Design For New Jasper Park Approved
Additional funding for the plan awaits consideration from the Jasper Common Council.
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Jasper Park and Recreation Board has approved design plans for a 75-acre park. The $5 million project will convert the area into the Parklands of Jasper.
The park will be built on land, part of which is the former Jasper Country Club golf course, which the city purchased in 2013. The park board recently announced the purchase of an additional 25 acres adjacent to the golf course. Funding for that purchase came in part from the Bicentennial Nature Trust
"These are endeavors that will set the tone for Jasper for the next 50 years, maybe longer," said Jasper Mayor Terry Seitz. The new park has been described as a nature-based destination park for all ages.
The city has received a $20,000 gift from the Dubois County Community Foundation as well as a $100,000 park endowment for the project. The design for the Parklands of Jasper now goes to the Jasper Common Council for consideration of additional funding.
The Bicentennial Nature Trust was set up by former Governor Mitch Daniels in 2012. The program aims to "preserve and protect important conservation and recreation areas throughout Indiana by matching donations of land or dollars. The Department of Natural Resources says any land purchased with BNT funds will become part of the public trust to ensure its protection.