Retired planner Eric Freeman to lead Alexandria five‑year parks plan after unanimous board approval

The Alexandria Parks Board voted to work with Eric Freeman to develop a five‑year parks and recreation plan at no charge. The motion was made and seconded and carried by voice vote.

Freeman, a retired public official who said he led a county parks planning process in Putnam County, told the board he has materials and processes from prior work that would speed public engagement and grant applications. He highlighted a proposed 23‑acre “Mill Park” and a Harrison Street pedestrian corridor as candidate projects that could help spur downtown foot traffic and future investment.

Freeman warned the board there are firm program deadlines for state planning and grant review: the Department of Natural Resources accepts draft plans once a year with a November 15 draft date and an April 15 final submission. He said most DNR grants require matching funds and noted some INDOT grants operate on a reimbursable basis, requiring the municipality to pay up front and submit receipts for reimbursement.

Board members expressed broad support. Kim, parks board president, said the board was “ready to get things moving” and credited Freeman’s experience and willingness to volunteer. After discussion about timelines and local budget constraints, a member moved and the board approved a formal motion to proceed with Freeman’s assistance and to authorize staff to coordinate public input sessions and the draft submittal.

The board did not specify contract terms during the meeting other than recording Freeman’s offer to perform the planning work pro bono; staff and the board agreed further administrative details—schedules, point persons and next steps—will be handled outside the meeting.

The board’s acceptance creates a path for Alexandria to submit a draft parks plan to the state by the November deadline and to pursue matching grants contingent on the final plan and future budget approvals.