Putnam Wants To Upgrade Jere Whitson Park In Grant Application

Putnam County wants to complete a three-phased parks improvement plan by applying for a $450,000 health grant.

Mayor Randy Porter said the first year of the three-year grant would renovate playground equipment at Jere Whitson Park.

“We knew Jere Whitson had to be the first cause it’s the most outdated, but as far as the second year and third year, we’re working on that plan to see where those are going to go,” Porter said. “We’ll be working with the state when we apply for this grant to see what they think also.”

Porter said the plan for now is to install at playground at the county sports complex in the second year. Porter said the third year may be used to create a new park within the county or build a playground at Bloomington Springs.

“Maybe building some parks out in the county,” Porter said. “Something similar that we did with Hope Park for the tornado victims.”

Porter said the zero match grant will give $150,000 a year over the next three years if awarded. The Putnam County Commission approved applying for the funding at a Tuesday meeting.

“I think we hear something probably as early as spring. Late spring early summer,” Porter said. “I think it will go through pretty quick.”