Chain O’ Lakes State Park
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KPC NEWS SERVICE
ALBION — More than hundred years ago, the state of Indiana receive quite the centennial present — the establishment of a state parks system. When the Hoosier state celebrated its bicentennial in 2016, the parks system turned 100. And for a 100-year-old, the parks are in great shape. In 2015, there were more than 16 million visitors to the state’s 32 properties. Think people are too stuck with their noses in smartphones, tablets or computer screens? “Somebody’s coming out and enjoying nature,” Chain O’ Lakes State Park manager Sam Boggs said. That definitely holds true at Chain O’ Lakes. In 2010, the park on the southern end of Albion
along S.R. 9 had 244,000 visitors. By 2015, that number had risen 23.4 percent to just more than 301,000. The last fiscal year saw Chain O’ Lakes exceed $1 million in revenue for the first time. “We are one of the parks that makes money,” Boggs said. There are 413 camp sites at Chain O’ Lakes, along with 18 cabins. “When we’re full, it’s like a little city out here,” Boggs said. The park population exceeds 3,000 visitors on busy weekends. “They’re coming for a lot of different reasons,” he said. “They come to enjoy nature. Our canoeing and kayaking are excellent.”
Avilla Eley Memorial Park, West Albion Street, Avilla, playground area, tennis courts, baseball/softball fields, horseshoe courts, basketball court and picnic areas. 897-2781, avilla-in. org Ley Street Park, Ley Street, Avilla, nature trails that are open for public enjoyment. 897-2781, avilla-in.org
Cromwell Cromwell Community Park, Cromwell, two blocks west of Jefferson Street, ball diamonds, tennis courts, running track and picnic pavilion.
Kendallville Bixler Lake Park and campground, east side of Kendallville, fishing pier, supervised swimming beaches, playground areas, ball field, duck pond, nature preserve and nature trails, birdwatching, picnic pavilions, seasonal campers, boat launch, basketball, tennis court. 347-1064, kendallville-in.org/departments/park Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Complex, Allen Chapel Road, east side of Kendallville, 80-acre complex of baseball, soccer and football fields, playground, basketball court, shuffleboard courts, concessions. 347-1064, kendallville-in.org/departments/park Sunset Park, Drake Road, Weston Avenue or Rush Street, Kendallville, basketball courts, softball diamonds, soccer fields, playground, picnic pavilion, shuffleboard. 347-1064, kendallville-in.org/departments/park
Kimmell Kimmell Community Park, Kimmell. Baseball diamonds and Page 18
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Amelia Winkle takes advantage of a school cancellation to sled the hills of Hidden Diamonds Park in Albion.
recreation space. Just west of U.S. 33 at the south end of the overpass.
Ligonier Elkhart Riverwalk, enter near Woodlawn Park just off of Bridge Street at the entrance to the industrial park. 894-7344, ligonier-in. org/government_departments_parks. html Kenney Park, West Union Street, Ligonier. 894-7344, ligonier-in.org/ government_departments_parks.html
Ligonier Sports and Recreation Center, 520 W. Union St., Ligonier, gym, fitness rooms, public meeting room, kitchen facilities, youth and adult programs. 894-7344, ligonier-in. org/government_departments_parks. html Pettit Memorial Park, S.R. 5, Ligonier. 894-7344, ligonier-in.org/ government_departments_parks.html Prentiss Park, corner of Martin and Sixth street, Ligonier. 894-7344, ligonier-in.org/government_departments_parks.html
Noble County Community Guide • 2017 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.