Jasper Park and Recreation Expands its Offerings

The Jasper Park and Recreation Board met on Tuesday night to hear updates on current projects and discussed some planned improvements. 

In her report, Older Americans Director Carie Dick told the board that the bus trip to Terre Haute casino was a success, with attendees enthusiastic about attending similar events in the future. Classes at the Center continue to be well-attended, and parking is starting to even out now that the lower lot is finished. 

Dana Reckelhoff presented her Tourism report to the board with some very encouraging numbers. She said that the Spirit of Jasper tickets sold out all for all but the first train trip in October. Reckelhoff said that there were also good numbers for the Jasper Mill. One group attending the recent FFA convention did a private charter on Spirit of Jasper, saying that Sanders Catering onboard was the best meal of the week for them. Visits to the Mill, the Schoolhouse, and the Parklands have continued, offering great opportunities for homeschooling groups, school tours, and out-of-town visitors. 

Pro Shop Manager Kurt Uebelhor said that October was the strongest fiscal month of the year so far. He said that landscaping crews are doing a lot of maintenance to keep the back 9 open, as it has been a challenge to keep the leaves clear. He said that the driving range has also been reseeded recently and expressed gratitude for the recent rains. Uebelhor said that it is great weather right now, which continues to bring golfers out to the course and the driving range, He said that it looks to be “a record year” in terms of profit. 

Parks Director Tom Moorman updated the board that the controlled burn at the Parklands was completed, and that it was considered to be a success. He also thanked the fire department for their help and expertise. Moorman said that controlled burns allow for regeneration, and they minimize the growth of invasive species and allow seeds of native species to reach the ground. The department will be looking at another controlled burn during springtime, with the year as yet undetermined. Moorman told the board that burns are generally scheduled at least once every five years. The board also heard that the Ruxer Disc Golf Course Club held a tournament as a fundraiser to donate trees at Ruxer, and the City’s pool construction is progressing on schedule. 

Recreation Director Janessa Wagner said that the first wedding at the Ruxer Clubhouse is being held this weekend. Bids were solicited for playground design and construction at Ruxer, and the board voted to move forward with those plans. Pooch’s Playground memberships are still coming in, and the department is looking to include more features to the space over time. The board also granted permission for security cameras at the train depot. Footage will be retained on the cloud, and the length of retention will be confirmed.  

For more information on these and other updates, visit jasperindiana.gov or JasperGov-Indiana on Facebook.



- By Drew Hasselbring