Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
LOOGOOTEE – Just in time for its summer festival, the city of Loogootee is ready to unveil a new outdoor gathering and green space.
The Loogootee Pavilion is located at the edge of downtown and transformed what, for years, had been an unattractive gravel lot.
A ribbon-cutting for the new Loogootee Pavilion will serve as the kickoff to the Loogootee SummerFest and will take place at 4:30 p.m. June 19.
Loogootee Mayor Brian Ader said the pavilion will be the site of several live music performances during SummerFest, June 19-21.
“We’re looking forward to utilizing it in many different ways, we want it to be a usable venue for everybody,” he said.
Plans for the pavilion and green space began during the term of former mayor Noel Harty. The property, previously owned by CSX, was purchased by the city.
“We wouldn’t be where we’re at if the previous administration hadn’t started this,” Ader said. “It’s been quite a community effort to get it done.”
The city received a $250,000 grant from Martin County Community Foundation to construct the pavilion, which was designed by Midwestern Engineers of Loogootee. German American Bank was also a substantial contributor.
Curtis Johnson, development director of Martin County Community Foundation, said city and community leaders had discussed how to improve the property for some time.
“Our mission is to improve quality of life and this is one way we could do that. For the city of Loogootee, it offers a venue close to downtown they’ve never had before,” Johnson said.
In addition to space for live music and hosting events such as the farmers market, the area has green space and a walkway. Johnson said the pavilion improves opportunities for health, wellness and recreation, all essential to good quality of life.
Ader said he’s received positive feedback from residents who are pleased with the pavilion.
“Everybody really likes it,” he said. “It took an area that was ugly and now it’s a nice place where everyone can go.”
Providing more activities for residents and visitors is one of his administration’s goals. Last December, the city hosted several events downtown that included a giant tree lighting, parade and ice skating.
“We’ve got a really good council, board of works and clerk-treasurer,” he said. “Everyone is working well together to achieve the same goals and have events for people to enjoy.”
The new pavilion / green space is for pedestrian traffic only. Wheelchairs are permitted, golf carts are not.