(Greensburg, IN) – The Greensburg City Council has approved a 10-year lease with the Decatur County Solid Waste Management District (DCSWMD) that secures a new location for a recycling center and injects $1 million into the Decatur County Pool reconstruction project.
Approved at the council’s January 13 meeting, the agreement leases the former Greensburg Street Department facility at 200 S. Monfort St. to the DCSWMD. The district will advance the rent as a one-time payment of $1 million. The City Council has directed these funds to the Decatur County Community Foundation to support the pool project.
“After the Greensburg Street Department moved to their new facility in 2024, we started looking for ways to maintain ownership of the land and facilities for future uses,” said Greensburg Mayor and DCSWMD member Joshua Marsh. “It has long been the desire of the board to open a permanent center, and this lease agreement is a win for all.”
The DCSWMD will fund building improvements and maintain the property, with plans to open the new facility in 2026. The board announced the facility will be named the Norma Bainbridge Recycling Center, honoring the former district administrator who served for 20 years.
“The DCSWMD Board consistently backs County programs and projects; the new pool will be part of sustaining momentum. We look forward to raising awareness of the Solid Waste District’s offerings and supporting this initiative,” said Kenny Hooten, DCSWMD board president and Decatur County Council member. “The goal is to have the Decatur County Solid Waste Norma Bainbridge Recycling Center open in 2026.”
DCSWMD Executive Director Stephanie Westbrook noted the alignment between the facility and the pool project.
“As an environmental agency, we believe our investments should reflect our values,” Westbrook said. “This facility demonstrates how recreation and sustainability can work together. By supporting a project built on conservation-focused design, we’re helping create a healthier community and a lighter footprint on our local environment.”
The $1 million rent advance helps close the funding gap for the pool reconstruction.
“I am greatly appreciative of the contributions from the Decatur County Community Foundation, Decatur County Redevelopment Commission, and now Decatur County Solid Waste Management, in partnership with the Greensburg City Council,” said Decatur County Commissioner Jeremy Pasel. “Everyone’s willingness to support the pool project exemplifies Decatur County’s uniqueness.”
Officials recognized Decatur County Commissioner Gabe Nobbe for his role in coordinating the pool project’s design and funding.
“Commissioner Nobbe has been instrumental in bringing all parties together to make the pool project a reality,” Marsh said. “He should be highly commended for his dedication.”
Nobbe provided an update on the project’s financial status.
“With the commitment from Solid Waste and the City, the Decatur County Foundation, [and] Decatur County Redevelopment Commission, we have $3.5 million in hand,” Nobbe said. “Plus, the community is stepping up and donating at the Decatur County Community Foundation’s $1 to $1 match. We have raised tens of thousands through that commitment.”
Other board members expressed enthusiasm for the inter-agency partnership:
“I am excited to see the outpouring of support for the pool project,” said Decatur County Commissioner and DCSWMD board member Brian Wenning. “These donations from across our community show the importance of revitalizing our pool, giving our citizens an enjoyable space for quality family time.”
Greensburg City Council and DCSWMD board member Vietta McKenzie added, “I appreciate everyone’s efforts to support the district and the pool project, especially my fellow city council members. Our partnership with DCSWMD has just begun.”
The timeline for the new recycling center will be announced by the DCSWMD as they become available.
Questions about the pool project may be directed to the Parks Department at (812) 663-8284.
Donors wishing to contribute to the pool project can donate online at the Decatur County Community Foundation.
(City of Greensburg press release)
