The City of La Porte Park and Recreation Department is preparing a master plan to make improvements to Soldiers Memorial Park. The first draft of the plan is available by clicking on the link below.
The public may comment on the plan through August 15 by contacting Jon Ruble at Planned Environment Associates by e-mail at jon@planviron.com.
The Soldiers Memorial Park plan includes potential new amenities, infrastructure improvements, traffic flow and parking, recreational programming and enhancement of natural resources. The planning process is part of the Park Department’s five-year master plan.
The first draft of the plan was presented to the Park Board at its July meeting.
The Park Board is considering applying for the federally-funded Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant. The plan includes upgrading the shoreline trail to include nodes for resting, fishing and wildlife observation along the length of the Stone Lake Trail with improved cycling and walking paths. The loop trail encircling Stone lake will have multi-use trail, landscape and access point improvements.
The short-term plan for the north sub-area includes installing the ADA Kayak Launch and lockers, inflatable water play “WhoaZone,” and improved trail connectivity. This plan shows the potential of relocating the ice rink onto Rotary Old Timers Field in the winter months. Cumming Lodge can serve as a warming house and hub for ice skating, snow shoeing and other winter activities.
The ADA Kayak launch is recommended between Cumming Lodge and the Beach House. The launch will require associated nearby parking and and drop off area. Further assessment of placing the launch on Stone Lake or Hennessey Wetland will be evaluated for ease of launching and navigating kayaks.
The short term plan for the South Sub_Area includes paved and lit parking areas, additional trail links and improvement to the Mountain Bike Trailhead at Link Park and the Girl Scout Building. An assessment of relocating the existing Lions Fields programs to another system park should occur prior to investing in the field, fencing and lighting improvements.
The long term plan for the North Sub-Area includes the assessment and potential removal of the Rotary Old Timers Field for additional parking and a second rental lodge (approx. 5,000 sq. ft) The new lodge is located near Cummings Lodge to capitalize on the lakefront views and existing infrastructure.
For more information, call the Park Office at 219-326-9600 or e-mail Park Superintendent Mark Schreiber at mschreiber@cityoflaportein.gov. The master plan can be viewed in detail at www.cityoflaporte.com document center.
See Master Plan online, click here
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