St. Joseph City Commissioners have moved the master plan for Tiscornia Park forward, but with some changes.
At a Monday meeting, they heard an earful from residents concerned that the plan drafted by the Parks Advisory Board would do too much to change the character of the beach. Resident Tim Johnson said a plan to add 22 new parking spaces isn’t necessary.
“It’ll always need more parking spaces,” Johnson said. “You could add another 100 parking spaces, and then you’ll need more parking spaces.”
Several residents who live near the park objected to plans for the installation of wooden posts to mark the park’s boundaries. John Veersma said the park is fine the way it is.
“It’s such a gem,” Veersma said. “Just leave it alone. Don’t goof it up. Take care of what’s there now, and it’s beautiful.”
After some discussion, commissioners opted to scale back some of the draft plan’s proposals. They dropped plans for the new parking spaces, the wooden posts, and a parking area for a food truck.
They moved ahead with ADA parking and a mat to help the disabled reach the water, as well as restroom improvements, drainage improvements, and a new picnic area.
They noted all of these items are merely suggestions for future development, and none of them are yet in motion.
