Vandalism forces Riverside Park bathrooms to close
Jun. 16—The Logansport Parks and Recreation Department's administrator put the city on alert Wednesday that the community needs to be aware of vandalism.
During the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, Jan Fawley said that "we are in desperate need of help."
Vandalism has been occurring for quite some time now, she said, adding that it has gotten "so bad" that the restrooms at Riverside Park are closed. Parks Department employees will be repairing the damage, but in the meantime, she would appreciate any help in discouraging people from causing destruction of city property.
Making Logansport a place where people feel welcome and where they can enjoy the outdoors is of the utmost importance. Therefore, while vandalism is a main concern, so is upkeep of properties, said Mayor Chris Martin, who called for the maximum penalty to be applied to the owners of 805 Helm St.
For the second time in 12 months, the residence owned by Michael and Kathy Nickels has been cited for city ordinance violations, including lack of handling and disposing of garbage, yard waste, trash, and debris.
Randy Ulery, code enforcement officer, said the lawn has been mowed. However, the grass was cut around debris, which was left on the outside of the property. Due to this being the second violation, Martin said the city would clean up the site and charge a $5,000 penalty fee against the couple.
Likewise, the city will take action against the Four County Comprehensive Mental Health Center at 400 North St. Ulery said the property owners were notified of debris and mattresses left outside the residence.
As of Wednesday morning, he said everything had been picked up except the mattresses. Since Republic Services' next bulk collection day would be mid-July, Martin said the city will take care of the problem and bill the owner.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
City officials continue to formulate plans to bring about improvements to Logansport.
One project includes designing a river walk area along the north bank of the Eel River. DB Engineering LLC of Indianapolis was approved by the board to conduct a feasibility study plan. The firm will develop a vision for riverfront usage.
The plan includes two potential areas north of the confluence with the Wabash River with emphasis on in-river amenities, according to the feasibility agreement. The vision for the future project would be to include a river park or a whitewater park.
Cost for the study is $11,500, plus compensation for additional out-of-pocket expenses.
Similarly, Arin Shaver, executive director of the Planning Department, said $1,500 would be paid out of her department's budget for a survey to be completed by Seth White Surveying LLC of Rochester. The survey will determine existing easements between Broadway and Mall Road just south of Spencer Park. Requirements also will be creating new legal descriptions for an eastern easement to connect the existing one to Mall Road through Andersons LLC.
Shaver said she hopes plans work out so that Broadway and Mall Road could be connected with a trail system.
JULY 4th
The parking lot at the corner of Fifth Street and Broadway will be reserved for July 4th parking on that day's celebration. Danielle Terhune, recreation director, said those who park here will be able to take a shuttle to Riverside Park for Independence Day festivities.
She said talks are ongoing with Logansport Community School Corporation for the transportation service. But shuttles should run every 15 minutes on the Fourth, said Terhune.
Reach Kristi Hileman at kristi.hileman@pharostribune.com or 574-732-5150
