Richmond Parks and Recreation Department has signs to inform residents about projects funded by food and beverage tax money, and those signs will be used often.
In addition to about $4.5 million received from bond anticipation notes to kickstart immediately needed projects, the department has collected more than a half-million dollars in revenue through six monthly payments since the 1% tax’s March 1 implementation. The $542,040.39 represents more than $54 million in eligible food and beverage transactions within the city limits.
Denise Retz, the parks superintendent, updated the city’s parks board Sept. 10 and Richmond Common Council on Sept. 8 about projects completed and underway.
Completed projects include leveling the floor in Don’s Cabin, installing umbrellas at Cordell Municipal Pool, replacing the pool slide’s motor and putting maintenance gates at a new pole barn. Projects underway include replacing Highland Lake Golf Course’s irrigation water pump, putting new roofs on 14 buildings and renovating the E.G. Hill Memorial Fountain.
Another project was scheduled to begin Sept. 14 when the Glen Miller Park playground and splash pad were to close for replacement.
“We’re excited about the new playground and what it will offer at Glen Miller Park,” Retz said.
The $2.8 million project also includes new picnic tables and trash cans.
Retz presented an ordinance to council that begins spending the pay-as-you-go money collected from the food and beverage tax. Council appropriated $30,000 for a comprehensive plan update. Retz said the plan is essential for Indiana Department of Natural Resources and other grants. She said a lot has been done since the 2020 plan and the parks department continues working on what the community wants from the parks.
Retz received parks board approvals for food and beverage project requests included in the 2027 budget. She budgeted $1,308,000 in 2027 food and beverage revenue, an average of $109,000 per month. This year’s six payments from the Indiana Department of Revenue peaked at $116,459 in July, with the past four payments exceeding $109,000.
The parks board also approved the preliminary parks budgets that Retz will present to council during a Sept. 22 Committee of the Whole meeting and rental rate changes for 2027.
Retz also updated the parks board about the parks response after August flooding damage. She said the entire Starr-Gennett Building was pressure washed in preparation of events scheduled there. The playgrounds at Springwood and Freeman parks again comply with safety regulations after the fall surfaces were replaced with help from Miracle Playgrounds and the Wayne County Cares fund.
JUKO successes
Kristi Cruse and Courtney Collins spoke to the parks board about the summer Just Us Kids Outdoors programs that served 422 children and 23 junior counselors.
JUKO served 332 children, while Little JUKO served 75 and JUKO R.O.C.K.S. served 15. The programs include parks days, pool days and field trips, as well as arts and crafts, games and lunch.
Parent surveys returned positive feedback about their children’s experiences. Cruse said planning has already begun for JUKO in 2027.
Middlefork Reservoir
The service center at Middlefork Reservoir will close Sept. 30 for the season.
Prior to that, a Family Nature Day will be Sept. 26 at Middlefork. Activities will include a fishing derby for children.
A version of this article appeared in the September 16 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
