New Pavilion At Potawatomi Wildlife Park Dedicated
Posted
David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
TIPPECANOE - Besides the miles of trails and ponds, visitors to Potawatomi Wildlife Park will now have a place for gatherings, picnics and other events.
Sunday afternoon, Potawatomi Park Inc. dedicated the new south pavilion at Potawatomi Wildlife Park, 16998 Ind. 331, Tippecanoe.
The new pavilion was constructed this spring, according to board member Larry Beeson. It will hold more than 200 people, and can be rented out.
The pavilion cost more than $200,000, with a majority of the cost coming from donations. Beeson said the 13 park board members hope to eventually get enough donations to pay for the entire cost of the pavilion.
The park itself includes about 317 acres.
Potawatomi Wildlife Park was created by the estate of Vernon Romine, of Mentone. He had owned 150 acres and wanted the park to be dedicated to the children of Marshall and Kosciusko counties.
The park itself was to be managed by Lions Clubs of Mentone, Bourbon and Etna Green and the Kiwanis of Triton and Bremen. Five years ago, according to Beeson, the park board grew to 13 members for more input.
In 1983, Potawatomi Park Inc. was incorporated as a not-for-profit. All donations to the organization are tax-deductible.
Several years later, an additional 50 acres was purchased for the park. Within the past five years, Will Erwin gave 85 more acres. Erwin then provided another 30 acres a couple of years ago, said Beeson.
In the park, there are five ponds of various sizes and 10 miles of walking trails, said Beeson.
The Notre Dame archaeology department has identified an area where a Potawatomi Indian chief had his village, Beeson said. There also is some area considered prehistoric.
The Boots-Myers cabin was given to the park five years ago by the Marshall County Historical Society. Beeson said it's supposed to be the oldest cabin in Marshall County. It dates back to the 1840s.
Because of its historical significance and trails, the park developed the tag line of "Hike into History" for promotional use.
"There's just a variety of things we've got down here," said Beeson.
At one time, the park was named Marshall County's "best kept secret". In 2010, Beeson said the park was voted Michiana's favorite.
"People come out here just to walk," said Beeson.
While bicycles are prohibited, he said people can walk with their dogs if they are on a leash.
The new pavilion includes two grills, a kitchen area and electrical outlets.
Board member Lynne Utter, in her remarks during the dedication, said the ceremony was a celebration of a dream realized.
"We are following in the spirit of Vernon Romine, who was the original donor of the park," Utter said.
She thanked the many people and businesses who helped or donated to make the new pavilion a reality.
"Thank God for creating a beautiful place like this, for one," she said.
She then thanked Will and June Erwin for land; Borkholder Furniture, Nappanee, for providing an architect; Wayne Bessinger and John Anglin Jr. for their fundraising efforts; contributors Dr. Dane and Mary Louise Miller; Al Collins of CMD Construction, Plymouth, for building the pavilion; Inomed for their generous support; Nancy Felde for landscaping; G&G Excavating for the loads of dirt; REMC; Montgomery Well; Steel Ridge; Lemler & Sons; Clunette Elevator for the grass seed; Bob's Lock & Key, Talma; Mentone Lions; Eagle Scouts for the split rail fencing; and the Mentone, Bourbon and Etna Green Lions and Triton and Bremen Kiwanis Clubs.A water fountain was donated by Wayne and Betty Bessinger, and built by Clint Bessinger, Hilltop Water Gardens.
For more information about the park or rental costs, contact park manager Mike Stephan or visit the park's Web site at www.getintonature.com
