City of Westfield Newsletter September 2025 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

32 JERSEY ANNOUNCEMENT

DOWNTOWN, DINING, & A DASH OF HISTORY

Located on the south side of State Road 32 on Jersey Street, between Poplar and Mill Street, 32 Jersey represents a major milestone in the City of Westfield’s ongoing efforts to revitalize and reimagine its historic downtown core, bringing fresh energy, opportunity, and community-centered design to the heart of the city.

The 32 Jersey development brings new opportunities for dining, shopping, and gathering right in the heart of Westfield. With more than 530 parking spaces, it also tackles one of downtown’s most persistent challenges—parking. Designed to enhance the quality of life, the project incorporates walkability, green spaces, and a public plaza. It’s expected to spur economic growth through the creation of new jobs and businesses, while honoring Westfield’s past with a meaningful art installation commemorating the city’s role in the Underground Railroad.

MAYOR’S COLUMN

Westfield Residents,

As another incredible summer winds down, I want to thank each of you for playing a vital role in welcoming the tens of thousands of visitors who’ve come to Westfield for Colts Training Camp, LIV Golf, tournaments at Grand Park, and so much more. Your hospitality helps make Westfield feel like home to everyone who visits.

To keep pace with the growth and strain on our infrastructure, both from residents and guests, it’s crucial that we continue investing in our roads. I’m grateful for your continued patience during the ongoing State Road 32 project and the many other road projects taking place throughout the city. I know the inconvenience of detours can be annoying, but in the long run, the positive impacts to mobility throughout our community will be well worth it.

Another meaningful way you can support Westfield’s progress is by participating in the Special Census. Taking just a few minutes to answer a handful of simple questions helps ensure our community receives state funding and the resources it deserves. Whether you respond online or speak with a census worker at your door, rest assured that the census is completely confidential, and your responses will never be shared or used against you. Your participation directly supports improvements to our roads and schools, helps fund the community events you love, and more.

As we step into fall, I’m looking forward to Barktoberfest, Trick-or-Treating in the Plaza, and the Veterans Day Ceremony. I also encourage you to take advantage of these last warm days by hitting the trails, then return later in the season to enjoy the beauty of Westfield’s fall foliage. My family and I plan to spend as much time on the trails as we can, and I hope to see you enjoying them too!

Thank you for entrusting me with the responsibility of being your Mayor. Let us work hand in hand to build a Westfield that we can all be proud of.

In service,

Mayor Scott Willis

SAVE THE DATE: 2025 STATE OF THE CITY

You’re invited to the 2025 State of the City on Thursday, November 13, at the IMMI Conference Center. Doors will open at 4 p.m., with the presentation beginning promptly at 4:30 p.m.

Come hear important updates about the future of Westfield and celebrate the progress we’re making together. Tickets will go on sale this summer for $20, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Advancing Westfield Foundation.

We hope to see you there!

WESTFIELD’S CITY COUNCIL | HERE FOR

LETTER FROM PATRICK TAMM | COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Dear Residents,

As we head back into the school year, I want to remind everyone to stay vigilant around our local school zones. The safety of our children is a top priority, and with that in mind, I’d like to extend my gratitude to our Public Works team and the Police Department for the recent installation of new flashing lights in our elementary school zones. These improvements are a crucial step toward ensuring our children’s safety.

As we prepare for the 2026 budget discussions, your input remains invaluable. The Council is focused on making decisions that reflect the needs and priorities of our community, and we encourage everyone to stay engaged in the process.

Lastly, let’s make the most of the last few days of summer. Whether it’s enjoying time with family, friends, or simply appreciating our beautiful surroundings, I hope you find time to relax and recharge.

Sincerely,

Patrick Tamm | Council President

Jon Dartt

District 1 jdartt@westfield.in.gov

Victor McCarty District 2 vmccarty@westfield.in.gov

Joe Duepner District 3 jduepner@westfield.in.gov

Patrick Tamm

District 4 ptamm@westfield.in.gov

Noah Herron

District 5 nherron@westfield.in.gov

Chad Huff

At-Large chuff@westfield.in.gov

Kurt Wanninger

At-Large kwanninger@westfield.in.gov

EVENT RECAP

The Westfield International Festival debuted in May, rebranding itself from “Cuisine. Connect. Culture." New experiences, including a mobile exhibit spotlighting Peru, a live llama encounter, and a new Savor & Snack Pass, helped double attendance at the event. Featuring global performances, historical exhibits, and community connection, the festival honored Westfield’s growing diversity, drawing more than 2,000 attendees. Make plans to attend in 2026!

Check out upcoming events at westfieldin.gov/events

LIV GOLF UPDATE

More than 60,000 fans from across the globe visited Westfield during LIV Golf's Individual Championship from August 15 - 17, 2025! Jon Rahm walked away with the season's individual championship and Sebastian Muñoz won the tournament at Chatham Hills.

The tournament in Westfield marks LIV Golf's highestattended U.S. event to date.

The three-day golf extravaganza featured energetic concerts from Riley Green and Jason Derulo, a live mural painting, fan villages, kids zones, and more. Don't forget to mark your calendars: LIV Golf will return to Chatham Hills from August 21 - 23, 2026!

Photos supplied by LIV Golf.

DING DONG! NO DITCHING!

Be on the lookout! As the self-reporting period ends, oﬃcial Census canvassers will be going door-to-door to households that did not respond online.

westﬁeldin.gov/census

answers are confidential and private. The Census Bureau is required by law to protect your information under Title 13, U.S. Code.

I'm not a U.S. citizen. Should I still respond?

The Special Census counts all people living within the boundaries of the City of Westfield, regardless of their citizenship status, and participation is required by law regardless of immigration status.

How will I know someone works for the Census Bureau?

Census Bureau workers who come to your door will present official government ID badges with their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date.

For more information, visit westfieldin.gov/census

VIKAN NORTH AMERICA RELOCATES TO WESTFIELD

Vikan North America, a global leader in hygienic cleaning solutions, will invest $11.2 million in an 80,000-square-foot warehouse and office facility at the southeast corner of 196th and East Streets in Westfield. The move will bring 56 high-wage jobs by the end of 2026. With more than 125 years of innovation, Vikan serves the food and beverage industry with patented products and expert support services. “This investment strengthens our industrial sector and brings quality jobs to our community,” said Mayor Scott Willis. This facility is part of Vikan’s strategy to expand its U.S. operations from central Indiana.

PROTECTING WITH PURPOSE

CONGRATULATIONS TO SGT. DOUGHERTY & OFC. HOPKINS

Please join us in celebrating Sgt. Tyler Dougherty and Officer Joe Hopkins, who earned new accreditations through the Indiana School Resource Officers Association. Sgt. Dougherty achieved Master Level, and Officer Hopkins earned Certified Level.

These accomplishments reflect their ongoing dedication to school safety and professional growth. Their hard work and commitment help create a safer, more supportive environment for our students every day.

Thank you both for going above and beyond, and thanks to Westfield Washington Schools for partnering with us to keep our kids safe.

LITTLE CITIZENS ACADEMY: BIG LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP

Little Citizens’ Academy took place June 9 - 13 for first-grade through fifth-grade students from Westfield. Participants met our School Resource Officers and learned about being a good citizen. Kids were also visited by WPD’s Criminal Investigation Team, Emergency Service Unit members, Drone Team, and K9 officers.

NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS MEMORIAL

On Friday, November 2, 1928, Night Watchman Meade Smith was struck by a hit-and-run driver in front of the Denny Livery Barn (modern address: 132 S. Union Street, Westfield, IN 46074). Another driver located his body lying approximately 150 feet from his flashlight and hat in front of the H.O. New Hardware Store (modern address: 110 S. Union Street, Westfield, IN 46074). Watchman Smith had served as the appointed town watchman for 21 months. He was survived by his mother, two brothers, and two sisters. His name was added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., this May 2025.

Age 45 | Tour: 1 year, 9 months

FIREFIGHTERS LEADING WITH FITNESS & WELLNESS FIT TO SERVE WITH PURPOSE

Being physically ready to respond to emergencies takes daily effort and discipline. Firefighters and medics train constantly to stay prepared for the physical and mental challenges of the job. Each time the alarm sounds, personnel are expected to perform at peak levels with no warm-up. That’s why physical fitness starts early–beginning in recruit class–where new hires dedicate an hour a day to physical training. Leading these sessions are “Peer Fitness Trainers,” firefighters who complete a specialized course sponsored by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and endorsed by Local 4416, Hamilton County Fire Fighters Union.

These 11 Peer Fitness Trainers continue to support firefighters throughout their careers, providing mentorship, education, and fitness coaching. Their motto: “more people; more active; more often.”

A key piece of this initiative is the Fit to Thrive (F2T) program, a 40-hour course designed to boost firefighter health and readiness. Recently, the Westfield Fire Department and the union sponsored a continuing education course that reinforced the importance of sustained training and development.

Together, these programs foster a culture of fitness and resilience. By prioritizing physical health and mental well-being, we equip our responders to face the challenges of their roles effectively and efficiently.

DON’T GET STUCK: LEARN TO DISPOSE SHARPS SAFELY

Over 8 million Americans use sharps (needles) at home to manage health conditions like diabetes, allergies, and MS—resulting in more than 3 billion injections a year. But when needles are tossed into trash bags or recycling bins, it puts sanitation workers and others at risk. The FDA reports over 850,000 injuries each year due to improper sharps disposal.

The good news? Hamilton County offers a free and safe disposal program for residents! Just place used sharps in an approved container and take them to the Hamilton County Household Hazardous Waste Center at 1717 Pleasant Street in Noblesville.

They’ll even exchange your full container for a new one at no cost. This program, in partnership with the Hamilton County Health Department, includes a few important safety rules—scan the QR code to learn more!

WESTFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONS

Deputy Fire Marshal: Mark Fuller

Engineer: Ryan Brown, Craig Burke, Quinten James, Zack Keller, Dan Lambert, Kodi Phillips, Josh Shrum

Division Chief of Training: Don Anderson

Battalion Chief of Training: Derek Michael

PLANTING FOR OUR FUTURE

We’re proud to be a growing community that values both progress and the natural beauty that makes our city special. As new neighborhoods and amenities take shape, the City remains committed to protecting and enhancing our local environment, and one important way we do that is through the use of native plantings in our parks and along our popular trail systems.

Native plants are trees, grasses, and flowers that have grown naturally in Indiana for centuries. Because they are perfectly suited to our climate and soil, they help restore and strengthen our local ecosystem. Native plantings create beautiful, resilient green spaces that provide food and shelter for pollinators, songbirds, and other wildlife that call Westfield home.

When we choose native species, we’re not just planting for today — we’re planting for the future. Native plants help clean our water by filtering storm runoff, prevent soil erosion, and reduce the need for extra watering and chemicals. This means our parks and trails stay healthy and vibrant with less maintenance and more benefits for everyone to enjoy.

Westfield’s native planting areas are a wonderful example of how we can balance growth with sustainability. By restoring areas with native species, we help preserve the natural character of our community while creating beautiful spaces for residents and visitors to explore. There are a number of areas around Westfield filled with natives, including along the Midland Trace Trail and at parks like Grand Junction Plaza, Asa Bales, Freedom Trail, and Simon Moon.

Ever wondered about those red fire signs around Westfield?

They’re part of our water relay system, used in areas without nearby fire hydrants. Since fire trucks carry 1,000 feet of hose, if a hydrant is more than 900 feet away, you'll see a Fire 1 sign. These signs help plan water delivery to the scene quickly and safely.

Here’s how it works:

• The first engine lays hose from the fire sign to the fire.

• The next engine connects to the hydrant and lays hose to meet the first.

• A Fire 2 sign means we’re 1,800 feet out and need a third engine.

If the fire is even further, a tanker truck hauls water from the hydrant to the fire. These signs help us move water fast so we can protect people and property. Every second counts!

APPRECIATION IS KEY

In July, Mayor Willis presented the first "Key to the City" to former Mayor Cook with past employees, council members, family, and friends throughout the years.

Mayor Willis stated in his remarks, "Let us remember Mayor Cook not just for the buildings, parks, and programs he helped create, but for the heart and soul he poured into this city."

PARK, PADDLE, & PLAY

Kayaking has never been easier in Westfield!

Rent kayaks at Simon Moon Park through Rent. Fun for $25 (up to two hours) or $40 (up to four hours). Frequent paddlers can save with a $99 annual membership, which includes a guest pass, plus rentals for just $50 per day or $60 per week. Make a splash and learn more about membership options at the Kayak Rental Kiosk!

JAVA, JOBS, & JOYRIDES IN WESTFIELD

Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR), a team competing in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, will relocate its headquarters to Grand Park in Westfield, bringing a new 76,000-square-foot facility that will include engineering and office space, retail, a Java House café, and a public viewing area.

The project will be built on the current site of Field D1 and will be the first development under the Grand Park District Master Plan. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion anticipated in 2027. Field D1 will be relocated to the northeast corner of 186th Street and Grand Park Boulevard.

This move brings more than just a state-ofthe-art facility—it introduces jobs, sparks innovation, and creates exciting opportunities for public engagement. It will also strengthen Grand Park’s role as a hub for professional sports and economic growth in Westfield.

Pictured from left to right:

Ersal Ozdemir, Keystone Group; Ed Carpenter, co-owner ECR; Mayor Scott Willis; Ted Gelov, co-owner of ECR and CEO of Heartland Food Products Group

Experience the best of Westfield in one place!

Showcase & Taste of Westfield returns for our third year on September 23, 2025, from 4 - 6:30 p.m. at Grand Park! At our largest public event of the year, exhibitors put their business on display to connect with residents and consumers in our area.

Discover the best Westfield has to offer in one place! Exhibitors include food and beverage establishments, healthcare and service providers, legal professionals, entertainment venues, contractors, and more! Food and beverage establishments including restaurants, caterers, wineries, and breweries are encouraged to provide menu tastings and samples.

This public event is the answer to solving your everyday needs and connecting you to the Westfield business community. We look forward to showcasing a taste of who comprises our flourishing community! Tickets are now on sale through the QR code for $5! Admission will be $7 at the door.

State of the City

Join us for State of the City on Thursday, November 13 at IMMI Conference Center! Mayor Scott Willis will be sharing important updates regarding the future of Westfield and celebrating the progress made in the past year! A portion of this year’s proceeds will go to the Advancing Westfield Foundation to benefit our local non-profits. Registration is now open for tickets and sponsorship opportunities. We look forward to another great presentation with the City of Westfield!

About the Chamber

Westfield is a rapidly expanding community, and we want to see every business succeed. Joining the Westfield Chamber helps you to gain key relationships, an awareness of new opportunities, and access to valuable resources. If you are new to the city or interested in what the Chamber has to offer, please reach out and visit our website to learn how to get more involved!

Dinner Party on Union | September 13

State of Schools | September 18

Showcase & Taste of Westfield | September 23

State of the City | November 13

BLAZIN' A TRAIL: BLAKE LINDSAY NAMED DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

Join us on September 26, as we honor Mr. Blake Lindsay, Westfield’s 2025 Distinguished Alumni inductee. A proud 1983 graduate, Blake led an inspiring life of impact, resilience, and leadership until his passing in November 2024. Known as “Blazin’ Blake,” he spent over two decades as a Top 40 radio DJ in major cities like Indianapolis, San Antonio, and Dallas.

Legally blind since infancy, Blake never let challenges define him. He managed his own media company, served as Manager of Outreach for Envision Dallas, and collaborated with local and national leaders to expand opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired. He is the author of three motivational books and a lead presenter for To Be Like Me, an empathy-focused educational program.

From being named the 2024 Dallas Metrocrest Citizen of the Year to receiving the Bank of America’s Employee of the Year award, Blake’s story embodies what it means to be Life Ready.

Once a Rock, Always a Rock.

The Westfield Education Foundation proudly awarded over $107,000 in scholarships to 69 Westfield High School seniors this year! These scholarships honor students’ hard work and academic achievement while easing the financial burden of higher education. From future educators and healthcare professionals to artists and entrepreneurs, these awards help launch meaningful futures. We’re incredibly grateful to our community partners, businesses, and donors who make this possible.

Looking ahead, one of our goals is to award scholarships to 10% of each graduating class, and to do that, we need your support. The Foundation is committed to ensuring every student is Life Ready—academically and professionally. We’re seeking partners who believe in the power of education and want to invest in students pursuing diverse postsecondary pathways, including healthcare, education, hospitality, the arts, science, business, law, information technology, communications, agriculture, and general studies.

Whether students choose a four-year university, a two-year college, a certification program, or a direct-to-career route, your support helps remove barriers and expand their possibilities.

If your business or organization is interested in sponsoring a scholarship for the 2025–2026 school year, please contact Ashley Knott at knotta@wws.k12.in.us.

Learn more at wwswef.org/scholarships

Scan the QR code to RSVP for an Alumni Endzone Pass and to learn more about our Alumni Events!

ALUMNI CONNECTIONS: HOMECOMING 2025

ONCE A ROCK, ALWAYS A ROCK. Westfield alumni—you're invited back to where it all began! Join us on Friday, September 26, for Homecoming 2025 as the Shamrocks take on Brownsburg. Come cheer on our Rocks, reunite with old friends, and relive the memories that make Westfield home.

We’re excited to bring back the Alumni Endzone Celebration, a special space just for our alums to reconnect, enjoy delicious food, and watch the game from exclusive endzone seating. Last year’s event was filled with laughter, hugs, and stories— and we can’t wait to do it again.

Whether you're a recent graduate or celebrating decades since walking these halls, your presence matters. At Westfield, your story doesn’t end at graduation—it continues.

RSVP required for Alumni Endzone Pass

Let’s celebrate the pride, tradition, and lifelong connections that make us Rock Strong

INTERNSHIPS & EXPLORATION

“All Rocks Are Life Ready!” are not just words to our staff, but the vision that guides our actions. One of the ways WHS prepares our students for life is by offering internships for our seniors to explore different career paths. Through our classrooms, many of our seniors have discovered their career passions and are eager to gain realworld experience. Last year, our seniors explored careers with over 180 internship opportunities.

If you are a local business interested in providing an internship opportunity for one of our talented seniors, please contact Michelle Goudy at goudym@wws.k12.in.us for more information.

INVESTING IN MORE THAN JUST PARKING THE UNION: NOW OPEN & COMING SOON

Investing in downtown parking garages benefits the entire community. While some may view them as unnecessary or unattractive, they actually support a thriving, accessible, and walkable city. Garages make it easier for people to visit shops, restaurants, and events by offering safe, convenient parking — helping local businesses grow and keeping downtown vibrant. They also use land more efficiently than surface lots, freeing up valuable space for housing, parks, offices, or green spaces.

By centralizing parking, garages reduce traffic congestion and pollution from cars circling for spots. They support shared use — for example, office workers during the day and visitors in the evening — and can even include ecofriendly features such as solar panels, rooftop gardens, and EV chargers.

They’re also essential for accessibility. Not everyone can walk far, and garages help ensure downtown is welcoming and usable for families with kids, older adults, and out-of-town visitors.

At the end of the day, parking garages aren’t just about cars — they’re about people. They help everyone enjoy what our downtown has to offer and keep our city strong and welcoming.

The Union is quickly becoming a key destination in Westfield, offering a growing mix of businesses designed to meet both everyday needs and create memorable outings. This thoughtfully curated development is more than just a place to shop or dine, it’s shaping into a hub where the community can gather, connect, and enjoy.

Already open and serving the community are Everbowl, Pure Barre, and The Spark Coffee. These first tenants have set the tone with energy, flavor, and connection—perfectly capturing the dynamic experience The Union is all about.

Several more businesses are preparing to open soon, including Lake City Bank, BlackSheep Pizza and Cocktails, Stella’s Ice Cream, Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming, and Black Orchid Barbers. From banking and grooming to pizza and cocktails, The Union is bringing together a well-rounded mix of services and experiences that reflect the diverse needs of Westfield’s growing community.

Looking further ahead, Sun King Brewing is under construction in a standalone building and expected to open in Summer 2026. This exciting addition will bring a beloved regional favorite to The Union, adding to the destination’s reputation as a place where locals and visitors alike can come together to enjoy the best of Westfield.

Ask Mayor Scott Willis anything; he wants to hear from YOU! This is your opportunity to ask direct questions to your local government. You may see your question answered here or on our social media pages.

To participate, submit your questions at westfieldin.gov/askthemayor

Why Does Our City Have So Many Banks and Fast Food Restaurants?

Imagine you’re driving down State Road 32. You pass a fast food place... then another... then a bank, and — yep — another fast food place. You might start to wonder: “Why are there so many of the same kinds of businesses around here? Doesn’t the city care about variety?”

It’s a common question. A lot of people think the city is the one choosing which businesses move in. But the truth is, that’s not really how it works.

The City Sets the Rules, Not the Businesses

Every city uses something called zoning. Think of zoning like a giant map of the city, split into different colored zones — one for houses, one for stores and restaurants, another for factories or warehouses. These zones help organize how land is used so that, for example, you don’t end up with a noisy factory right next to someone’s bedroom.

In areas marked commercial, businesses are allowed to open, but the city doesn’t decide which businesses show up. It just says, “Hey, if you’re a business that follows the rules, you can operate here.”

That’s where private companies come in.

Businesses Follow the Money

Fast food restaurants, banks, tire stores — they all look for places where they think they’ll make money. They study maps, traffic patterns, the number of people nearby, and even what their competitors are doing. If a certain intersection is busy and has lots of people driving by, you can bet businesses are taking notice.

And guess what? Fast food restaurants and banks love busy corners. They're looking for drive-thru access, parking, and a place where people will stop in quickly — or better yet, come back often.

So once one opens, others may follow. It’s not a mistake or a lack of planning, it’s actually a sign that businesses think the area is a hot spot.

Can the City Just Say “No” to More Fast Food?

Not really... at least, not just because people are tired of seeing them or there are too many. If a business follows the rules of the zoning code, and the building it wants to use is already approved for that type of business, the city usually can’t say no. That would be unfair, and possibly illegal.

Think of it like this: if you own a piece of land and the rules say you can build a store there, you’d be pretty upset if the city said, “Sorry, we don’t like your store idea. We already have too many like it.”

So What Can Residents Do?

This doesn’t mean communities are powerless. Residents can speak up during city planning meetings. They can work with local leaders to suggest updates to zoning rules — maybe encouraging more mixed-use spaces or creating incentives for different kinds of businesses.

It takes time, and often early involvement, to shape the way a community grows.

visit westfieldin.gov/events for more information