Jasper Recreational Space Updates Continue

Tuesday afternoon’s meeting of the Jasper Park and Recreation Board presented some enticing public space updates for residents to look forward to. 

In her Habig Center Report, Older Americans Director Carie Dick said this was the best August in her tenure. She cited record attendance at the exercise classes, 96 guests for the catered meal last month, and 107 reserved for this month. For the upcoming Jersey Boys trip, there are 2 full buses with 25 people on the waiting list. On October 24 th , there is a planned casino trip to Terre Haute. Quotes were also opened for the Habig Center door project. 

Community Engagement Coordinator Dana Reckelhoff provided a tourism report, saying that the Strassenfest numbers are in and come in stronger than previous years. During Strassenfest, every train except the last one was filled, and the Mill, Schoolhouse, and Barn hosted over 500 guests. Train rides are continuing every weekend through September and October, with a sold- out Chocolate Wine and Dine trip coming up this weekend. 

In his golf report, Pro shop manager Kurt Uebelhor said that profits and attendance are up this month compared to last year. Uebelhor said that “it’s busy and it stays busy,” and also gave a “hats off to the maintenance crew” for keeping the grounds watered during the dry weather. 

 The board approved the purchase of a greens mix for the 14 Green and a small increase on fees for next year. 

A Buehler Park update provided an overview of some of the new amenities now available at the park. These include new asphalt and a new shelter, pickleball courts, ping pong tables, a trail route, and lots of great amenities for the community to make use of. The area is proving popular with visitors, and inquiries for rentals are already coming in. 

The board heard discussions regarding appropriate entrance fees for the new community pool next season. Comparisons were made with other local communities to make sure that fees are similar and will make the pool financially accessible for visitors. In the past, the city has sold coupon books, but season passes with guest photos are being discussed. The terms are not finalized, but a season pass fee of $60 is being considered with $5 day-pass rates. There will be no charge for children ages 4. 

The purchase of 3 new scoreboards was approved, with 2 due for placement at the sports complex in the softball area and another in the men’s softball field. Recreation Director Janessa Wagner said that Pooch’s Playground memberships renew in January, and she has received lots of compliments about the newly added features. Rental facilities overall show continued growth, with special attention given to newer and improved spaces. 

Permission was granted to obtain pricing for playground equipment at Ruxer, which was described as much-needed and projected for heavy use. Board members expressed a strong concern that there needs to be a contingency plan for when the area floods and suggested that barriers or other physical method of closing the playground should be used. It was agreed that a plan could be developed that is similar to the way that the Riverwalk is closed during spring flooding season.


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


- Drew Hasselbring