(Batesville, IN) – Batesville City Council will hold a public hearing next month on a resolution to provide federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA, or coronavirus) funds for the Batesville Skate Park Advocacy Group to build a Bouldering Wall and Shelter area at the Skatepark and Outdoor Adventure facility on Pohlman Street.
Several members of the community gave testimonials to City Council Monday night on why they’d like to have a Bouldering Wall at the facility.
Dr. Amy Carpenter with the skate park group says they need $149,385 to finish the third and final phase of the project, which includes the Bouldering Wall and Shelter, plus landscaping and drainage. She adds they have $41,000 in grant funds secured and are applying for more.
Once the Adventure Park is finished, Carpenter says they’ll start forming an adventure committee which will teach kids adventure park skills and introduce them to the all of the facility’s features.
Dr. Carpenter says she’s optimistic Council will approve the use of coronavirus funds for the project next month. If they don’t receive the full amount, Carpenter says the group will continue fundraising efforts for completion of the project.
The city currently has $690,000 in ARPA funds that have not been earmarked, according to Clerk-Treasurer Paul Gates. The coronavirus dollars the city received from the federal government must be spoken for by the end of this year.
Since this would be an additional appropriation and ARPA funds are involved, Gates said Council needs to hold an advertised public hearing, which would take place at the February 12 meeting.
Monday night’s Council meeting was the first in which John Irrgang presided as Mayor, and the first for newcomers Brad Dreyer and Doug Stock, as well as Blaine Timonera. He takes over as City Attorney for Doug Wilson, who stepped down at the end of 2023 after many years of service.
Also, Melissa Tucker succeeds Irrgang as Council President.
