Kentland’s Park System
Together, We’ve Made a Difference in Kentland’s Future
It was a fun and rigorous fundraising journey, but as a town we accomplished something truly remarkable. We partnered with the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA) on two separate occasions: one to raise money for a revitalized Batton Park, and the other for a brand new Wonder Park to be located on the corner of Fourth and Allen.
Working closely with the amazing team over at the Jasper Newton Foundation, we were able to successfully raise a total upward of $225,725 for Batton, which far exceeded our original goal of $200,000. What makes this whole initiative so exciting is how Batton Park is going to complement the proposed Thrive Campus. If you aren’t familiar with the plans to establish a senior living facility, a child care center, and a wellness complex among Batton Park’s layout, you can learn all about it on Kentland’s Opportunity Zone web page.
Batton Park will become a key component that ties these three unique facilities together. But what about the equipment? Where will the new park equipment be sourced from? What will happen to the old park equipment? When will the installation process begin?
An Update About
Our Parks
Park Equipment
For some time now, members of Kentland’s Opportunity Zone Task Force have been in active discussions with Miracle Recreation and Whitaker Engineering. These two groups are working together to determine a park layout that will perfectly fit in with the proposed Thrive Campus. Drainage studies being conducted by the engineering firm are nearing completion, and this will move the process along in identifying an official construction timeline.
What we do know for certain is this: both parks will be completed by Spring of 2022. The Wonder Park funds, raised in conjunction with the Newton County Historical Society, landed at a whopping $108,575. We’re excited to announce that these funds will be used to purchase brand new equipment!
As we receive more information about the parks, we’ll be placing updates here on the Kentland’s Park System web page, as well as on our Facebook and Instagram profiles.
How Our Investment Will Enhance Play in Kentland
Big Fun in a Small Town
These parks are going to complement one another, adding a new layer of fun to Kentland. They will also create more appeal for families interested in moving to Kentland one day.
Engaging
Picture this: you’ll be able to bring your child to vibrant park spaces in town that are going to create excitement and provide the perfect backdrop for lifelong memories.
Ease of Mind
For families with children located south of US 24: you will no longer need to cross the train tracks or the busy highway to reach playground equipment and have a fun-filled time.
Ideal for Younger Children
Together, these park experiences will serve a range of ages, especially those spanning between two and 12 years old.
Seeing Our Parks From a Different Angle
Location is everything! All of our parks will be conveniently accessible and down the road from one another!
Our Parks
Batton Park Features
The newly-renovated Batton park complements the proposed Thrive Intergenerational Wellness Campus. The park includes many features like different swings, a play structure, and a music concerto.
Batton Park Features
The newly-renovated Batton park complements the proposed Thrive Intergenerational Wellness Campus. The park includes many features like different swings, a play structure, and a music concerto.
Wonder Park Features
This newly added park is located on the corner of Fourth and Allen, providing a safe travel location for residents south of US 24. The Wonder Park has many features, including a climbing structure, slides and a roof for sun protection.
Southside Park Features
This newly added park is located on the corner of Fourth and Allen, providing a safe travel location for residents south of US 24. The South Side Park has many features, including a climbing structure, slides and a roof for sun protection.
Cast Park
Located near the Pennsylvania Railroad Depot, Cast Park features a catch & release fishing pond and fantastic walking path. It is equipped with a large shelter area, and perfect for family parties, celebrations or resting after a run in the sun.
Cast Park Features
Located near the Pennsylvania Railroad Depot, Cast Park features a catch & release fishing pond and fantastic walking path. It is equipped with a large shelter area, and perfect for family parties, celebrations or resting after a run in the sun.
Giving Tree:
Donation Tiers
A metalwork structure called the Giving Tree will honor the donors of the Kentland Park System by having their names inscribed on the trunk of the tree. This will be located in Batton Park! Those who gave $1,000 or more will receive a personalized leaf with their names etched into it.
Bronze Level Leaf: $1,000 – $2,499
Silver Level Leaf: $2,500 – $4,999
Gold Level Leaf: $5,000 – $9,999
Platinum Level Leaf: $10,000
Our Contributors
Raising a total nearing (checks are still flowing in here and there) $334,300 is no small feat. As always, Kentland has shown itself to be a small community capable of producing larger-than-life results. Every single donation has played an important role in making Kentland a better home for the members of its community and will continue to impact all those who will one day call Kentland their home. We would like to take a moment to thank the following key donors.
Park System Donors