Article by Jen Stults
The Montpelier Redevelopment Commission is pleased to present plans (pictured) for a new design to Baldwin Park at the corner of Huntington and Rockefeller (locally referred to as Airplane Park). During the June 10th meeting, the commission voted to remodel the aging park.
Plans for the future park include new, space-themed playground equipment, a new basketball court (with possible pickleball), cornhole area, and a new pavilion that is to include long-awaited restrooms and a partially enclosed museum documenting local astronaut Kevin Ford’s journey from his Montpelier roots to eventually becoming the Commander of the International Space Station. The current airplane will remain as it fits with the theme. The museum will contain photo displays, a timeline of Ford’s life, and even an interactive video display featuring some of Ford’s footage from his time in space.
Ford grew up in Montpelier, Indiana, and in 1978, he graduated from Blackford High School in Hartford City. During his years in Montpelier, he worked for Tom Williams at Williams Grocery Store. Tom was the person who gave Kevin his first airplane ride, and he paid for Ford’s first year of flight school, as well. It just goes to show that one of the values of local small businesses is the opportunity for owners to influence future generations.
According to Mayor Neff, the commission has already spoken to Colonel Ford, who is excited about the plan and willing to help. They have also already had a preliminary interview with grant administrators about a potential matching grant, and the administrators seem to be very supportive of the ideas discussed.
The grant application for the park is due on July 31st. The commission won’t find out if they will receive the grant until October. The grant would be a 50/50 matching grant that would help cover the approximate $1 million dollar cost of the new park. If the grant is awarded, there is a one-year waiting period required before breaking ground on the project.
According to Mayor Neff, the idea for a space-themed park and museum/display area honoring Ford originally came from the Montpelier Parks Department. The hope of the Montpelier Redevelopment Commission is to create a regional attraction that will not only benefit Montpelier citizens, but will also draw tourists and visitors to the area (a benefit to local economy). In addition, they hope to inspire area youth to recognize that small-town beginnings can lead to great things!
If anyone has any pictures of Kevin Ford during his growing up years in Montpelier, we request that you send a copy to Mayor Brad Neff to be considered for inclusion in the museum at the park.
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