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1. How much is the acquisition of Carpenter Nature Preserve?

Jim and Nancy Carpenter purchased the land in 2021 and have been a partner to the Town of Zionsville in the effort of this project. The preserve is appraised at $6,020,000. The Carpenters have agreed to sell the property to the Town of Zionsville for $4,520,000. To acquire the Carpenter Nature Preserve, the Parks and Recreation Department is requesting a bond not to exceed $5.5 million.

2. How much is the bond request and what is it for?

The Parks and Recreation Department is requesting a bond not to exceed $5.5 million - $4.55 million toward acquisition/closing costs and the remainder toward engineering, surveys and construction documents for phase one of construction.

3. What grants have been awarded and how will the grants assist the Town in acquisition and construction?

We are happy to share that the Parks and Recreation Department has been nominated for a $3 million Next Level Conservation Trust grant for the acquisition of the Carpenter Nature Preserve and a $500,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant for the development of phase one of the Carpenter Nature Preserve.

The $3 million Next Level Conservation Trust grant will reimburse the Town for acquiring the land. There are contingencies to receiving this grant – both acquisition of the land and the opening of a public park in a reasonable amount of time are required.

The $500,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant will be used toward the development of the Carpenter Nature Preserve.

4. How much can Zionsville homeowners expect to pay if the $5.5 bond is approved?

For a $300,000 home value, this is currently estimated to be about $20/year (per Crowe - info shared at the 1/18 Parks Board meeting).

5. How can I share my input on the requested bond and other matters?

During the January 18 Parks Board meeting, the board unanimously approved a declaratory resolution of preliminary determination to issue bonds. In the upcoming February 8 Parks Board meeting, there will be a public hearing concerning the bond request and additional appropriation for the acquisition and phase one development of the Carpenter Nature Preserve. Upon approval, the vote to issue a Carpenter Nature Preserve bond not to exceed $5.5 million will be before the Zionsville Town Council.

If you would like to share input or get involved, please attend the February 8 Parks Board meeting and the upcoming Town Council meetings. You may also contact your Town Council representative.