Mitchell Vision Plan

Introduction

Parks help to beautify cities and offer residents a chance to be outside enjoying nature.  Having open green spaces and programs that utilize these spaces are great assets for any community.  Many options exist for towns that are trying to enhance their current parks and recreation resources.

Grove of Honor

One option is adding a Grove of Honor.  Since Mitchell is a Tree City, adding a Grove of Honor Park to the city would contribute to this current program.  Another option is implementing youth enrichment programs.  Such programs could be a YMCA or tree planting programs.  While having these spaces and programs available to all is important, implementing a new maintenance program is vital to making sure these areas stay in good condition.  This section will help you better understand options available to your community.

Placed in a park setting, a Grove of Honor gives residents a chance to celebrate the lives of loved ones by dedicating a tree or bench in their name.  Plaques can be used to label the dedicated trees and benches.  The grove can be enjoyed by everyone and would help beautify the city.

Goal

Develop the Mitchell Grove of Honor in the open spaces next to City Hall to honor citizens of Mitchell who served in the military.

Recommendations

• Offer the option to the public to buy plaques for trees or benches in the Grove of Honor in dedication to lost loved ones
• Link the trail system to the Grove of Honor
• Incorporate leaf tiles into the Grove of Honor
• Develop a maintenance/upkeep program for the park

Trail System

A great amenity for any town is a trail system that will improve the quality of life.  Residents of all ages can enjoy walking, jogging, biking, and skating on trails tat link the parks and open spaces of the town.  A trail system also provides those in a community with an alternate choice other than driving to those places.

Goal

Develop a trail system/corridor that provides a connection between parks.

Recommendations

• Put into action the current five year parks plan trail system
• Link the trails to Spring Mill State Park and the Grove of Honor
• Provide easy access to trails for those in the community
• Make trails easy to use for non-vehicular traffic
• Connect parks to trail system

Youth Enrichment

Studies by many noted psychologists suggest that youth programs significantly reduce the number of youth in delinquency-related activities.  Programs often tend to encourage maturity, self-esteem, leadership, and good-citizenship programs in struggling youths.  Incorporating youth programs into community development will not only better the youth of the town, but it will also enhance the quality of life in Mitchell, which is a major component in attracting new businesses and opportunities.

Goal

Encourage the development and maturation of youth through special community programs.

Recommendations

• Increase maintenance of half pipe and community parks
• Improve half pipe and park amenities.  Consider adding water features and more playground materials (e.g. jungle gym, swing sets)
• Promote activity by organizing youth programs.  Such programs can include soccer, softball, and crafts programs
• Attract youth, visitors, and parents from surrounding communities