Jasper Labyrinth takes shape

Soon, Jasper Riverwalk visitors will be able to take contemplative walks through a labyrinth.

The city applied for a $35,000 grant in February to support the construction of the new feature that will be located in the field between the Riverwalk and entrance to a parking lot adjacent to Dave Buehler Plaza.

Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann announced on Wednesday the city of Jasper was awarded a grant through the quality of place initiative from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA).

The maze will feature a concrete walking path paralleled with rock-filled borders that leads to a memorial tree in the center.

Envisioned as a potential project about four years ago, the idea grew legs after the Jasper Desk Foundation donated $27,000 to the Redevelop Old Jasper Action Coalition to work with the city on the labyrinth. Then, the Dubois County Community Foundation approved grants through two endowments to add $8,000 to the project.

The grant from the state brings the total raised up to the $70,000 estimated cost for the project.

“Community gathering places are vital centers of activity for Hoosier cities and towns,” said Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann. “Our team looks forward to seeing these innovative projects completed and the long-term benefits they provide to the winning communities.”

The project initiated by The Jasper Desk Foundation will feature a plaque to commemorate the company considered to be the oldest wood office furniture manufacturer in the United States.

Mayor Terry Seitz acknowledged the grant and support of the Jasper Desk Foundation and Dubois County Community Foundation. “We are very pleased with the support we have received from the state,” Jasper Mayor Terry Seitz said. “and delighted with the support of the Jasper Desk Foundation and Dubois County Community Foundation.”

The city has an 18 month time frame to complete the project as a recipient of the state grant.

Besides Jasper, the City of Hobart, City of Madison, Parke County, Town of Hope and Wabash Marketplace received grants.

The PBIF program, now in its second year, is a $300,000 competitive matching grant program administered as a partnership between OCRA and IOTD. The grant program supports community and economic development projects across the state. Initiatives that promote quality of life, improve tourism experiences and develop multi-purpose gathering places are specifically targeted for the grant. For more information on PBIF, including detailed information on each community proposal, visit in.gov/ocra/2691.htm.