Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
MENTONE - After a summer of construction, the town of Mentone invites the community to a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the newly renovated Mentzer Park.
This long-awaited transformation turns the park into a vibrant, inclusive gathering space for all ages and marks a major milestone in the town’s long-term vision to enhance quality of life, according to a provided news release.
The ribbon-cutting will take place Thursday, Sept. 4 at 4:30 p.m. at Mentzer Park, 398 S. Oak St., Mentone. All are welcome to attend, explore the new amenities and celebrate an investment designed to serve generations to come.
Key improvements include a brand-new pavilion with public restrooms and a concession area, a resurfaced basketball court, a repaved walking path connecting all amenities and updated playground equipment with ADA-accessible ground cover. These upgrades were guided by local input through the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP), demonstrating how community voices helped shape the outcome, the release states.
“We want to thank the community for their patience while the park was closed. The wait was worth it,” said Jill Gross, president of the Mentone Town Council. “This is more than new equipment — it’s a strategic investment in our future, providing the kind of outdoor spaces and modern amenities that not only make Mentone a great place to live and raise a family, but draw visitors and support our local economy.”
The Mentzer Park renovation — one of several HELP-funded initiatives — was made possible through a grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) and a contribution from the K21 Health Foundation.
This project is part of a broader, long-term vision for the community. Future plans include a new pickleball court, a paved walking trail and a multi-use path connecting the park to downtown and the local school.
For information about renting the pavilion for future events, contact Amanda Yaprak, Mentone clerk-treasurer, at mentoneclerk@rtcol.com.
HELP from the Indiana OCRA supports communities directly by building capacity, creating a peer network system between communities participating in the program, developing a strategic investment plan and providing access to set-aside funding. HELP is rooted in four pathways: advancing e-connectivity, promoting community wellness, enhancing quality of place and strengthening local economies.
