD - A cast bronze sculpture, a historic rail walk and a radial arbor are among the features proposed in the city’s plan to rejuvenate Elwood’s landscape with two park improvements.
The proposed improvements, however, are completely dependent on the city’s ability to rally its citizens to give $140,000 to match a grant by the Indiana Department of Transportation.
On Wednesday, Mayor Merrill Taylor and officials from the Madison County Community Foundation presented plans to build a new park in the stretch of land along 16th Street next to the city building, phase 3 in the city’s street beautification project.
The city was awarded a transportation enhancement grant from INDOT in 1999, which was used for phase 1 of the city’s street beautification project. The grant helped the city adorn Indiana 13 with stamped brick crosswalks, antique streetlights and brick banding along sidewalks.
Phase 2 saw the 2003 construction of the Civic Center Complex.
In phase 3, INDOT will give $872,000 for continued improvements if the city can match the grant with $218,000 - 20 percent of the project cost.
So far, city officials have agreed to pitch in $70,000 from the county food and beverage fund, according to Bill Savage, the city’s director of economic development.
Another $12,000 was raised by the Tri Kappa sorority, headed by Nina Huntsinger, who said the grant was an opportunity that should not be taken for granted. “We are not often given ‘Here’s a check for $800,000.’ I’d hate to miss out on this opportunity just because were short a little bit.”
The new park along 16th Street would feature an antique clock and wooden gazebo, according to plans drafted by Allan Henderson and Rachel Christenson of the Madison County Council of Governments.
The town’s Civic Center Park would be updated with a cast bronze sculpture made by Kenneth Ryden, the artist who designed “The Graces” sculpture at the town center in Anderson.
Huntsinger said he hoped Elwood businesses would take donations for the project and offer specials with proceeds going to the beautification of the parks.
Taylor said the project could help Elwood’s struggling economy by attracting businesses and residents. “It’s going to make it a lot more presentable.”
“It’s not just a park,” Huntsinger said. “Hopefully, it will be the heart of Elwood.”
Sally DeVoe of the Madison County Community Foundation said the foundation would help by managing donations. “We’ve gotta be in this together.”
Elwood school Superintendent Tom Austin said that, considering Elwood’s struggling economy, the park is a welcome change. “It’s a great opportunity to take a multitude of negativity and highlight a positive. ... If not this, what?”
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Park improvement by the numbers
Total project cost: $1,090,748
INDOT contribution: $872,598
Elwood must pay: $218,149
Amount raised to date: $82,000
City needs to raise: $136,000
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11:34 p.m.: Elwood ponders park improvement
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