27-03-2025
Our View: Improve Anderson parks to elevate quality of life
When local government officials reach out to the community for ideas about how to provide better services, sometimes all they hear are crickets.
But on March 12, when the City of Anderson conducted its second public meeting on the five-year master plan for the city's parks, the crickets got drowned out by good ideas from local residents.
Candy Short expressed interest in plans for Athletic Park and for future use of the current Madison County Jail property, near the White River downtown. (A new jail is being built in north Anderson.)
'I would like to see a tribute included to the Native Americans who first settled in the area,' she said, noting that she's 'excited to see' the Athletic Park expansion project 'move forward.'
City officials expect ground to be broken this year for renovations at Athletic Park. The plan includes a 2,500-seat amphitheater, restrooms, water slides, a lazy-river pool, climbing features, playground equipment, walkways, shelters and community meeting space.
The Anderson Redevelopment Commission has dedicated $20 million to the project, and the city has received a $1.5 million grant from the state to relocate a sewer line.
City officials hope the new Athletic Park will draw visitors to the downtown area while providing more activities for Anderson residents.
But Athletic Park is just one of 30 city parks in Anderson. The five-year plan should target nearly all of them for much-needed upgrades.
The proposed five-year plan includes upgrading Crawford Field with a nature preserve to the west of the ballpark, as well as a playground and walking trails. The plan for Allis Park on West Eighth Street includes basketball, tennis and pickleball courts, a playground and walking trails.
Tom Hodson said during the March 12 public meeting that it will be important for the city to coordinate efforts with the newly formed Madison County Parks & Recreation Department.
'They have to work together,' he said.
The city is creating the new five-year plan so that local parks qualify for state and federal funding for improvements. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources requires municipalities to file a new master plan every five years. Anderson's plan is due April 15.
While the plan will bring strategic focus to needs such as park access, safety and equipment, Angie Strickler pointed out at the March 12 meeting that the city needs to hire a well-qualified Parks & Recreation Department manager. The position has been vacant since Jama Donovan left it in April 2024.
'They need to develop programs,' Strickler said. 'People have been asking for that. We need activities for young people.'
K'Mia Clarett also made a salient observation at the March 12 meeting.
'Lights around Shadyside Park would make it safer for people to walk there at night or in the morning,' she said.
All of these points should help inform the city's five-year master parks plan. Anderson does have nice parks. But with the right plan in place, the quality of parks facilities and programming to engage locals and visitors could be improved dramatically, thereby elevating local quality of life.
