president's message
President’s Message
CITY LEADERSHIP Matt Murphy, Mayor Holly Taylor, Clerk Treasurer John Seibert, Parks Director
CITY COUNCIL Peter Anderson Evan Costas Robert Cotton George Douglas Jack Pupillo Diana Reed Casey Schmidt
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Christa Emerson, President Kevin Cornett Mark Hardwick Kay Magnetti Martin Sonnenberg Tim Warner
The 20’s are roaring (again) at Valpo Parks! 2020 marks the 75th Anniversary of the Valpo Parks Board and its institutional leadership in the community. As we look back to the beginning, 1945, there were many significant worldly events that shaped our history. Congruently, movers and shakers in Valparaiso were also making monumental decisions. Community leaders joined together to declare the need for neighborhood parks, recreational programming and the usage of greenspace for outdoor activities. Over the last 75 years, countless pioneers and community champions have provided visions, resources and the leadership in order to thrive. 2020 will be no different. As we reflect on our recent past, 2019, there is a lot to be thankful for.The City of Valparaiso and the Redevelopment Commission awarded Neighborhood Improvement Grants to three of our parks. Banta Park received funding to expand the playground with a new tot area. Jessee-Pifer Park added a beautiful, natural wild flower garden. Berkley Park enhanced its offering with a sand volleyball court. Another great community partnership between the Park Board and the Center Township Trustee lead the way for improvement in 2019. As such, Banta Senior Center was awarded special funds to purchase new equipment, furniture, games and other supplies. Ogden Botanical Garden received a new marquee sign on the corner of Campbell Street and Harrison Boulevard. A comfort station was built at Bicentennial Park which includes men’s, women’s, and a family restroom, in addition to, a drinking fountain. The Youth Sports division successfully organized the first Challenger Baseball League at Samardzija Field at Tower Park. The Golf division made an investment in carts at Forest Park Golf Course providing a better on-course experience for customers. 2019 resulted in two exciting celebrations by the Valpo Parks Department and Valpo Parks Foundation. Those included our Horticulture Center, on the old Clifford property, where our staff design and grow flowers for landscaping around the city.The second occurred at the Creekside property with the grand opening of Creekside Trails, a multi-use trail system for people of all ages and abilities. The love, dedication and support from the community in 2019 was overwhelming and we are so grateful for all of you.
As we transition into 2020, there are once again so many things to be excited about.ValPAWraiso, an off-leash dog park will open in the spring offering social opportunities for both large and small dogs, and their owners! The new park features two rain shelters, a restroom and memorial brick plaza under the signature Valpo Parks archway. Just as we saw in 1945 when community leaders joined together to declare parks a priority, 2020 will repeat that history. Members from city leadership,Valpo Parks and Valpo Parks Foundation will embark on a Park Master Plan. This living guide, with input from local citizens, will serve as our roadmap for the next five years. I’ve touched upon a handful of new programs, park improvements and special activities but would be remised if I didn’t mention the continued commitment to beautiful pathways, our lovely downtown Central Park Plaza, Porter Health Amphitheater, William E. Urschel Pavilion and the Indiana Beverage Activity Center that we have the good fortune to enjoy all year long. In closing, I’d like to thank our outgoing Park board member, Mitch Peters, and welcome our two newest members, Kay Magnetti and Kevin Cornett. The city is indebted to Mayor Jon Costas, Clerk-Treasurer Sharon Swihart and City Administrator Bill Oeding for their vision and support over the course of their leadership. Thank you to our dedicated and talented Park Superintendent, John Seibert, and his wonderful team who work tirelessly to improve our quality of life in Valparaiso.To the Valpo Parks Foundation for their continued support of park projects and the entire City leadership who work together for all of us, we say thank you. But most of all, thanks to you, our great community for supporting Parks. Now, let’s start a new legacy for the next 75 years! Happy New Year! Sincerely, Christa Emerson
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Christa Emerson, Park Board President
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