Local architect Mary Ellen Rudisel-Jordan provided a visual presentation to the Winona Lake Town Council showing them where enhancements to the existing walking trail and the town’s street department building could be made.

A view of the Winona Lake Street Department building from the walking trail.

Noting the less than desirable view of the street department building from the walking trail, the council asked Scearce Rudisel Architects to look at the surroundings and see what could be done to improve the aesthetics.

After calling in a landscape architect, it was noted the walking trail is riddled with invasive species such as poison ivy and vines. Rudisel-Jordan said the landscape architect volunteered to mark with paint all of the vegetation that should be removed. She then suggested a community work day where volunteers could help clear the debris.

It was also pointed out that metal siding on the street department building is rusting and will need to be replaced in the near future. Rudisel-Jordan suggested replacing it with metal stucco look panels to enhance the appearance.

She further laid out a plan to plant clusters of trees along the trail that would better suit the landscaping and fill in voids that would provide a greater shield of the view of the building. And, upon the discovery of a flowing well that exists behind the street department, suggested building a walking bridge across the creek and to access the flowing well and enhance it with brick pavers.

While no action was taken on the proposal, Winona Lake Clerk-Treasurer Kent Adams asked for a projected cost for the improvements being suggested. Those will be presented at a later date. In the meantime, it was suggested that a master plan for such improvements be completed.

In other business:

• A bid by Chuck Shane Excavation of Akron was approved for the demolition of the town’s lodge building. The cost of $7,650 will include demolition and disposal of all debris, removal of the foundation and all concrete backfill. The area will then be compacted with dirt and topsoil added for grass seed.
• Town coordinator Craig Allebach noted that NIPSCO has donated 24 trees to the town, which will be planted May 3-4 along the greenway and in the town’s two parks. An additional 17 trees, provided by Open Air Market, will be planted on the island where a storm took out many of the older trees, and on Widaman Street in Southtown Estates. Volunteers wishing to help plant the trees are asked to come out at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 4.
• The Fat & Skinny Tire Fest dates were announced for May 17-19 in the Village at Winona. Also, the Victims Services 5K Walk/Run will be happening April 20 at 9 a.m.
• Winona Lake Town Council will be adopting a resolution making May 6, 2013, Dr. Ronald Manahan Day. Dr. Manahan will complete nearly 36 years of service to Grace College on May 11.