By PAULENE POPARAD

Porter Park Board members learned Tuesday that only three resident surveys seeking input on a new five-year park master plan have been returned.

Made available last month, the surveys can be obtained at the town hall, Hageman Library and on the town website at www.townofporter.com under Park Department. Responses are due until May 31; a public forum to seek additional input is planned for June.

After initial demographic questions, the survey wants to know which Park Department programs and activities residents have participated in and which facilities they use. Respondents also are asked what new programs/activities they would enjoy, what park facilities are the most in need of upgrading and what additional comments they have, if any.

Mail or drop-off responses are to be returned to the town hall, 303 Franklin St., to the attention of the Park Department. Park Board president Zathoe Sexton urged residents to help the park plan for their current and future needs.

With the youth baseball season about to get into full swing, respective representatives of the Duneland Diamond and State Park Little League programs were present to finalize arrangements to use Hawthorne Park. State Park president Audra Peterson received permission for her group to purchase and use break-away bases, to bring in dirt and stone to spread, and to erect a snow fence in the outfield to designate a home run.

The board agreed to the requests and park superintendent Jim Miller said he would coordinate his field preparations with the baseball leagues. Peterson said they don’t intend to use the concession stand but will help finish painting it.

Miller announced that all town parks including Lake Charles and Indian Springs are open for the season, and he detailed indoor/outdoor maintenance and repairs completed or in progress. He said he is getting estimates for installation of emergency lighting in the community building, which has none.

In other business, the board voted 4-0 to allow vendors to be present at the Northwest Indiana Pagan Association witches’ ball Oct. 25 at the community building. Board permission is needed for items to be sold during a rental.

Kele Ivey of NIPA said money raised through the sale of jewelry, crafts, card readings and raffles would help fund the event, estimated to draw about 65 people. Ivey said the group is in the process of obtaining not-for-profit status. NIPA’s draft mission statement says it provides outreach, education and worship opportunities for pagan and pagan-friendly people; the group also sponsors public-service events and makes charitable donations.

Park administrator Stephanie Miller said after an initial New Year’s slump, park reservations are back on track compared to last year’s activity. Board member Patty Raffin asked if plans are being made for the park’s children’s summer program; Miller responded affirmatively.

Member Becky Maranto thanked Sexton for her $430 donation of three hybrid hawthorn trees to plant at that park. Sexton said she’s enjoyed the flowering hawthorns there through the years and wants to have replacement trees started before the older ones are lost.

The board decided to take two items off its agenda: a wish list because it’s not known if there will be any money for extras this year, and discussion regarding a proposed 5-acre public park at the new Porter Trails subdivision at Old Porter Road and South Mineral Springs Road. Board members said it would be premature to consider whether the Park Department wants to take title to the park without a firm proposal from the developer.

Posted 4/16/2008