City weighs idea for park at Smalley

By Thomas Neal

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

Connersville City Council members gave their blessing Monday to a concept to revitalize 22 acres near Smalley Lake by constructing a nature park.

The proposed park would feature about a mile of walking trails surrounded by natural growth, and could later include canoe launches at Smalley Lake and the Whitewater River. The area was formerly a waste disposal site and a federal Superfund site.

John Zant, a greenways development engineer from the civil engineering firm Butler Fairman & Seufert, said the project would cost just over $850,000 after engineering and other fees.

Mayor Max Ellison said the proposal calls for a passive nature park partially because the clay seal on top of the former waste site limits how deep any construction can dig.

According to Zant, funding for the project would be derived from more than $1 million set aside for improvements to the site. The money is held in trust by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and can only to be used for improvements or maintenance to the 22 acres.

Councilman Harold Gordon said, to his knowledge, a good portion of the money already used from the fund placed rocks on the bank to prevent erosion.

Ellison said the design ensures the park will be fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Matt Dickey, a natural resources designer for Anorlas, said the site will feature asphalt paths with gravel edges, a pavilion and parking for 20 vehicles.

Ellison said the park would be low maintenance because the concept allows vegetation to grow naturally.

Councilman Leonard Urban and Councilwoman Henrietta Ripberger said they would like for the community to be involved in the plan, and would like council to tour the site with planners.