Input sought on Shoaff Park plans
May 13, 2016
Input sought on Shoaff Park plans
The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation department is looking for public input on some proposed improvements for Shoaff Park.
The Parks Department is applying for a $200,000 federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, which will be put toward new restrooms, a pavilion, a picnic area and trails around the park’s splash pad, the parks department’s Sarah Nichter said. The public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. May 25 at the Shoaff Riverlodge Pavilion, 6401 St. Joe Road.
“We think this would be very worthwhile considering how popular Shoaff Park is and how much use it gets,” Nichter said. “Having a restroom, pavilion, picnic tables and walkways would improve the experience.”
According to the National Park Service website, the Land and Water Conservation Fund was established in 1964 and uses proceeds from offshore oil and gas leasing to provide grants. The last Land and Water Conservation Fund grant the parks department received went to help build Taylor’s Dream, the Boundless Playground in Kreager Park.
“We’re going to present a basic plan (on May 25). We would like to know if residents have any specific needs in addition to that plan or if they have some alternative ideas that could improve the project,” Nichter said. “We know that it’s needed, and this funding is critical to outdoor recreational opportunities.”
