2023 Kentland Year in Review
Kentland’s 2023 Year in Review
A message from Kentland’s Opportunity Zone Task Force Director, Mike Davis.
A Year of Making a Difference
Greetings, I’m Mike Davis, and I am pleased to share our town’s progress in 2023 and outline our plans for 2024.
First and foremost, our town is blessed with motivated and generous volunteers, dedicated town employees and elected officials. To all of them, thank you. Your efforts made, and will continue to make, a difference.
Thrive Intergenerational Campus Update
Beginning with accomplishments in 2023,the first phase of the Thrive Intergenerational Campus, the Autumn Trace Senior Living Community, is well on its way to completion, with residents moving in early this spring.
The completion of the 2-stage ditch along 4th Street proved its metal this fall by keeping the water level in check with a 5-inch rain.
The second phase of the Thrive Campus, The Robert and Jeannette Batton Park, is nearing completion including the new pavilion which is ADA-accessible. It is now truly an intergenerational park
Parks Update
The addition of Wonder Park (formerly South Side Park) on the corner of Allen and 4th street has already entertained the 2 to 12-year-olds it was designed for.
The Kentland Park Board was officially reinstated this year. Park Board President, Casey Ward, put an ambitious program in motion, which includes Kentland being designated as a “Tree City.”
Childcare in Kentland
The third phase of the Thrive Campus, a childcare facility, is moving forward. In conjunction with the Jasper Newton Foundation, the Kentland Task Force completed an extensive survey to determine the level of need for registered childcare, a critical step in developing the community.
Other Town Accomplishments
The Kentland Community Fund continues to gather momentum. There is currently an incentive to match a $100,000 pledge, which, in turn, can be used to match federal and state programs.
Newton County Community Services established a home for the Kentland Nutrition Site located at the Kentland Depot in Cast Park.
Kentland attracted attention from surrounding communities with another successful winter event “A Little Christmas Cheer at the Airport” featuring Newton County’s largest fireworks display to date.
Town Board Milestones
The Kentland Town Board also scored a monumental milestone this year.
The most significant grant ever received by this community will underpin the town’s water infrastructure for years to come. A $5,000,000 million dollar grant from the State Fund along with $700,000 dollars from OCRA will fund a complete upgrade of the town’s water system. Construction will begin in 2024.
Finally, the town created a TIF district within the community to put local tax dollars to work on local projects beginning in 2025.
Boldly Moving Forward into 2024
Turning to projects slated for 2024:
Autumn Trace Senior Community is set to host its first residents this Spring.
Parks and Recreational Updates
The first order for the Park Board is to develop a 5-year master plan, including applying for funding through DNR and Community Crossings. The plan will also include the widening of 4th Street to include safer pedestrian traffic and a bike lane.
An interconnected pathway for the parks will include a path around Autumn Trace Senior Community and Robert and Jeannette Batton Park, which will conjoin the existing paths to Cast Park and the Steve Ryan Community Center.
Blue Devil Lagoon is set for a facelift this spring. The pool will get a new liner and additional umbrellas for seating. The pool hosts over 7,000 visitors annually.
Wonder Park will feature a bright surrounding with “Put-In” cups designed by the South Newton Elementary, Middle and High School artists this spring.
Town Improvements
Drainage improvement along US 24 and additional parking on 3rd street will enhance the downtown this year.
New Additions
The Kentland Bank, the Kentland Fund, the Jasper Newton Foundation, and Kentland Rotary have combined efforts to develop Rotary Park and the Ron and Sue Humphrey Pavilion Meeting Center. This will be located on 4th Street across from the Kentland Bank with construction to be completed in Spring of 2024.
Ribbon Cutting
The ribbon cutting for Robert and Jeannette Batton Park, Wonder Park, and the connecting paths is scheduled for May 4, 2024, with a fun-filled agenda for the day.
Upcoming Projects
A new town sign following the pattern of the iconic NU-Joy sign on US 41 is to be installed in 2024 directing travelers to downtown Kentland.
The goal of broadening healthcare within the region is still in the works, with direct access programs being explored.
In the process of introducing the Kentland Fund, an exciting prospect developed for South Newton Schools. The Grand Universe project in Westfield, Indiana could establish a STEM program emphasizing agriculture at South Newton. The program promises to become a special component of the education system for South Newton students and graduates.
With the 1.4-million-gallon retention reservoir completed in 2023 at the Kentland Municipal Airport, additional improvements such as paving another apron area and helipad will be finished in the Spring of 2024.
Ways Kentland Can Grow
Governor Holcomb set a goal for the communities within the state to become more aware of grant funding and growth initiatives provided by the State. The Task Force is looking to take advantage of these opportunities, cooperating with other towns, and working with agencies such as DNR, OCRA, KIRPC, the Northwest Indiana Forum, IHCDA, and others to enhance the lifestyle in our already wonderful community.
Here’s to a Great Year!
We look to keep Kentland Boldly Moving Forward! Thank you for listening, and don’t be afraid to raise your hand to volunteer for the many projects within our town!