“The Fedder’s Alley All-Inclusive Playground and Fitness Park will offer opportunities for all ages and abilities,” Parks Superintendent Shannon Eason said. “I am grateful for the support of Health Foundation of La Porte’s generous financial support. This exciting project aligns perfectly with their goals of healthy living.”
HFL stipulated that $500,000 of the grant award is to be used for construction of the playground and fitness park. The remaining $250,000 is to be used to establish a long-term maintenance fund for the project – the first fund of its kind of the Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department.
“Often, we create these legacy projects that are impactful, but we don’t take the time to consider future maintenance,” Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch said. “This endowment, this maintenance fund – it will make sure the playground at Fedder’s Alley endures for a lifetime.”
In September, the City of Michigan City launched a $2 million capital campaign for the project, which is expected to cost about $5 million overall.
Eric DeWald, president and CEO at HFL, said, “Health Foundation of La Porte is thrilled to partner with the Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department on the Fedder’s Alley All-Inclusive Playground and Fitness Park. We are excited about the role this park will play in our community, offering a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all community members to gather, be active, and make memories together.”
Other commitments to the project include $1.5 million from the Michigan City Common Council, $500,000 from the Michigan City Redevelopment Commission, $1 million in federal funding secured by U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, and $50,000 from the Duneland Health Council.
“The benefit of such inclusive spaces extends far beyond mere play and exercise,” Eason said. “It sends a powerful message to our community, teaching us all the values of empathy, respect, and understanding. When community members of all ages and abilities come together in inclusive spaces, they learn to celebrate differences and recognize strengths in one another.”
To watch an immersive video of the future park, make a donation to the project or get more information, visit https://www.emichigancity.com/153/Parks-Recreation.ABOUT HEALTH FOUNDATION OF LA PORTE
Health Foundation of La Porte (HFL), a private, independent foundation, is dedicated to empowering La Porte County residents to live healthy and well. Since 2017, HFL has invested more than $47 million in the community through grantmaking, infrastructure, and capacity building. To learn more about HFL, please visit hflaporte.org, or email contact@hflaporte.org.
MORE LA PORTE COUNTY ARTICLES. . .
Sweet P’s Pamper Party Coming Thursday, January 23rd
Sweet P’s Fashions is holding a Pamper Party & Hot Cocoa Bar. Featuring facials and skin car with Lynn Boatwright of Mary Kay, and Chair Massages with Amy Moore of Therapeutic Healing Hands. We’re ready to indulge in the ultimate and affordable night of pampering. Facials, cocoa, paraffin hand dips, & foot soaks are FREE.…
New Monthly Ladies’ Bunco Night Coming Downtown LaPorte
Sweet P’s Fashions is thrilled to be hosting a monthly Bunco night this year! The first Bunco event will be held Thursday, January 30, 2025 6pm-7:30 pm. Bunco is a simple group dice game that anyone can play. Don’t be intimidated, you’ll be a master before the night is over! There is a $10 participation…
LaPorte Spring Garden Show, 2025
La Porte County Master Gardeners SPRING GARDEN SHOW is Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Michigan City High School from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
This is an event for the entire family! The three Speakers will be Debbie Rea: “EDIBLE PLANTS”. Keynote Speaker Steve Sass: “URBAN FOREST”, and Marcy Daily: “HERBS”.
Continue Reading . .
Special Events Announced for 2025 in Michigan City, Indiana
Nine major events will shape the Michigan City Special Events schedule this year, beginning with the annual Michigan City St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 15 and the Easter Egg Hunt in Washington Park on Saturday, April 19. Highlighted by the return of The Singing Sands Sand Sculpting Festival and…
Apple Fest Announces 2025 Vendors
Apple Fest Arts/craft show at Garwood Orchard – Saturday September 6th and Sunday September 7th, 2025 – Garwood Orchard – 5911 W 50 S, La Porte, IN 46350 We are very fortunate to have all of the vendors from 2024 returning for 2025!
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
