City to update parks
ELKHART — The City of Elkhart Parks and Recreation Department is looking to replace and update playgrounds at many of its properties this year, officials said.
Jamison Czarnecki, superintendent of the Elkhart parks department, said the city is in the process of switching out a lot of playgrounds and adding a few more.
The parks department is replacing and updating five playgrounds at Weston Park, Geroldeon Thursby Park, Island Park, Riverview Softball Complex and Gans Park. One new playground will be installed at SOMA Gardens located off of Division Street.
'More projects will be installed later in the year as they're confirmed with the public,' Czarnecki said.
The funding for these projects is provided by the city's general fund, a grant from the Community Foundation and a Community Champions Playground Grant from GameTime, officially through PlayCore.
Riverview Softball Complex is estimated to have a toddler playground complete by the end of April, according to Czarnecki. The playground at Geroldeon Thursby is estimated to be complete by the first week of May.
Weston Park's playground will completed by mid-May, according to Czarnecki. Island Park's playground is estimated to be completed by the end of May. The renovations at SOMA Gardens estimated to be complete in late June, and Gans Park should be complete in mid to late July.
Czarnecki said Walker Park will also be getting a new bathroom building and an outdoor gym, which are planned to be done by late May. He said there will be a celebration on June 7 at Walker Park to mark the recent improvements.
'The Elkhart Park Foundation is going to put on a full day of activities to highlight the improvements of the park,' Czarnecki said.
Czarnecki said the administration has been focused on making improvements to the parks to help with neighborhood and community engagement. He said it will also bring people into the parks to be more active and for their overall health.
Czarnecki said in the last master plan process, it was recognized that several playgrounds were past their lifespan.
'Many of these are over 30 years old and have become potential liability hazards,' Czarnecki said. 'We were able to go after this grant which opened up a lot of opportunity to replace them at one time. In doing so, it's going to make our parks safer because people will be out there on the new equipment checking them out with their kids, with their families, and with their friends.'
Czarnecki said the impact of these investments to the city will bring people out into the parks and will give families and residents an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. He also said when a city invests in its parks, residents and business are more likely to stay.
Christopher Baiker, president of the city Parks and Recreation board, said the master plan for the parks department is consistent with the city's broader ASPIRE plan.
'We're really trying to build a park system for everyone,' Baiker said, 'so that all areas of the community are served and that we upgrade all of the existing equipment and then also, kind of in a forward thinking manner, plan to better utilize our parks.'
Residents who would like more information about the parks can visit ourparksplan.com.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Milwaukee currently has the second worst air quality in the US, The New York Times says
Milwaukee is again experiencing some of the worst air quality in the U.S. from Canadian wildfire smoke on June 5, according to The New York Times. The city had the worst air quality in the country around noon EST on June 4, with an air quality index of 153, the Times reported. While Chicago has since topped the Times' list with an AQI of 161, Milwaukee claims the second spot. As of 11 a.m. EST on June 5, city has an air quality index of 139, the Times reported. Aurora, Colorado is experiencing the same index as Milwaukee. This AQI is considered "unhealthy for sensitive groups," according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's standards. For indexes in this range, members of sensitive groups could experience negative health effects. The general population is "less likely" to be affected, according to As a result, an air quality advisory from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has been extended until noon on June 6, Air Management Outreach Coordinator Craig Czarnecki confirmed to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Czarnecki noted the scope of the advisory will be reduced and include the following counties in the eastern portion of the state: Brown, Door, Kenosha, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Milwaukee, Oconto, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha. The AQI for these areas will range from "moderate" to "unhealthy for sensitive groups," he said, adding air quality throughout "much of the rest of the state" has improved to the "moderate" level. More: Canadian wildfire smoke is still affecting Wisconsin. How to keep kids and pets safe with poor air quality The DNR has interactive air quality maps, which show the AQI and any active alerts or advisories by county. You can view them on the department's website. You can also type in your ZIP code into the website. For those interested in receiving alerts, you can sign up to receive air quality advisory notices through the DNR's website at More: Air quality map: View current air quality conditions in Milwaukee This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee has second worst air quality in US on June 5: NYT
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Associated Press
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SELECTS BORA ARCHITECTURE & INTERIORS TO DESIGN AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM & RESEARCH LIBRARY
Renowned Design Firm to Lead Vision for Transformational Cultural Project in West Palm Beach 'We knew we needed a visionary architectural partner to create a cultural cornerstone that will act as an anchor for the Coleman Park community, and we've found that in Bora.'— Danita R. DeHaney, President & CEO, Community Foundation WEST PALM BEACH , FL, UNITED STATES, June 4, 2025 / / -- The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, a nonprofit organization that leads partnerships with donors, nonprofit organizations, and community members to address the region's chronic and emerging issues, is proud to announce that Bora Architecture & Interiors has been selected as the lead architectural design firm for the future African American Museum & Research Library (AAMRL) in West Palm Beach. The 37,000-square-foot facility will be constructed on the historic grounds of Roosevelt High School and serve as a cornerstone of revitalization for the Coleman Park neighborhood. Bora Architecture & Interiors, a nationally acclaimed firm based in Portland, Oregon, was chosen following an extensive national search conducted collaboratively by the AAMRL Advisory Council, the AAMRL Board of Directors and the Community Foundation project team. From an initial pool of 40 candidates, Bora distinguished itself as the top choice among five finalists, earning the commission based on its visionary approach and extensive experience designing civic and cultural spaces. Notable Bora projects include the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, OH; the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts in Davis, CA; the Mesa Arts Center in Mesa, AZ; and the Van Cliburn Concert Hall and School of Music at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX. For this significant project, Bora assembled a 'Design Collective' that brings together expertise in architecture, landscape design, community engagement and storytelling. For the architectural design, Bora will collaborate closely with Florida-based STORYN Studio for Architecture. Other key team members include Hood Design Studio for landscape architecture and placemaking, Local Projects for exhibit design, and Dr. Nashid S. Madyun for storytelling. 'We are honored to be entrusted with this transformative and culturally meaningful project,' said Design Principal Jeanie Lai of Bora Architecture & Interiors. 'Our team is dedicated to creating spaces that inspire, educate and connect communities — and we are excited to bring that same spirit to the AAMRL in West Palm Beach.' 'This project is about more than bricks and mortar,' said Danita R. DeHaney, president & CEO of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties and Chair of the AAMRL Board. 'It's about honoring the profound contributions of African Americans to our region and creating a space that informs, uplifts, and brings people together. We knew we needed a visionary architectural partner to create a cultural cornerstone that will act as an anchor for the Coleman Park community, and we've found that in Bora.' The AAMRL will serve as a beacon of cultural pride, economic opportunity and educational empowerment in the Coleman Park neighborhood, once the center of Black life in Palm Beach County. It is a collaborative effort led by the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, the School District of Palm Beach County, and engaged community stakeholders. The site — 1601 N. Tamarind Avenue — holds deep historical significance, once home to West Palm Beach's historic Roosevelt High School before becoming the Roosevelt Full-Service Center. Roosevelt alumni and community members have been advocating to turn the site into something more for many years. The Community Foundation joined the effort in June 2024 when the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners approved $1 million in funding for the museum's planning and development. The School District of Palm Beach County, which owns the site, has already begun renovations under Phase I, with Phase II encompassing the research library's restoration and the construction of a new two-story, 20,000-square-foot museum building. Plans for the museum include exhibit space, a research library, and community-focused areas that will host lectures, educational programs, special exhibitions, oral histories, youth initiatives, and more. Learn more at About the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties is a nonprofit organization that leads philanthropy locally. The foundation provides charitable expertise and vehicles to increase the investment options on behalf of individuals, family foundations, and corporations. Since 1972, the foundation has distributed nearly $250 million in grants and scholarships aimed at closing the area's opportunity gaps. With its vast network of donors and nonprofit partners, the foundation supports initiatives that improve youth and education, economic opportunity, thriving communities, and crisis preparation and response. Learn more at About Bora Architecture & Interiors Bora Architecture & Interiors is a purpose-driven design practice dedicated to crafting beautiful, environmentally responsive buildings that inspire and connect communities. Through architecture, interior design, and planning, the firm seeks to deliver tangible value and lasting impact, weaving together art and science to uncover meaningful insights rooted in each project's unique story. From its studio in Portland, Oregon, Bora brings deep national expertise in designing for education, cultural and performing arts, public libraries, and community development—all guided by core values of health, equity, and climate-conscious design. Learn more at About STORYN Studio for Architecture STORYN Studio for Architecture is an interdisciplinary practice of architects, designers, and urbanists with extensive experience in cultural, civic, and hospitality spaces. The firm operates with a commitment to environmental stewardship and shared agency, working in partnership with the communities it serves. STORYN creates story-driven environments that reflect collective histories and foster public connection. Their work combines rigorous research, design innovation, and close collaboration to deliver impactful, budget-conscious solutions. The practice believes design is a catalyst for social change and actively engages in shaping both the built environment and public policy to ensure placemaking resonates across all communities. Learn more at Melissa Perlman BlueIvy Communications + +1 5613109921 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Facebook X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
$100K grant opportunity for Lewis County's rich history
LEWIS COUNTY, N.Y. (WWTI) – The Northern New York Community Foundation has announced a funding opportunity of up to $100,000 for historic preservation and restoration projects in Lewis County. Historic preservation preserves history, fosters community identity and enhances economic and environmental benefits. Cruise passenger falls into sea after ship separates from pier in Sicily Democrats split, Republicans pounce as Delgado challenges Hochul $100K grant opportunity for Lewis County's rich history NNY BOCES Students Shine at NYS SkillsUSA Championship Tory Burch's Amazon storefront has up to 55% off bags and more 'We know our local historic properties help enhance the beauty and character of our cities, towns, and villages. We are excited to offer this type of funding as a way to build an even stronger sense of community,' said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. 'We are grateful for our Lewis County donors over the years who have entrusted us to support these types of initiatives.' NNYCF says that churches and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are fully situated in Lewis County and intend to engage in historic preservation or restoration are eligible applicants. The preservation or restoration of locations with valid historical relevance and important historical community landmarks should be the main goals of projects. Cemeteries are not eligible to be considered for this program. According to NNYCF, applicants should also adhere to the following criteria: Properties slated for historic preservation or restoration must be wholly owned by the applicant organization Funding is available for projects that specifically address the exterior of existing structures or elements Funding priority will be for properties easily accessed and enjoyed by the public No grants will be awarded for additions or modifications that substantially alter the historic nature and character of the property A total of up to $100,000 is available for the application period. Complete grant proposals must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, through the Foundation's online grant portal. The Foundation will support several meaningful grants within the total funding available. Successful applicants may receive full or partial funding, considering priorities and the number of worthy projects. Applicants should contact the Community Foundation to discuss their funding requests before submitting. Requests for work starting before September 30, 2025, won't be accepted, and past expenses won't be reimbursed. Email Kraig Everard at kraig@ or call 315-782-7110. The Community Foundation will inform all applicants about their grant status by October 17, 2025. Funding will be provided ahead of the project start based on need and timeline. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
