A large tract of land that was once a historic golf course and then privately owned is once again a community treasure. It didn’t happen overnight. But many residents in Jennings County, Ind., believe it was worth the wait.

“Today it’s a vibrant park operated by the city of North Vernon and open to all county residents,” says Andy Ertel, former district director for the Jennings County Soil and Water Conservation District and still a consultant for the district.

Once the idea formed among community leaders, Ertel played various roles to help make it a reality. The Jennings County SWCD’s primary role was providing technical assistance.

“The goal was to have a large pond, and the SWCD provided technical assistance to plan that development,” Ertel says. “It required moving lots of dirt. Planners wanted to make sure that whatever was done not only produced something that residents would use, but which was also environmentally friendly for the property.”

After more than three years of planning, work and investment, Tripton Park opened this year. “There are still some finishing touches needed, but people are using and enjoying it,” Ertel says.

Wildflower plantings

The district provided more than technical assistance at times during the project. Brad Ponsler, Jennings County SWCD chairman, says the district staff and supervisors were involved in planning and planting several acres to wildflowers.

“We promoted pollinator plantings heavily over the last few years throughout the county, and we still do,” Ponsler says. “It only made sense to include pollinator plantings at the park. We wanted people to not only enjoy wildflowers but learn about their value in the environment.”

The pollinator planting managed by the district includes several acres on rolling terrain in the park. Walking trails run through it, allowing those using the trails to enjoy wildflowers in bloom. Hopefully, they become inspired to ask questions and consider planting wildflowers on their own acreage, Ponsler says.

The SWCD also encouraged planting of several dozen trees of different species within park land. Single trees of dozens of species are equipped with tags featuring QR codes. By holding a smartphone to the tag, anyone can read the tag and identify the tree.

The new park also includes a Frisbee golf course, with “holes” scattered throughout the property.

“The goal is to place your Frisbee in the basket at each green,’’ Ertel says. “The idea stemmed from a way to honor the original use for the property. It’s turning out to be very popular.”

Ponsler adds, “Some people really get into it. They have different Frisbees for different uses, just like golfers have different golf clubs. They use certain ones farther from the basket, and other ones as they get closer. It’s fascinating to watch.”