Contact: Timothy C. Joyce, 317-696-3846       Feb. 7, 2014

Think spring! Contest set to name new wetlands park

Is the harsh winter weather getting you down? Mayor Dean Jessup has a way to get you thinking about spring.

Lawrence is sponsoring a contest to name the city’s newest park – a long and narrow wetlands situated next to Monarch Beverage Co. that someday will provide a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of busy Pendleton Pike.

Monarch deeded about six acres on the eastern edge of its site at 9347 Pendleton Pike to the city for $10 in late 2011 so the wetlands contained there could be preserved and used as a park. Work already has been done to reclaim the area, including restoration of a tributary of Bells Run and planting of native plants and trees.

“We’re planning to start work in the spring to create our city’s newest park,” Mayor Jessup said. “It will be a place where visitors can find respite from the hubbub of the city and learn the importance of wetlands preservation.”

Plans are still being developed, but they tentatively call for construction of a path for walkers, cyclists and birdwatchers, as well as places for visitors to observe the wetlands.

“We invite all city residents, including school children, to propose names for the park,” Mayor Jessup said. “We’re hoping our residents give serious thought to an appropriate name but we also want them to have fun and be creative. Perhaps the name will honor someone or something out of Lawrence’s history. Maybe it will reflect the flora and fauna that can be found in the wetlands. Or maybe it will be something entirely different.

“We’re looking for something that puts Lawrence and its residents in a positive light and causes people to want to use the new park.”

The city will accept entries through April 11. Residents may submit entries in two ways:

Email: Send an email with the suggested park name and your name, address and phone number to mayor@cityoflawrence.org. Put “wetlands park contest” in the subject line.

U.S. mail: Send the suggested name and your name, address and phone number to Wetlands Park Contest, c/o City of Lawrence, 9001 E. 59th St., Suite 301, Lawrence, IN 46216.

Mayor Jessup and members of the Lawrence Redevelopment Commission will choose from the entries and the mayor will announce the park’s name in late April.

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