BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
The City of Decatur is cranking up its Kekionga Project, and on June 17 it will be time to crank up the golf carts for a parade!
Mayor Dan Rickord unveiled at the latest city council meeting further plans to raise funds for the three-pronged Kekionga Project: to finally renovate the Kekionga Park ball diamond, to further develop the dog park, and to stock the pond near the dog park.
According to the mayor, a state-funded Patronicity program is being set up to raise money. If $50,000 can be raised here during June and July, Patronicity will match that amount.
“These are three great projects for kids through adults,” the mayor pointed out.
Noting that he would like to complete all three projects this summer, Rickord said he may need to ask council to dip into its ARPA funds.
As part of its plans for pandemic recovery, the federal government provided millions of dollars to municipalities through its American Rescue Plan Act. Decatur received a little over $2 million, some of which has already been spent.
One of the components of the Kekionga Project would clean up and enhance the ball diamond in the park north of the dog park area. The men’s softball league and women softballers use the diamond, having been moved out when the REV Sports Complex opened.
“They’ve never been given a good place to play after leaving the REV,” Rickord said.
Work on the dog park continues. The existing lights are being prepared for operation and also have gotten some fresh paint (see photo).
The golf cart parade will be held Saturday, June 17, with registration of $20 per cart starting at 9:30 a.m. at Riverside Center. From Riverside, the carts will proceed on the Greenway Trail and eventually wind up on Second St., where Downtown Decatur Day is being held.
All proceeds will go to the Kekionga Project.
For more information, contact Community Coordinator Jamie Gephart: (260) 724-7171 or jgephart@decaturin.org
