Decatur eyes Kekionga Park revamp with crowdfunding
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The city of Decatur may construct the city’s first dog park and revamp a co-ed softball park and a fishing pond in its Kekionga Park if it meets a crowdfunding goal of $50,000.
The project had raised $85 from 2 donors as of Monday.
If the city raises the remaining amount by 11:45 p.m. Aug. 5, the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority will double its goal as part of the CreatINg Places program, meaning the organization would have at least $100,000 at its disposal.
“The addition of a dog park and a revitalized softball field will increase access to recreation, promote healthy lifestyles and improve the overall quality of life in Decatur,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, in a news release. “This project will bring immediate positive change to Adams County and will have a lasting impact on all residents.”
With funds from the campaign, the city hopes to purchase:
- Pavilion flooring for the dog park.
- Parking lot sealing and striping.
- Gate operator for the dog park.
- New trees to provide shaded areas.
- Custom netting for co-ed field.
- Fish for the pond.
The park is currently an empty lot with a softball field. The planned upgrades for the field will mediate its placement in a flood zone with retractable fencing meant to alleviate the issue and add lights. If the goal is surpassed, another field may be added.
Off Mercer Avenue, the city has spent almost $50,000 to construct a pavilion and put in fencing. Two spaces have been constructed for the dog park. With the campaign, the parking lot will be sealed and painted, so there is plenty of accessible parking.
Next to the park is a 6-acre pond, which the city wants to clean up and stock with fish.
“I am thrilled to have the assistance of the IHCDA with our crowdfunding campaign for the Kekionga Project,” said Decatur Mayor Dan Rickford. “This transformative project has amenities for people of all ages. Whether you are looking for an adult softball league to join, a safe place to let your dog run, or a beautiful lake to take your children fishing, Kekionga Park will be the place to go.”
The CreatINg Places program provides up to $50,000 in grant matches to nonprofits and local governments pursuing projects costing at least $10,000.
Since 2016, the IHCDA said projects through the program have raised over $8.2 million in public funds with $6.8 million matched by the agency.