Several enhancements were added this summer to Bluffton’a Motter Park, which is part of the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District.

“A gazebo is now in place at the park entrance. It was made possible through a gift from the Jean Henze estate of Gomer,” according to Kevin Haver, park district director. “A second gazebo is now in Kendrick Woods, another park in the district.”

“The gazebo is the focal point of Motter Park,” said Haver, adding that it can be used as a meeting place for persons planning to hike the park’s trails.

 Concerning future developments at Motter Park, Haver said, “Feedback we’ve received about the park here in Bluffton is to keep it simple and natural.”

The park director is hopeful that The Nature Conservatory, a nationally-recognized charitable environmental organization, will support Motter park with funds to establish a wetland area. The intent is for filter runoff flood water and attract waterfowl.

If successful, that wet land area of the park, near Little Riley Creek, will have shallow water most of the year around.

This summer 26 signs in five different grouping areas were placed to explain those five habitats at Motter Park.

The signs are the result of a Clean Ohio Fund grant from the Ohio Public Works Commission. That grant provided 75% of the funding for the signage. The Lima office of Nutrien Corp, (formerly Potash Corp.), provided $5,000 of money for the signage.

“The signs are posted along the trails. Hikers may stop at each habitat and learn more about that location,” said Tyler Black of Bluffton, the Metro park’s deputy director. He added that there are one-and-one-half miles of trails at the park.

Other enhancements could include benches along the trails. Both Haver and Black said that the park district welcomes memorials designated to the Park District Foundation.