Monroeville Community Park
Master Plan Upgrades

Monroeville Community Park Master Plan Upgrades

The Monroeville Community Park Project​ includes a significant upgrade to the existing park. ​Based on community feedback received through the 2016 NewAllen Strategic Community Investment Plan (SCIP), the Town began working with the Northeastern Indiana Regional Coordinating Council (NIRCC) in August, 2016 to begin the planning process and development of an IDNR approved 5-Year Master Park         Plan. The Plan was approved by the IDNR in May, 2017. The plan developed and prioritized the improvements necessary to bring the Park into the 21st Century and be competitive with parks located in larger communities to meet the needs of Park users. Upon completion of the Monroeville Master Park Plan, the Town’s Park Board submitted and Land and Water Conservation Fund grant application to the IDNR in June, 2017.  

In March 2018, the Town received a $200,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant from the IDNR to assist with the completion of $600,000 in improvements. The Town has committed $350,000 from their CEDIT funds as the local match for the LWCF grant and an application is pending with the AWS Foundation. The Town plans is near ready to bid for the minimum park improvements provided for         by existing grant funds. The entire proposed park master plan improvement budget, however, is $925,000. The extent to which these improvements can occur depends on the level of local funding that can be committed to the project. 

Below is a list of park improvements:

• 57 mile, 8’ wide asphalt bike-ped trail that will be located around the park as well as traverse through the park to offer a variety of trail distances to the trail user.

• Four (4) resting nodes will be placed along the trail.

• Six (6) total handicap accessible, hard surface parking spaces will be installed in the Park’s existing gravel parking lot near the arena and in the parking area in front of the pavilion.

• ADA compliant playground at park pavilion accessible to children of all abilities.

• 800 square foot splash pad/spray park. The splash pad will be constructed on an ADA compliant surface and will be designed to be utilized by individuals of all abilities. Installation will include appropriate drainage.

• 540 square foot support facility for the splash pad and arena which will include ADA compliant restrooms that can be accessed from the arena and the splash pad, as well as the rest of the park; storage space/mechanical room; and an area to be utilized as a future concession area.

• Permanent concrete Bean Bag Toss game that will be accessible at all times.

• Vegetation Management Plan for native riparian vegetation plantings along the adjacent Creek and the park pond.

• Native vegetation plantings with the goal of stabilizing stream and pond banks, limiting erosion, and providing a buffer to prevent non-point source pollution from entering surface water.  • 200 square foot ADA compliant fishing pier at the stocked pond to be used by anglers of all abilities. The pier will also be used as a nature viewing area.

Additional Improvements Funded with $350,000 Additional Local Funds:

• Additional .23 mile, 8’ wide asphalt bike-ped trail, with one (1) additional resting node with a bench, that will traverse around the pond and connect to the trail completed by the LWCF project. The trail will be ADA compliant and developed for users of all abilities and ages.

• ADA compliant playground at ball diamonds accessible to children of all abilities.

• 5,000 square feet of hard surface (2,000 square feet of concrete and 3,000 square feet of compacted stone) between ball diamonds surrounding the existing restrooms and concessions building. Will be complementary and connect to the trails between the ball diamonds completed by the LWCF funded project.

• Reconstruction of 88 parking space gravel Arena parking lot. Reconstruction will include the installation appropriate storm drainage. The reconstruction of this lot will be in addition to and connect with the minimum of 4 handicap accessible, hard surface parking spaces located in the Arena lot completed by the LWCF project.

• 27 parking space asphalt parking lot in front of the Pavilion along Monroe Street. The lot will be in addition to and connect with the minimum of 2 handicap accessible, hard surface parking spaces located in front of the Pavilion completed by the LWCF project.

• 250 lineal feet of 6’ fence along the east side of the arena as a safety/security barrier between the arena and active park area.

Impacts:

• Enhanced opportunities for park and recreation in East Allen County which is currently underserved.

• Improved accessibility and safety.

• Enhanced space for community events.

• Increased opportunity for civic connection.  Readiness:

• Enrivonmental review complete

• Permits Needed:

• No acquisition required

• Local community funds and Land and Water Conservation Funds in place.

Budget:  ​$925,000

Possible Funding Partners:  Allen County Commissioners Allen County – Fort Wayne Capital Improvement Board Indiana Department of Natural Resources – Land and Water Conservation Fund AWS Foundation.