Newsletter for the Friends of the LaPorte County Parks.
Administrative Office
Red Mill County Park
Open: 7am-12pm-12:30pm-5pm
Monday - Thursday
0185 S. Holmesville Rd.
LaPorte, IN 46350
219-325-8315
Fax 219-325-8317
E-Mail [email protected]
www.laportecountyparks.org
Naturalist Office
Luhr County Park
3178 S. 150 West
LaPorte, IN 46350
219-324-5855
E-Mail [email protected]
[email protected]
www.laportecountyparks.org
Luhr Park Maintenance
Facility
219-326-0524
Creek Ridge County Park
7943 W. 400 North
Michigan City, IN 46360
Bluhm County Park
3855 S. 1100 West
Westville, IN 46391
Foundation Properties:
(undeveloped)
Kankakee Property
Kankakee Township
Sebert Property
Springfield Township
George R. Menkes
Nature Preserve
Galena Township
Winter 2013/2014
2013 A Year in Review
Jean Lawson, the office and finance manager, received the ROSE award
(recognition of service award) from the Visitors and Convention Bureau,
and the LaPorte County Employee of the Month Award for July.
The Luhr Park Nature Center had its highest visitation. 2874 people
visited and this doesn’t reflect those that
participated in programs.
Niki Schmutte, the chief naturalist, received the Outstanding
Professional Award from the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association
at the annual meeting in January.
Additional wood chips were added to the playground and adult exercise
equipment was installed, during the IU Health Day at Red Mill park. The
exercise equipment can be found off the paved trail going south from
Canada Lodge.
Our facebook page has over 900 likes. Help us reach our
goal of over 1000.
Coolspring Township paid for the power washing and staining of the
maintenance building, restroom, Lions and Prairie shelters. They also
purchased a Kubota utility ATV vehicle and replaced four large group
grills at Creek Ridge Park.
The park staff, along with volunteers, worked throughout the year to
eradicate invasive species at Luhr Park. Management of natural areas
was a focus at all four of the park properties.
The Pioneer Days Program broke an all time high
attendance record. The event saw 3,666 participants.
The mission of the LaPorte County Parks
and Recreation Board and Department
is to preserve, protect and manage
natural, cultural and recreational
resources within a diverse and balanced
park system. We will provide educational
opportunities through facilities and
programs for all citizens of LaPorte
County to further their awareness and
enjoyment of those resources.
LaPorte County Parks Staff
Tim Morgan - Superintendent
Jean Lawson-Office & Finance Manager
“Nature” Niki Schmutte - Chief Naturalist
“Ranger” Laura Moyer - Rec. and Ed. Programmer
Roger Grove - Maintenance Supervisor
Boyd Lomow - Maintenance Technician
Barb Janeczko - Maintenance Technician
Seasonal Staff / Part-time
Jim Simon - Naturalist Assistant
Joanne Janisch - Naturalist Assistant
Sharon Bonner - Office
Jim Janeczko - Maintenance
Richard Walker - Maintenance
Pat Chenoweth- Maintenance
Jimmie Tanner- Maintenance
Jesse Davis- Maintenance
Ken Havlin - Gate Keeper
Al Radke - Gate Keeper
Park Board
Kate Ardissono - President
Ronald Knickrehm- Vice President
Hugh Tonagel
Erin Lozano
Chris Fronk
Jim Holifield
Brian Root
Foundation Board
Jim Jessup, President
Stephanie Oberlie, Treasurer
Doug Buell
Bill Hedge
Steve King
Liz Kaminski
Ed Merrion
Tom Thode
Amy Riehle
County Commissioners
Willie Milsap
David Decker
Vidya Kora
County Council Members
Jeff Santana
Matt Bernacchi
Earl Cunningham
Mark Yagelski
Terry Garner
Lois Sosinski
Rick Mrozinski
Park Programs
Night Hikes
January 8
February 5
6-7 pm
Luhr County Park
Meet in the Nature Center
All ages welcome
(children must be accompanied
by an adult)
Come bundled up to go on a
winter hike through the park
in the dark. These programs
are free but pre-registration
is required one week before
each hike. Call 219-325-8315
to register.
Women Only
Fishing Instruction
April 12 at Luhr Park
Free 1-3 pm
Ages 18 and older
Come out to Luhr Park to learn
basic fishing skills and
information. Participants will
learn how to cast, bait a hook,
and try to catch fish. This
program is for all those
women out there that want to
learn how to fish in a fun and
stress free environment. Poles
and bait will be provided. No
fishing license needed for
this program.
Pre-registration is required
by April 3.
Call 219-325-8315.
Teachers, Groups,
and Scout Leaders
Free Environmental Education
Programs are offered to
groups throughout the year.
The programs last one hour or
longer depending on the group
size and age. Programs can be
scheduled at Creek Ridge
Park, Luhr Park, Bluhm Park or
Red Mill Park.
Call the Nature
Center for
information or to
make reservations.
219-324-5855
Winter Fun Facts
Average snowflakes fall at
3.1 mph.
60% of the Earth’s fresh
water is stored in the polar
ice caps.
Ten inches of snow melts down
to one inch of water.
The tallest snowman ever
made was 113 feet 7 inches
tall.
Antarctica set the record for
the worlds coldest
temperature at -129.
The “winter blues” were first
diagnosed in 1984.
Park Programs
Tea Party
Stroller, Baby,
and You
FREE
10– 11 am at Luhr Park
Toddlers – Pre-School age
Fun filled programs with other
toddlers and preschoolers.
Call 219-325-8315 to
pre-register one week in
advance.
January 6, 13, 27
February 3,10
March 10, 24
April 7, 28
April 5
10 – 11:15 a.m.
Luhr Park Nature Center
Ages 4 and up
children must be accompanied by an adult
$15 per couple, $5 for each additional child
Pre-registration and payment is required on or
before March 27. No registrations will be accepted
after the due date or when the program is filled
whichever comes first.
See page 5 for registration form.
Bring your favorite cup and come drink tea or lemonade
with the animals inside the Nature Center. There will
be a storyteller, continental breakfast, arts & crafts
and much more.
Senior Lifestyles
Learn how to Crochet
Join the 55+ Club, a social club designed
specifically for adults ages 55 and older. Learn and
explore various types of nature at its best in the
county parks. The weather outside might be
frightful, but a social club sounds quite delightful!
Come relax, enjoy nature, & have coffee on the
Parks with your new friends.
FREE
Luhr County Park Nature Center
from 9 – 10 am on Wednesdays. Call
at least one week in advance to
signup & assure a spot.
Call 219-325-8315
February 4, 11 and 18
6:00 - 7:15 at Luhr County Park
ages 8 and older (children must be
accompanied by an adult)
$12 per person Max 10 / Min 5
March 5-Program to be determined
April 2-Learn how to control acid reflux,
Christine Maddox, IU Health LaPorte
May 7-Gardening with Sacha Burns, Sunkissed
Organics.
Join local artist Heather
Banas and learn how to
make a washcloth in this
3-class series. Learn the
basics the first night,
practice at home and come back for the
next two classes to ask your questions
and keep moving forward to a finished
project. Everything will be supplied.
Registration due January 28 or when
program is filled whichever comes
first.See page 5 for details.
Park Programs
Daddy/Daughter Dance
“Princess Style”
Parent and Child
Discovery Days
February 28 and March 1
Red Mill County Park
Pat Smith Hall
6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.
$15.00 per couple, $5.00 for each
additional daughter.
6-7:15 pm Luhr Park
Ages 3-8
$5.00 A Child / Per Program
An adult is required to
participate.
The program includes arts &
crafts, games, snack, and
more. All activities are related
to the program topic.
Get all dressed up and come out to Red Mill County
Park to share an evening of enchantment and wonder!
Pictures will be taken of all couples to take home.
Refreshments will be served. Fill out the
form and mail it in with payment. Hurry
this will fill up fast! Pre-registration
and payment is required on or before
February 20. No registrations will be
accepted after the due date or when
the program is full whichever comes
first.
See page 5 for registration information.
January 29Woody The Woodpecker
February 12Where did they go?
February 26-Wild Wind
March 12-Bat Basics
March 26-Star Theater
April 9-Flower Power
Pre-registration and payment
is required one week before
each program.
See page 5 for details.
Make a Mandala
Dream Catchers
January 13
6:00 - 7:15 at Luhr County Park
ages 8 and older (children must be
accompanied by an adult)
$8 per person Max 10 / Min 5
January 27
6:00 - 7:15 at Luhr County Park
ages 8 and older (children must be
accompanied by an adult)
$8 per person Max 10 / Min 5
Got a favorite animal or season? Love Nature?
Join local artist Heather Banas and she will
show you how to take what you love and
showcase it in a 3-inch mandala. Everything will
be supplied for you, but feel free to bring a
favorite feather, bead, or anything else that
you want to add. Registration due January 6
or when program is filled whichever comes
first. See page 5 for details.
Join local artist Heather Banas and learn how
to make a 3-inch dream catcher! Everything
will be supplied for you, but feel free to bring
a favorite feather, bead or something else
that strikes you. Registration due January 21
or when program is filled whichever comes
first. See page 5 for details.
LaPorte County Park Programs
Make Checks Payable to:
LaPorte County Parks Dept.
Mail this form and payment to:
LaPorte County Parks Dept.
Program Registration
0185 South Holmesville Road
LaPorte, IN 46350
2013-2014 Winter Registration Form
Mail this form with payment or pay in
person at Red Mill County Park.
219-325-8315 www.laportecountyparks.org
Name of Person filling out registration:____________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________City:_____________State:_____Zip:___________
Home Phone:______________ Cell Phone:__________________Email:__________________________
Parent/ Child Discovery Days (Ages 3-8)
Registration due one week before program.
Name of
child:___________________________________
Age:_______________
Check the program(s) you wish to attend.
$5 A Child / Per Program
___January 29
___March 12
___February 12
___March 26
___February 26
___April 9
__________Total Amount Due (no refunds)
Tea Party (ages 4 and up) April 5
$15 per couple and $5 for each additional Child
Registration due March 27 or when the program
is filled whichever comes first.
Name of
Adult:____________________________________
Name of
Child:_____________________________________
Daddy/Daughter Dance (February 28 or March 1)
$15 per couple and $5 for each additional daughter
Registration due February 20 or when the program is
filled whichever comes first.
Name of
Adult Male:________________________________
Name of
Daughter:_________________________________
Daughter’s Age:__________
Name of additional Daughters:_________________
________________________________________
Want to attend February 28___ or March 1____
(Friday)
(Saturday)
__________Total Amount Due (no refunds)
Make a Mandala (Ages 8 and older)
$8.00 Per Person January 13
Registration due January 6 or when program is
filled whichever comes first.
Childs Age:__________
Name and age of additional Children:
Name of
Participant:______________________________
__________________________________________
Age:_______________
__________Total Amount Due (no refunds)
__________Total Amount Due (no refunds)
Learn to Crochet (Ages 8 and older)
Feb.4,11,18
$12.00 Per Person includes all 3 Dates
Registration due January 28 or when program
is filled whichever comes first.
Name of
Participant:____________________________
Age:_______________
__________Total Amount Due (no refunds)
Dream Catchers (Ages 8 and older)
$8.00 Per Person January 27
Registration due January 21 or when program is
filled whichever comes first.
Name of
Participant:______________________________
Age:_______________
__________Total Amount Due (no refunds)
Luhr Park Nature Center
Closed
November - February
Open
March - October
1pm - 4pm
Tuesday -Thursday
and Saturday- Sunday
Regulations of the U.S. Department of Interior strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination in
departmental programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, or disability. Any
person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any program, activity, or
facility; or who desires further information regarding Title VI or subtitle A of title II of the
Americans with Disabilities Act, Pub. L. 101-336, which prohibits discrimination on the basis
of disability by public entities should write to:
LaPorte County Parks
Attn: Superintendent
0185 S. Holmesville Rd.
LaPorte, IN 46350
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National Park Service
Attn.: Director Equal
Opportunity Program
P.O. Box 37127
Washington, D.C.
20013-7127
All the Parks are
Open 7am to
sunset daily.
LaPorte County Parks
Administrative Office
Red Mill County Park
0185 S. Holmesville Rd.
LaPorte, IN 46350