Donation expands Huntingburg’s Market Street Park

The Huntingburg Common Council accepted the donation of what is now a grassy lot on the southeast corner of Market Street Park at Tuesday’s meeting.

The project began when a group of generous individuals contributed funds to the Community Foundation specifically to purchase the former chiropractic building. The donors’ intent was to acquire and raze the building, then return the space to a level green parcel that would enhance the downtown area.

According to Foundation Director Clayton Boyles, the building and property had been for sale; however, having sat empty for several years, the building needed extensive repairs.

“The land is now cleared, seeded and ready for new use,” Boyles explains, providing council members with handouts showing the location of the parcels along with before-and-after photos.

The donation adds about a third of an acre to the park property.

Council members express appreciation for the donation, noting the immediate visual impact the cleared space has already made on the downtown landscape.

“I’d like to thank the donors for this project. It was much needed and it is a big improvement for the park,” said Councilman Glen Kissling.

Councilman Jeff Bounds added, “Huntingburg is blessed to have donors that appreciate the town and give back over and over to various projects. We’re also very fortunate to have the Community Foundation spearhead these projects and get them organized.”

The donation comes with minimal restrictions, as Boyles confirms: “All dollars were raised philanthropically from individuals or businesses. Nothing from a city standpoint. The gifting would be simply that—a gift. The only string attached would be to use it for Market Street Park.”

Boyles also noted that some funds remain available to help with initial improvements to the space, though future development decisions will rest entirely with the city.

“It’s a great philanthropic-city partnership in this case,” Boyles said.