Council packet attached below this story -
Bluffton council’s park and recreation committee explained projects on its plate during Monday’s council session.

The committee is looking into an annex procedure of the 105-acre Motter Metro Park, which is owned by the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District. The park is located at 10740 Columbus Grove Road.

One of the long-term goals of the committee is to include a way to get from the Parkview subdivision to the Motter Metro Park walking paths.

The committee is exploring options for retention ponds near the village park. The purpose is to mitigate flooding in the village. One option is to talk with the Army Corp of engineers to see it there’s sufficient reason to move forward.

In 2021 the committee will apply for a $15,000 grant to enable one of several projects to move forward at the village park. These includes:

• Soccer field parking - $32,200 for asphalt and concrete for a pathway and viewing platform.

• High school baseball parking - $37,000 for 2 ADA parking spaces (1 van accessible spot), a pathway with a viewing platform and moving the ADA portable bathroom closer to the shelter house with a new concrete pad.

2020 projects
This year, thanks for a $15,000 grant assistance from the metro park, the village added two handicap parking spaces and an asphalt pathway and viewing platform to the ball field closest to County Line Road.

The grant also enabled the village to add two handicapped parking spaces between the T-ball and softball fields and place a concrete connectivity from the parking lot to the concession stand and playground.

The grant also enabled the addition of a concrete path from the concession stand to the T-ball field viewing platform.

Mitch Kingsley and Ben Stahl are council members on the committee.