'Pride in the Park' meeting draws good crowd and plenty of ideas

The initial session, incorporating an array of businesspeople, pastors and civic leaders, was led by former Linton Parks Board member Fred Markle.

While that board's now dissolved, Markle called for the creation of a parks committee which would plan and provide volunteers for upgrades and refits.

"This park is Central Park to Linton, in the same way Central Park is to New York City," said Gayle Margraf, whose grandchildren from Michigan make the park an early, favorite stop when visiting.

Margraf co-owns the nearby McDonald's restaurant with her husband Jerry.

The turnout amazed Markle.

"I honestly didn't think there would be more than four or five people here," he said, laughing. "I thought I'd spend most of my time talking to Ralph Witty, and I haven't spoken to him much all night."

Plenty of talk occurred, however, with a roundtable of suggestions raising several possibilities.

Among them:

* The creation of a "free farmer's market" by the Community Food Pantry suggested by Saron Church pastor Mike Roth, a stand aimed at distributing produce which is produced by community gardens run by the charity.

* Safety rails and steps added to the tank on the park's southwest side.

* The construction of play areas like a fort, constructed in Jasonville. Markle said such a project could be undertaken in stages.

* Revisiting efforts to obtain a $500,000 state grant toward the construction of a teen center. That effort stalled when the city council opposed locating the center near the former conservation club. Now, park committee members suggested the city council meet in executive session, determine a proper location, and resubmit the grant.

* The construction of skateboard ramps which can be relocated, a project Markle, who sells skateboards, said he'd enlist teens to assist with construction.

* The planting of an array of hardwood trees designed for long-term, slow growth, as well as softwood trees which will grow quicker.

* The repair and restoration of the "witch's hat" by Chris Carr. The long-standing ride had recently become a safety hazard due to three of its six support chains snapping. Markle said it's the second time a refit has occurred in 15 years.

* The replacement of small-ticket, worn-out items such as the park grills and park benches, which could cost around $75 each, per discussion.

* The cultivation and expansion of existing projects such as the butterfly garden created by Linton-Stockton fourth graders and the First Christian Church's Christmas lights project.

The church will begin decorating next week, and welcomes volunteers. Ultimately, organizers would like to see the project grow to rival the displays in Washington, Ind.

* The elimination of the caboose, which has rusted beyond repair. It's unlikely a replacement caboose can be obtained from the Indiana railroad.

* The restoration of a park caretaker who resides in the former caretaker's home on the park's east side, a move designed to curtail vandalism.

Markle said he will compile the suggestions and act as a contact liasion between the committee and the city, with another planning session likely next month.