News Release
MENTONE — Residents and community partners gathered in Mentone on Tuesday to celebrate a major milestone towards the completion of Mentzer Park.
Representatives from OrthoWorx and K21 Health Foundation presented a $140,000 grant from the Community Amenities Program (CAP) supporting phase two improvements for the park. The CAP funds, administered by the K21 Health Foundation, are part of the Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative (OIRI) designated to create new public amenities within the smaller communities in the county.
This award brings the Mentzer Park project one step closer to delivering new recreational and gathering spaces for the Mentone community, according to a provided news release.
Working toward its final fundraising goal, the town of Mentone hopes to raise $50,000 by May 30 to unlock additional matching funds through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s (IHCDA) CreatINg Places crowdfunding campaign. To date, approximately $15,460 has been raised through local support from businesses, organizations and residents, showing strong community ownership of the project, the release states.
If the goal is met, the project will receive critical matching funds to bring several high-demand amenities to life, including pickleball courts, a nine-hole disc golf course, a quarter-mile walking path, accessible parking, and a finished pavilion with a kitchenette.
“We’re so proud of this community and how it continues to rally around this project,” said Amanda Yaprak, Mentone clerk-treasurer. “Knowing that this park will be enjoyed for generations to come is wonderful, and we are truly thankful people are helping us in our final push to raise the remaining $50,000.”
The $280,000 project has also received funding from the Kosciusko County Community Foundation and the town of Mentone, reflecting a broad commitment to enhancing quality of life through accessible, community-driven spaces in Kosciusko County, the release states.
“Mentzer Park is a powerful example of what can happen when a community unites behind a shared vision,” said Andrea Sullivan, executive director of the OIRI. “Thanks to the support of residents, organizations and local businesses, the park will offer a wide range of activities while strengthening connections throughout Mentone. That’s exactly what the Community Amenities Program is designed to do.”
As the May 30 deadline approaches, community leaders are hopeful that continued momentum will help bring the project across the finish line and ensure Mentzer Park becomes a vibrant, welcoming space for years to come.
Community members interested in supporting Phase 2 of Mentzer Park can learn more or make a donation by clicking on patronicity.com/Mentzer-park.
For more information on OIRI projects and developments, click here.
