Denise Retz, Richmond’s parks superintendent, last year approached Richmond Common Council with an alternative way to manage final phases of the Whitewater Gorge Activation project.
Council approved the build-operate-transfer method that she proposed, and the parks department has chosen who it wants to manage the project. During its Feb. 12 meeting, the city’s parks board approved GM/RL Turner Development as the project manager.
Board member Dakota Collins, who helped with the selection, said he had confidence in the company to assist the city through the next phases. Turner has worked with the city on the activation’s initial phase at the Test Road trailhead.
The BOT management method brings a manager onboard earlier with negotiations for scope, schedule and fee. The city previously used only the design-bid-build management method.
Carlie Stalnecker, who has been the project manager, said the company is excited to continue with the gorge project, adding that parks are “near and dear” to the company’s heart.
Veridus Group, the consultant that assisted the city, received four proposals from companies, and the parks department interviewed all four before selecting Turner. With the selection, Turner will enter a scoping period to determine the maximum price for the project’s remaining phases that include a kayak launch, a fishing pier, a nature playground, a river walk, signage, and a zip line and canopy tour.
Retz said she’s excited for the next phases. She showed board members photos from the Test Road project, including the completed river overlook with a custom safety fence installed. Six tons of river rock are being installed to lead into the river.
The gorge activation project is one of the expenses approved for use of food and beverage tax money. The city’s 1% tax on transactions involving prepared foods and drinks will be collected beginning March 1.
Gas line
The board approved an easement for Centerpoint/Vectren to decommission an exposed gas line that is one reason Glen Miller Park’s back drive has been closed. The easement is valued at $5,939.99.
Retz said work can begin within a couple of weeks after being delayed waiting for a boring tool that can reach 20 feet into the ground.
Before the board vote, Collins stressed that fixing the gas line situation will not result in the drive’s immediate opening. Bridge and road work is also necessary.
Retz said the drive’s future use will be among the points included in a Glen Miller Park master plan that’s being developed.
Other issues
- The board approved spending $59,933.345 with Spear Aquatics for chemicals used at Cordell Pool and the city’s splash pads.
- The board approved a contract with Amber King-Douglas as a facilities and guest services coordinator for the parks department.
- The parks department has begun taking applications for summer and seasonal help. See a list of open positions, job descriptions and application materials at richmondindiana.gov/resources/seasonal-job-opportunities.
A version of this article appeared in the February 18 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.