Richmond Parks Department bursting with successes, future plans – Palladium-Item

RICHMOND, Ind. Richmond's parks enjoyed so many 2021success that they didn't really fit into a top 10 list.

Parks Superintendent Denise Retz highlighted those successes Monday to Richmond Common Council. She labelled it a top 10 list, but with a 3.5, 4.5 and a 5.5, it really became a baker's dozen list that also included multiple entries under some categories.

The support and the generosity that we continue to receive in this community is very humbling, and we just cant thank the community enough for all the support they give the parks department," Retz said. "The parks team continues to amaze me. They power through low manpower and high expectations each and every day, and they are doing a wonderful job.

The presentation came just a few days after the city's Board of Public Works and Safety approved two contracts with Taylor Siefker Williams Design Group to develop a Farmers Market Strategic Plan and a Whitewater Gorge Activation Plan. Both plans are part of the parks Master Plan and show the department's commitment to implementing that plan.

I just couldnt be happier with the current condition and the current outlook for our entire parks department, Mayor Dave Snow said.

He also thanked parks team members for their hard work as well as council members and parks board members for their support.

I dont have to tell community members as you go around: Our parks are just in beautiful, thriving condition," he said. "We are seeing growth in every one of our beautiful 19 city parks.

Richmond Farmers Market was listed as No. 2 on Retz's 2021 list and occupies some of the future focus. Among vendors who report weekly sales, they have accumulated nearly $290,000 in sales this year compared to about $200,000 in sales during 2020. The Reid Double Dollars program that doubles the buying power of SNAP money at the market has resulted in $60,107 spent this year compared to $39,634 last year.

The market is doing great things right now," Retz said. "We are in a very good place. We dont want it to be stagnant. We want to continue to press forward and grow, so we need to know where we are, where weve been and then where were going to go from here.

The Winter Farmers Market in the Starr Gennett Building shows one use of theWhitewater Gorge Park that stretches along the Whitewater River from Test to Waterfall roads. Using the river, which will flow more freely after the removal of Weir Dam,and that park for more recreation and to generate income is a major focus.

In fact, the project was accepted as one of about 50 included in the eight-county East Central Indiana Regional Partnership's proposal for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation's Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative. The regional group was awarded $15 million from the state's American Rescue Plan Act money.

The Whitewater Gorge Activation Plan will be focusing on the gorge initiative and activating the gorge to make it a phased approach how we can get funding and make it a place where we can continue to recreate, preserve, maintain and highlight what all it has to offer," Retz said.

The plan will incorporate new ideas, such as a river walk, ziplining and boating along with existing assets such as the Starr Gennett Building, Walk of Fame, trails and Veterans Memorial Park. Retz said the plan is about using the water as a resource and "seeinghow these things can actually function for us as a city to make more of a destination area in the gorge.

Having that project accepted into the READI application was part of Retz's No. 1 success for 2021: celebrations. The category also included the 60th anniversary of the city's senior center and a Community Improvement Award from the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce honoring the winterization of the Starr Gennett Building.

Retz also highlighted grants and donations totaling$130,528.17 that were supplemented by an additional $101,815.67 from Wayne County Foundation's Challenge Match.

Following the Farmers Market at No. 2, Retz highlighted volunteers at No. 3 on her list. The parks department received help from two deployments of AmeriCorps workers and has applied for a 2022 deployment. There also were cleanup days at the gorge, Middlefork Reservoir and Glen Miller Park, as well as organized volunteer efforts from 3Rivers, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Ivy Tech Community College, Seton Catholic school and Central United Methodist Church.

At 3.5, Retz highlighted revenue increases. The parks department began an online reservation system for rentals of things like shelters. There were 982 online rentals that increased revenue $18,345.98. At Middlefork, there were 481 boat rentals that boosted revenue $5,0049.09.

Highland Lake Golf Course will celebrate its 50th anniversary during 2022, and its successes during 2022 were No. 4 for Retz. The course'srevenue increased $50,000, withmemberships rising 40% and food and beverage sales increasing9%.

Improvements at the course included the irrigation system, tree and stump removal, new tee signs, new ball washers, newtrash cans and a new tee box for the first hole.

The 4.5 on Retz's list was theSpringwood Enhancement Project. The park on Waterfall Road received a makeover that includes the building of Springwood Chapel that can be rented for weddings and other services and as an outdoor classroom. In addition, trails werecleared, a boardwalk built over wetlands, the pavilion interior was painted, 250 trees were planted and new outdoor lights installed.

In 2022, more trails and siding and windows for the pavilion are planned at Springwood.

New gardens and landscaping ranked No. 5 for 2021. New landscaping and a serenity garden were installed at the senior center and a sensory garden at Clear Creek, plus work around Middlefork Reservoir's bathroom and deck and Highland Lake's tee signs. It also includes the flowers forming "It's Spring," "Richmond" and "It's Fall Y'all" messages along U.S. 40 in Glen Miller Park.

We get more and more calls and letters about these message boards on 40, so we thank our floral crew for that, Retz said.

Retz highlighted successful and safe events at 5.5 on her list. The parks department hosted more than 55 events, including a drive-through egg hunt, Just Us Kids Outdoors, father/daughter and mother/son events, Middlefork Family Day, Halloween Howl, Veterans Parade, Frostbite 5K and Celebration of Lights.

New buildings and rehabbed roofs sit at No. 6 on the list. A new shelter that seats 60 was built in Glen Miller Park, and a new pole barn at the greenhouse improves storage. New roofs were put on the C&O Depot, the Bicentennial garage and three Middlefork Reservoir buildings. In addition, new shade sails are available for Elstro Plaza.

During 2021, the parks department celebrated openings of the Riverside Heritage Trail and the Whitewater Gorge Connector Trail, the City Bike Park at Freeman Park, new walkways at Richmond Rose Garden, the Mary Scott Community Orchard, a Negro League baseball marker at Glen Miller Park and a new playground and landscaping at Starr Park. Those rank No. 7.

The installation of security at Clear Creek and Elstro Plaza occupies No. 8 on Retz's list. Five of the city's 19 parks are now better protected with this ongoing project.

The parks department's greenhouse became a certified composting facility, one of only two in Richmond, and Izzi Wilhelm became a certified arborist. Those certifications placed ninth among 2021's successes.

At No. 10 is arts and culture. The parks department hosts Art in Parks and Art Along Main, while partnering with Richmond Symphony Orchestra for the RSO Music Garden in Glen Miller Park.

Council members were complimentary and appreciative of Retz and the parks department following the presentation.

I know the park team is strong. I believe in our parks, and I think our parks are beautiful," Bill Engle said. "It takes great leadership to get there, and I think youve done a great job. Thank you.

Jane Bumbalough added: I would like to tell you also, Denise, I thank you for everything that you do. You do a fantastic job. I am so thankful that you are part of the leadership team here in Richmond.

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Richmond Parks Department bursting with successes, future plans - Palladium-Item