JASPER — The last 25 acres of land planned to become the Parklands had officially been gifted to the City of Jasper.
Dubois County Community Foundation has gifted the 25 acres of land that is adjacent to the existing 50-acre park, bringing the total area up to the planned 75 acres.
The Foundation purchased the 25 acres through contributions from private donors, a bargain sale of the land by the Eversman and Gramelspacher-Nordhoff families and a matching grant from the Bicentennial Nature Trust and Indiana Heritage Trust. The Trust will ensure the 25 acres of woods will be protected and preserved for future generations.
In addition to the land, the Community Foundation also granted $1,372,356.48 of private contributions to the City of Jasper for the Parklands project.
“This project showcases a true public-private partnership,” said Roger Seger, Park Board president. “We’ve had a strong relationship with the Community Foundation from the beginning.”
The park board and Community Foundation will continue to work together on the Parklands as well. The Community Foundation also holds The Parklands Endowment, which was created by private donors with the purpose of supporting the yearly maintenance and upkeep cost of the park, which is estimated between $40,000 and $70,000 a year. The endowment will help alleviate those costs.
“The Parklands now has preserved assets to take care of future needs,” said Clayton Boyles, Community Foundation executive director. “We’re grateful to those with the foresight to ensure the Parklands is sustained by an endowment and enjoyed for many generations to come.”
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