The Recreation Hall at Big Ridge State Parked was packed on the 18th of October as concerned members of the community provided input to the Park’s Business and Management Plan. This plan is updated every five years and it provides the framework for future improvements to the park. Recognizing that place based economic investment is fundamental to the county's economic future, individuals attending Thursday evening’s meeting stressed that one of the most important investments in Union County to bring jobs and prosperity is Big Ridge State Park.

Big improvements are afoot at Big Ridge State Park, and park superintendent Keith Montgomery said what park guests see now is just the beginning.

Montgomery has been superintendent for about three years now, and along with park staff he's been working to address a list of issues with infrastructure and aesthetics at the park. At the top of the list are safety concerns, followed by subjects of complaints from visitors.

"It's a menagerie of reasoning," said Montgomery.