Parks & Rec 10/08/2026

The Kosciusko County Parks & Recreation Board met on October 8, 2026. The board approved its 2027 meeting dates and discussed a proposed second phase of the North Webster–Syracuse trail, a 3.2-mile project estimated to cost $6–7 million. The proposed INDOT funding would reimburse 80% of eligible costs, requiring a county commitment for the remaining 20%—approximately $1.2 million based on the current estimate—along with the ability to cover invoices as work proceeds. The application window is expected in November, with construction anticipated in fiscal year 2032. Board members discussed the need for a county employee responsible in charge, county highway department involvement, and a funding plan. No project commitment or funding vote was taken; members sought updated cost and schedule information before deciding whether to recommend the project to county commissioners. USI is updating the engineering assessment, and any future design-services selection would be through an RFP open to qualified firms.

Other project updates included a bridge bid that exceeded the project’s funding threshold; the plan discussed was to explore rebidding it, with no bid amount or vendor identified. The board also received updates on trail and park projects involving grant applications, fundraising, and additional project phases. Members discussed reviewing existing e-bike and trail-use policies and raised safety and accessibility concerns about golf-cart access and proposed permanent bollards; no policy change or purchasing decision was made.