Sample Project Narrative

Town of Inspiration, Conservation County, WI
Project Name: Inspiration Park Expansion Acquisition Project

Project Description:

Summary This proposal is for assistance in funding the acquisition of 12 acres for expansion of Inspiration Park. There is an additional 2.3 acre portion of the property southwest of the Fox Valley & Western Railroad that will be used to develop tennis courts and is not included in this proposal because of its anticipated non-nature based recreation use. Refer to the attached project boundary and site map. The Town has committed itself to further expansion of its community park that has been in existence since the early 1990's. This property will be developed into a more passive recreation area including a multi-use trail (primarily hiking, biking, & cross-country skiing), and a restroom facility, park shelter, and parking to support the trail and picnic area. The remainder of the parcel will be left as open and natural space.

Background

Inspiration Park, acquired in 1991 without funding assistance, is a community park, located in the eastern portion of the Town of Inspiration and is easily accessible from Elizabeth Street, off STH 92 (see Project Site Plan). The park is bordered by the Village's wastewater treatment facility to the north; a residential area to the east; Elizabeth Street on the west; and STH 92 to the south. The Towns of Bennett and Dane are respectively on the other sides of Elizabeth Street and STH 92.

The existing 40-acre community park was developed in phases during the early 1990's. The town developed a recreational facility consisting of competitive sport (baseball and soccer) fields, as well as areas geared toward more passive/individualized recreational activities (play area, picnicking, and walking/cross-country skiing). The expansion acreage will add passive recreation opportunities for park users, including an important trail connector between Hope's Trail to the north and the Grouse Ridge Trail to the east. A variety of outdoor recreational activities will be provided as a result of the acquisition:

1. Multi-use, multi-seasonal trail (hiking, biking, & cross-country skiing)
2. Picnic Area and Pavilion, including parking area, to be located in the northeast section of the property.
3. Foot trail leading into wildlife viewing and nature study area.

Relation to Local and Regional Plan Objectives

The benefit of this project to the Town and surrounding smaller communities cannot be overstated. The expansion of Inspiration Park specifically furthers the goals outlined in the Town of Inspiration Park and Recreation Plan that was adopted in 1998. Page 6 of that plan identifies expansion of the park to add passive recreation facilities. The project also addresses issues identified by the Central Regional Planning Commission in its 1998 Overall Economic Development Program Annual Report. On pages 112 - 116 the report discusses goals related to Land and Environmental Resources. It identifies as important, two goals which are relevant to this project: 1) Maintain a balanced mix of public recreation facilities and 2) Improve access to balanced public recreation areas for communities with populations under 5,000…. This project is also supported by the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (pages 122- 123).

Key Partnerships

The Town of Inspiration has worked hard to develop partnerships in the development of their community park, including this project. Volunteers have been central to its success. Various community and surrounding community service organizations, volunteers from little league and softball associations, and local contractors have all been instrumental in providing labor and materials for the development of existing active sports facilities and trails. The Town is also pleased with the partnership that has been formed with the school district in relation to this project. The school board approved a commitment to integrate nature study curriculum into maintenance and restoration activities that would occur on this property through teacher and student participation.

Status of Acquisition Process

An option to purchase agreement has been signed with an expiration date of November 1, 2001 and including a purchase price of $48,000.

Project Budget