Winona Lake Holds Splash Pad Ceremony
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Jennifer [email protected]
The park is funded through grants and corporate and private donations, all tax deductible through the Town of Winona Lake.
The Winona Lake Park Board initially had the idea of implementing a splash pad in Winona Lake Park in late 2010.
In Spring 2011, the town joined forces with a Kosciusko Leadership Academy group who was doing a White Paper Project for a Splash Pad design in Winona Lake.
Erin Porter and Mary Pat Wallen joined the group with the idea of a "beyond ADA -compliant" playground. The entire Winona Lake Limitless Park idea was developed.
Chris Chockley, Jones Petrie Rafinski, was the certified planner. The work was completed by Michiana Contracting under advisement by Mike Chapman and Leisure Pools and Spas.
Phase one is the universally accessible water play area, including access to Winona Lake's beach and water, accessible and shaded splash pad and universally accessible year-round restrooms.
Phase two is the universally accessible playground, including age-appropriate play areas that enable interaction of all children and engage all of the senses, environmentally considerate construction and shaded, universally accessible rest areas.
Phase three is an additional eco-friendly parking lot and expanded accessible parking. Phase four is inclusive summer programming for special needs students in grades K-12.
During Friday night’s ceremony there were speakers and children had the opportunity to play at the splashpad.
“This particular project has been in the making for several year and we appreciate your help in making this possible,” said Craig Allebach, town coordinator.
Allebach said it is a $1 million project and the town appreciates the fact that K21 stepped forward to provide funding.
Rich Haddad, K21 Health Foundation president, said the splashpad would not be possible without the support of the 17 board members.
“It was their decision to step forward and make this happen for the community,” Haddad said. “There are simple pleasures of kids laughing and playing and every kid of all abilities will laugh and play here.”
He said K21 believes the future of the community is about healthy living and continuing to create a community where healthy living is the culture.
Shelby Beam, Winona Lake Park Board president, thanked the community for the support and said it is a dream come true.
Holly Hummitch, Winona Lake parks director, said its exciting to see the splashpad become a reality.
“A big thank you to those who have contributed their time and efforts in addition to all of our generous donors,” Hummitch said. “It is so amazing to watch the park I grew up playing in become a gathering place for everyone in this entire community and beyond.”
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The park is funded through grants and corporate and private donations, all tax deductible through the Town of Winona Lake.
The Winona Lake Park Board initially had the idea of implementing a splash pad in Winona Lake Park in late 2010.
In Spring 2011, the town joined forces with a Kosciusko Leadership Academy group who was doing a White Paper Project for a Splash Pad design in Winona Lake.
Erin Porter and Mary Pat Wallen joined the group with the idea of a "beyond ADA -compliant" playground. The entire Winona Lake Limitless Park idea was developed.
Chris Chockley, Jones Petrie Rafinski, was the certified planner. The work was completed by Michiana Contracting under advisement by Mike Chapman and Leisure Pools and Spas.
Phase one is the universally accessible water play area, including access to Winona Lake's beach and water, accessible and shaded splash pad and universally accessible year-round restrooms.
Phase two is the universally accessible playground, including age-appropriate play areas that enable interaction of all children and engage all of the senses, environmentally considerate construction and shaded, universally accessible rest areas.
Phase three is an additional eco-friendly parking lot and expanded accessible parking. Phase four is inclusive summer programming for special needs students in grades K-12.
During Friday night’s ceremony there were speakers and children had the opportunity to play at the splashpad.
“This particular project has been in the making for several year and we appreciate your help in making this possible,” said Craig Allebach, town coordinator.
Allebach said it is a $1 million project and the town appreciates the fact that K21 stepped forward to provide funding.
Rich Haddad, K21 Health Foundation president, said the splashpad would not be possible without the support of the 17 board members.
“It was their decision to step forward and make this happen for the community,” Haddad said. “There are simple pleasures of kids laughing and playing and every kid of all abilities will laugh and play here.”
He said K21 believes the future of the community is about healthy living and continuing to create a community where healthy living is the culture.
Shelby Beam, Winona Lake Park Board president, thanked the community for the support and said it is a dream come true.
Holly Hummitch, Winona Lake parks director, said its exciting to see the splashpad become a reality.
“A big thank you to those who have contributed their time and efforts in addition to all of our generous donors,” Hummitch said. “It is so amazing to watch the park I grew up playing in become a gathering place for everyone in this entire community and beyond.”
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