Redevelopment commission approves up to $500,000 local match for Riverside Park grant

The Logansport Redevelopment Commission on Tuesday approved local matching funds not to exceed $500,000 to support a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant application for Riverside Park.

Jan, the park project presenter, told the commission the grant application is due Aug. 1 and that award notifications are expected in late November or early December. "The grant is due August 1," she said. "You’ll know late November, early December whether your grant has been accepted." She told commissioners that, if awarded, construction likely would not begin until 2028 because of required environmental and historical reviews.

The commission’s vote approved a local contribution framework reflected in the board materials: up to $100,000 from the industrial park TIF fund, $100,000 from the consolidated TIF fund and $50,000 from downtown TIF, with the total local minimum commitment matching a larger $500,000 application threshold. Jan said the local commitment is intended to be a partial match that can be increased with private donations; she added the project team is seeking additional private funds to expand the grant ask.

Board members discussed programmatic scope and parking needs, and noted the project also aims to be an economic-development driver by attracting visitors. Jan described design elements shown in the packet, including a proposed boardwalk, an east-end stage placed to reduce sound impacts on nearby homes, expanded playground and shade features, and added parking to support events.

The commission approved the resolution by voice vote; the final scope, project phasing and any additional local contributions will be revisited if the grant is awarded.

What happens next: staff will finalize the grant paperwork and coordinate required appraisals and match documentation with city staff and Baker Tilly. If Logansport’s application advances, the commission will return for approvals tied to specific construction steps and budgets.