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Beech Acres Athletic Fields Become a Park
The property containing the athletic fields at the Beech Acres Parenting Center
had been managed by the Anderson Township Park District since 1993 and used by the
community since the late 1950’s. Early in 1997, the same year
the Nagel Park Lease expired, the opportunity arose to secure the land
as a park for future generations. Because purchasing the land was
not planned for in the ATPD’s 1992 Master Plan, the ATPD managed within
the current budget framework to sell bonds that will be paid back over
a 15-year time span; thus, the 26.9 acres became Beech Acres Park. This
acquisition was essential since it was determined that the location and
nature of this land is of great importance to the community. When
the ATPD manages land it does not own, the possibility exists of losing
it in the future, such as when Nagel was lost as a park in the fall of
1997.
Expanding the Offerings of Beech Acres Park
In 1997, the ATPD placed a levy on the ballot that would have provided funding to develop Beech Acres Park into a multi-use park, like Juilfs Park, and to solve the traffic problems that concern many citizens. Because the 1997 Levy did not pass, the property remained unaltered.
After 1997, the ATPD began preparing for its next planning cycle. In doing so, the ATPD conducted focus groups and surveys to better determine what the residents of Anderson would like to see within the next 5-7 years for the ATPD new Master Plan. The focus groups and surveys showed the Beech Acres Park development as the most supported park improvement of 8 possible choices should the ATPD’s Operating Levy pass in November of 2000. On November 7, 2000, the ATPD’s Operating Levy did pass and so, with the limited remaining tax funds, plans were underway to develop this area into a park with amenities similar to that at Juilfs Park.
Planning Begins
The ATPD created a design concept for the park using input gathered from Anderson Residents through a number of surveys, focus groups, and public planning meetings. The final park design consisted of amenities to cater to a wide variety of both passive and active recreational interests.
Partnering With Parkside Church
The ATPD embarked on the initial construction of the park in the Summer of 2001 by expanding the existing parking lot on the east side of the park. The east lot is the same lot that was created through a partnership with the neighboring Parkside Church in 1999. Because both the church and the park required additional parking than what was available at the time, the park district and the church agreed to build a shared lot that would be used by church goers on Sunday mornings and used by park goers during all other times.
For the main lot, the park district provided the land; Parkside Church covered the costs of construction. The partnership for the lot expansion worked in a similar manner: the park district provided the land and approximately one-third of the construction costs; Parkside Church once again covered the remaining costs of construction. The parking lot expansion provided over 100 additional parking spaces and contains a pedestrian sidewalk from Parkside Church to the park.
The ATPD greatly appreciates this generous contribution from Parkside Church to the residents of Anderson Township. This partnership is a terrific demonstration of wise use of both organizations’ limited resources.
The Future of Beech Acres Park
While the majority of amenities are complete, budget constraints have forced the ATPD to defer development of certain projects in the master plan such as an all-inclusive play area, a water spray ground, roller hockey area, phase 2 of the skate park, two small shelters, additional garden areas, additional parking areas and lights for the hike/bike trail. The development of these deferred structures is contingent upon the attainment of future funding. Fundraising efforts are currently taking place.
Visit the Partnership
Fundraising section of Support Your Parks for more information.
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