4-H Park

[Blazer81]

Is a new 4-H Park the best use for the Major Moves Money?

[Copycatted]

[QUOTE=Blazer81;44985]Is a new 4-H Park the best use for the Major Moves Money?[/QUOTE


I don't think so unless with some major moves/relocating as has been discussed but with major improvement to the beach and add shoreline fishing,especially for local kids but not forgetting us have nots of boats;it would keep a draw on Summer Lakers and tourists too. And also with shaded picnicking areas where families could have the dual purposes escape to for some r&r every now and then. There's allot of shaded area at the current 4-H park. But ever check out public shoreline fishing places in the DNR registry here in our bragged about 101 lakes? It may as well be zilch given that most resort lakes shoreline fishing and public use on our lakes has gone to housing.

I'm hung up on bridges over such waterways that would serve other purposes or even foot bridges over small ponds. In such an scenario who'd NEED a boat? Ever seen the boardwalks with side rails along some of the river waterway and parks in Fort Wayne? SUPER for fishing even though locals are advised not to be eating the fish. To bad because of the walking distance the 4-H park isn't in Angola's back yard. Maybe an public Angola swimming pool?

[troublesome one]

While not answering the question Blazer81 posted directly, I think improvements definitely should be made to the 4-H Park.

While I don't have a direct interest in it a couple of points seem obvious:

1. 4-H is a tremendous program for hundreds, if not thousands, of Steuben County youth. It's precepts teach responsibility, learning, goal setting, and accomplishment.
2. It's a very wholesome, family-oriented event that bonds all four corners of the county. Jamestown Twp. meet Otsego Twp.
3. The infrastructure has kept pace for a "pure" 4-H fair but is not going to be able to make the next step and expand the draw beyond the agricultural community and extended family.

It'll be up to the Commissioners and Council to determine the appropriate funding source(s) for whatever they elect to do. Any additional investment they make in the facility would be welcome. If you disagree with the use of major Moves money or think the expenditure is too high then please attend the meetings or email your representatives.

[Copycatted]

While not answering the question Blazer81 posted directly, I think improvements definitely should be made to the 4-H Park.

While I don't have a direct interest in it a couple of points seem obvious:

1. 4-H is a tremendous program for hundreds, if not thousands, of Steuben County youth. It's precepts teach responsibility, learning, goal setting, and accomplishment.
2. It's a very wholesome, family-oriented event that bonds all four corners of the county. Jamestown Twp. meet Otsego Twp.
3. The infrastructure has kept pace for a \"pure\" 4-H fair but is not going to be able to make the next step and expand the draw beyond the agricultural community and extended family.

It'll be up to the Commissioners and Council to determine the appropriate funding source(s) for whatever they elect to do. Any additional investment they make in the facility would be welcome. If you disagree with the use of major Moves money or think the expenditure is too high then please attend the meetings or email your representatives.

Maybe keeping Fun Spot something like it is may work to combine the two places. You know DeKalb County has their DeKalb County Free Fall Fair every year and there's hardly ever a lack of crowd there. I think a priority so as the 4-H intent wasn't lost was to have an a fleet of glorified golf carts (like six passenger ones) and a mini-two way street to keep the shuttling active-free ofcourse or people would lose interest going either way.

[hairypumper]

Maybe keeping Fun Spot something like it is may work to combine the two places. You know DeKalb County has their DeKalb County Free Fall Fair every year and there's hardly ever a lack of crowd there. I think a priority so as the 4-H intent wasn't lost was to have an a fleet of glorified golf carts (like six passenger ones) and a mini-two way street to keep the shuttling active-free ofcourse or people would lose interest going either way.

Insurance costs would make this all but impossible.

[Thorman]

While not answering the question Blazer81 posted directly, I think improvements definitely should be made to the 4-H Park.

While I don't have a direct interest in it a couple of points seem obvious:

1. 4-H is a tremendous program for hundreds, if not thousands, of Steuben County youth. It's precepts teach responsibility, learning, goal setting, and accomplishment.
2. It's a very wholesome, family-oriented event that bonds all four corners of the county. Jamestown Twp. meet Otsego Twp.
3. The infrastructure has kept pace for a \"pure\" 4-H fair but is not going to be able to make the next step and expand the draw beyond the agricultural community and extended family.

It'll be up to the Commissioners and Council to determine the appropriate funding source(s) for whatever they elect to do. Any additional investment they make in the facility would be welcome. If you disagree with the use of major Moves money or think the expenditure is too high then please attend the meetings or email your representatives.

I guess my questions come down to:
1. How many days in a year do we actually use the 4-H park?

2. I do not doubt that 4-H is a wholesome family activity, but is the expenditure to improve the fairgrounds that are used for two or so weeks a year worth the cost?

3. If Major Moves money is to be used for economic development as per state law, then is the cost an effective use of the money to improve the economy of Steuben County?

4. How many jobs will be created in the county?

5. Is this a better use of the Major Moves money than say developing some industrial sites in the area or fixing some of the arterial roads throughout our county?

[Torget]

My understanding is that the main plan is to move the 4-H grounds to the Fun Spot area once all the rides are sold and gone, but that depends on how much they would have to give for the land, and then the current 4-H grounds would be turned into some sort of convention center or resort/hotel that would attract events and bring people into town for said events. That is just one idea on the table but it seems to be the predominate one. If the existing fair grounds were updated and improved such that certain festivals and events could be held there, why not just do that? Say, for instance, a bluegrass festival, or a pre-1840's settlement, or like Kendalville has Applefest at theirs...etc...

So, if it is done right, it would be used more than just a week or two out of the year and there would be added income for the county by renting the grounds and more business for local businesses.

[Copycatted]

Insurance costs would make this all but impossible.

At least I will give you that one Hairy for knowing the defination of but.