NEW ALBANY — Though the methods were criticized by opponents, Mayor Jeff Gahan’s administration embarked on improving New Albany’s park system in 2012 through an ambitious plan fueled by a $19.6 million bond.
Based on a history of failing to meet its funding obligation to the then joint parks department, the majority of the New Albany City Council and Gahan elected to part ways with Floyd County on parks matters and add quality-of-life facilities in the city autonomously.
Heading into the municipal election year, the biggest projects on the list are on schedule to open, including Silver Street Park.
Media toured the nearly complete facility this week, as the hope is to open Silver Street Park in January. The park cost $6 million to construct, and was footed through the $19.6 million bond for quality-of-life projects to be paid back with tax-increment financing funds.
It’s not an indoor volleyball or basketball facility, as the Southern Indiana Sports Center has largely filled that need in Floyd County.
The multiuse recreational center is highlighted by a 50 by 50 yard indoor turf field. Football and indoor soccer can be played on the turf, and it can also be used for baseball and softball practice when the weather is poor.
“There’s nothing like this that I know of in the area,” Gahan said.
The outdoor amenities of the park are also important, he continued.
They include a one-mile walking track, a playground with a covered shelter area and a skate park. There’s even a graffiti wall for youths to spraypaint without causing damage to the rest of the facility, as well as a splash pad and a rope gym.
Two basketball courts have been constructed and there’s a sizable outdoor soccer and football field complete with a press box and scoreboard.
It’s not just about parks, it’s also about redevelopment, Gahan said.
The land was once occupied by Hoosier Panel, and most recently CCE Inc. Neighbors had complained about the condition and use of the property for several years before the city bought out CCE to build the park.
Hopefully the renovation of the property will spur economic and residential growth and improvement in the surrounding neighborhoods, Gahan said.
“The main effort was to revitalize this 18-acres of industrial site that had fallen out of service,” he said. “Generally speaking, public investment draws private investment.”
With the city council’s blessing, the New Albany Redevelopment Commission OK’d the bond. It’s also footing a revamp of Binford Park and an outdoor aquatic center that should open in May.
Though it wasn’t constructed to be a money-maker, Silver Street Park could provide some funds for the parks department based on fees paid by leagues and organizations that will rent the facility, Gahan said.
There’s already been ample interest and commitments from local leagues and schools to use the recreational center for practices and games, New Albany Parks Director Alicia Meredith said.
“It’s going to be a great opportunity for the city of New Albany and the parks department,” she said.