Forum Discusses Park Plans in Wake of Pool Closure

The Town of Newburgh in conjunction with the Newburgh Park Board held a public forum on March 1 to discuss the plans for Lou Dennis Community Park. The Town Council announced in January the decision to close the pool. Rising operational and repair costs combined with low attendance at the current facility prompted the closing and the decision to create a master plan for the future of the community park.

The meeting included the first look at a proposed sketch for the new layout of the park along with an open discussion session. The sketch includes a not only the pool which was indicated to be phase 1 of construction but also a splash pad, basketball courts, playground, open green space and picnic shelters.

The decision to close the pool has prompted great public interest with groups coming together to brainstorm and fundraise for the task ahead. Although the pool is the topic of current conversation, there is an immediate need at the Lou Dennis Community Park that the Newburgh Parks Board is focused on this spring.

The park is bordered by amazing ash trees that have provided shade and ambiance for the Fortress of Fun in the park for decades. The trees are endangered by the Emerald Ash Borer are due for treatment to prevent an infestation from hitting the park. The Emerald Ash Borers arrived in the US from Asia in 2002 and have been attacking and killing trees.

Park Pals is an extension of the Newburgh Parks Board which strives to preserve, protect and manage natural, historical, and recreational resources and facilities to offer leisure activities and programming for all citizens. Park Pals is a non-profit organization established to enhance the public's enjoyment of the Newburgh public parks along with preserving, protecting and growing the parks.

The Park Pals will be hosting "Ring in Spring" on March 17. This first-ever Parks Pals event will be a tea and style show with proceeds going to the treatment of the trees. "Ring in Spring", sponsored by ERA First Advantage Realty will be from 2-4 p.m. at Preservation Hall on March 17. Newburgh businesses and merchants have stepped up to sponsor, provide fashions and accessories for the show and door prizes along with food and beverages for all in attendance.

Tickets are $15 per person. Checks are payable to Park Pals of Newburgh. Reservations and payments should be sent to 119 W. Jennings St., Newburgh, IN 47630. Additional information on the event can be found on the Historic Newburgh, Inc. Facebook page or by calling 812-483-4440.

Helen Zimmerman is the Executive Director of Historic Newburgh, Inc.

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