Mines To Parks

“Has this kind of thing happened in your area? We've got a few coal mines and rock quarries here that this has already happened to.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Officials are looking for ways to develop a limestone park from former quarries that could give tourists a place to swim, rock climb, hike or walk.
A public survey released this week shows that most Bloomington residents want an active park that could feature activities such as scuba diving and rock climbing. But in Bedford, about 20 miles south, those surveyed said they wanted a passive park featuring hiking and walking.


The cities received a grant in 2003 to study the feasibility of limestone attractions in Monroe and Lawrence counties.
"It's just got tremendous potential," said Valerie Pena, executive director of the Bloomington/Monroe County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Since people seemed to be interested in a limestone project, the next step could be making a master plan next year.
One possible future home for the limestone park is the Woolery Stone Mill in Bloomington. Pena said the area offers a rare opportunity with its cluster of quarry holes, but recent growth in the southern stretch of the city may prevent that from being used.
The Woolery Stone Mill is being developed into a conference center with hotel, condos and a restaurant with a brew pub. Developer Randy Cassady said his property and the surrounding Wapehani Trail and Thomson Park would provide 150 acres for a park.”

“Near Antioch, CA. We lived there for a few years. An old coal mining town that lost out as the coal mined there was of poor quality. After the coal mining, the area was mined for glass making...that too proved too expensive and poor quality. Today, it is Black Diamond Mines Regional Park. Offers hiking trails, old tunnels and shafts to explore. Every Halloween, we would join in a midnight hike to the cemetary. There are stories of people who have seen the ghost of Sara Norton riding through in a horse/wagon.”

“in central North Carolina there's an old quarry that is now a scuba dive site.”

“Roam, we've got the same kind of thing here in Reno, NV. An old quarry that has been filled up with water. They really went the extra mile here though.They put an old plane down in the bottom as a diving attraction, built a lighted path all the way around, put parks in conjunction with the path, have boat rentals, have a designated swimming area and brought in a bunch of sand for a beach. Most recently, adjacent parcels are being developed into high end condos. It really is a nice spot, and with plenty of parking.”

“They did a similar thing at an old quarry near here. I think it recently closed down though.”

“I never dove it, but I seem to recall reading that there are a couple of wrecked cars at the bottom of the quarry and some park space adjacent as well.

I think its an EXCELLENT way to make use of the property.”

“St. Joesph State Park in Missouri?? I think?? I had a dirt bike race there many years ago and it was a former mine site.”