PORTER COUNTY
PARKS &
RECREATION
Community
Health &
Wellness
Conservation
PORTER COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION PROGRAM GUIDE
MARCH - MAY 2017
From Our Superintendent
The Environmental Impact of Parks & Recreation
Greetings!
A few weeks ago I shared with you some of the
ways that County Parks and Recreation provides
an economic benefit to our community. Parks
continue to boost property values, support economic
development and promote smart growth. But parks,
open space, recreation and trails also provide a
significant amount of environmental benefits as well.
The most important of these benefits are those that
directly impact us as human beings and community
members. We naturally crave and need nature. Parks,
trails and open space provide air, water and sunshine
that we as people require to remain in good physical
health. But parks also help to remove dangerous toxins
and greenhouse gases that our industry, development
and commerce create. According to the American Planning Association, “Particulate matter actually
increases mortality in polluted cities, especially affecting people with underlying heart and lung disease.
Toxic air pollutants increase the risk of cancer. Therefore, trees offer a wide range of health benefits by
cleaning the air.”
The US EPA estimates that the average passenger car in the US emits approximately 4.7 metric tons of
CO2 each year! North Carolina State University research shows that, “Trees absorb carbon dioxide and
potentially harmful gasses, such as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, from the air and release oxygen. One
large tree can supply a day’s supply of oxygen for four people.
But it’s not just all about the air quality, trees and native prairie, dune or wetland plants also create critical
environmental benefits. One of the significant concerns and worries in our community is water quality and
storm water management.
A forested or “green” area has less runoff than in developed areas. During heavy and continuous rains
those tree and native plant roots keep precious soil in place, preventing the erosion of our yards, farms,
towns and hills. These plants also capture and retain the water in their leaves and branches while at the
same time storing water in their roots. This supports the groundwater supply and reduces the potential for
damaging floods. The USDA estimates that one hundred mature trees catch approximately 250,000 gallons
of rainwater each year.
Trees and plants also help to cool our environment. Pavement, asphalt and all the hard surfaces around
us create a “heat island” effect in our cities and towns that permeates throughout the County. Trees and
plants can reduce that effect though by being natural air conditioners. According to the USDA, “The
evaporation from a single large tree can produce the cooling effect of ten room-size air conditioners
operating24 hours a day.”
Again, it is because of all of these benefits (and many more) that the Porter County Parks and Recreation
Department hopes to continue growing, maintaining and providing critical services to you, our community.
Please let us know how we are doing by contacting us at our offices, 219-465-3586, on the web, www.
portercountyparks.org, or on Facebook.
Walter Lenckos
Superintendent
Register for Camp FUNset now and
get $5 off per week through March.
See our website for more information and to
register: http://portercountyparks.com
Programs at Sunset Hill Farm Park
Beginning/Intermediate Drawing for Adults
Thursdays March 2-23, 1-2:30 pm. $45.
Thursdays May 4-25, 1-2:30 pm, $45.
Participants will learn to create drawings while studying
famous artists’ approaches to rendering. Explore mixed
media techniques. All supplies provided.
Meet the Animals
Saturdays, March 4, April 1, May 6
Fridays, March 10, April 7, May 12
Drop in 9:30-10:30 am. Free.
Stop by the animal barns of Sunset Hill to meet the animals
and their caretakers while learning about life on the farm.
Woodland Animals of Sunset Public Hike
Saturday, March 4, and Friday, March 10
10:45 - 11:30 am. Free. Reservation requested.
Join our Naturalist for a hike around Sunset Hills to learn
about the furry creatures that call Sunset and the
surrounding dunes home.
Smart Phone Photography
Saturday, March 4, 1:30-4:30 pm. Free.
Join the Duneland Photo Club to learn tips and tricks for
taking great photos with your smart phone. You’ll learn
editing tricks to make those photos POP on Instagram and
Facebook.
Yoga at the Sunset Hill Farmhouse
Monday AM Series: March 6 - April 24,
9:30-10:30 am.
Tuesday PM Series: March 7 - April 25,
5:30-6:30 pm.
Sunday Series 2: March 19-May 7,
9-10 am.
Sunday Series 3: May 21-July 9, 9-10 am.
$75/series or $10/class.
Join Megan for this monthly program geared towards
children ages 5-12. Children will create their very own
project with step-by-step instructions. Parents are
encouraged to drop their children off, as space is limited.
Baby Animals of Sunset Hill Farm
Saturday, April 1 and Friday, April 7
10:45-11:30 am. Free. Reservation Requested.
Spring is here! With it comes baby animals. Bring your little
ones to explore the wild baby animals that are beginning
to grow at Sunset. During this hike, we will visit the new
baby farm animals as well.
Join Ali for an hour-long yoga program that will leave you
relaxed and invigorated.
Duneland Photography Club
1st Tuesdays of the Month, 7 pm, Free.
Young Artists at Sunset Hill
Thursdays, March 9, April 13, May 1,
6:00-7:15 pm. $8.
Monthly photography group for aspiring and established
photographers. Email [email protected] for
more information.
Acrylic Painting at Sunset Hill
Saturdays, April 1 and May 6, 10 am-12 pm. $10.
Create your own painting with step-by-step instructions.
All skill levels welcome. All supplies included. Minimum of
5 participants needed to run the class.
Aromatherapy 101
Thursday, April 6, 6-8 pm, and Saturday, April 8,
10 am-12 pm. Free. Registration Required.
Interested in aromatherapy but don’t know where to
start? Join Niccole for this informative class to get you
started. Minimum of 5 participants needed to run the
class.
Scan Here to
Register!
View our program offerings and register online at
http://apm.activecommunities.com/portercountyparks
Wild Edibles Public Hike
Saturday, May 6 and Friday, May 12,
10:45-11:30 am. Free. Reservation Requested.
Come out to learn about the edibles of the woods. We
will hike around Sunset Hill to see what you can (and
cannot!) eat. We will also stop by the gardens to see
what yummy things are starting to grow.
Mom & Me Acrylic Painting at Sunset Hill
Saturday, May 13, 10-11:30 am or 12:30-2 pm,
$35 for 2.
Youth Track and Field at Sunset Hill
Wednesdays, May 31-July 19, 5:30-7 pm. $55.
Boys and girls ages 4-12 of all skill levels are welcome
to participate on the Porter County parks track team!
Participants will have the opportunity to compete in 4
events each meet (field and running). Children will run
with youngsters their own age, with boys and girls in
separate divisions. We will compete against the Valpo
YMCA and the Valpo Parks Dept. Meets are tentatively
scheduled for June 24, July 8, July 15, and July 22.
Moms and their kids are invited to join Megan to create
their own masterpiece to take home. Perfect for Mother’s
Day. All supplies included.
Programs at Brincka Cross Gardens
Dream Circle Share
Daffodil Daze
Saturdays, March 4, April 1, May 6, 10 am-12 pm. Wednesday, April 19, 3:30-4:15. Free.
$10.
Reservation Requested.
Share and explore your dreams in a safe, non-judgmental
setting. Take time to consider the wisdom your dreams
may offer.
Yoga at Brincka Cross Gardens
Sundays, March 19, April 23, May 7, 10-11 am,
$10.
Join Kate for a relaxing hour of restorative yoga in the serene setting of Brincka Cross Gardens.
Bringing Indiana’s
history to you.
nwi.com/history
In celebration of Indiana’s
bicentennial, The Times will bring
you ongoing historical coverage,
galleries, blogs and features, in
print and online at nwi.com/history
throughout the year. Discover
our rich history, and learn about
influential individuals who make our
state great.
Join our Naturalist at Brincka Cross to see the hundreds
of daffodils that bloom every year. Come learn about
daffodils and some of the other wonderful flora that call
Brincka Cross Gardens home.
Porter County Parks on the GO!
PORTER COUNTY EXPO CENTER
KOUTS PUBLIC LIBRARY
In partnership with Purdue Extention
and Porter County Extention
Homemakers
Acrylic Painting
Thursdays, March 9, April 13, May 11,
11 am-1pm. $10.
Windowsill Herbs
Wednesday, May 31, 5-6 pm, Free.
Learn tips and tricks for growing hers all year on your
windowsill.
Attracting Butterflies
Wednesday, May 31, 6-7 pm. Free.
Learn what to plant in your yard and garden to attract
butterflies.
Container Gardening
Wednesday, May 31, 7-8 pm. Free.
Learn tips and tricks for container gardening.
HEBRON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Dining with Diabetes
Wednesdays, March 1-22, 11 am, Free.
Do you or a family member have Type 2 diabetes? Need
more information on cooking at home to help with this
lifestyle change? Then join Purdue Extention to learn
how to prepare healthy meals with less fat, sugar, and
salt without cutting taste. Participants are encouraged
to attend all 4 programs as each touches on a different
topic.
Acrylic Painting
1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the Month, 11 am-1 pm,
$10 (Note: No class March 7.)
Create your own step-by-step masterpiece. All skill levels
welcome. All supplies provided.
Create your own step-by-step masterpiece. All skill levels
welcome. All supplies provided.
VALPARAISO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Acrylic Painting
Thursdays, March 23, April 27, May 25, 2-4 pm or
6-8 pm, $10.
Susan will be teaching a monthly guided acrylic painting
project. The same project will be taught at both the
afternoon and evening sessions. All skill levels welcome.
All supplies provided.
WESTCHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY/
HAGEMAN BRANCH
Dining with Diabetes
Thursdays, March 9-23, 12:30 pm, Free.
Do you or a family member have Type 2 diabetes? Need
more information on cooking at home to help with this
lifestyle change? Then join Purdue Extention to learn
how to prepare healthy meals with less fat, sugar, and
salt without cutting taste. Participants are encouraged
to attend all 3 programs as each touches on a different
topic.
HAWTHORNE PARK
Acrylic Painting
Wednesdays, March 29, April 26, May 31,
3-5 pm, $10.
Create your own step-by-step masterpiece. All skill levels
welcome. All supplies provided.
Scan Here to Register!
View our program offerings and register
online at:
http://apm.activecommunities.com/portercountyparks
BOONE GROVE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Couch to Kent’s Run 5K Training
Thursdays, April 6-May 25, 5:30-6:30 pm, $55
It’s the 10th and last year for Kent’s Run! Are you ready
to run a great 5K for a great cause? Join the C2KR 5K
training group! Our RRCA certified running coach will
get you from the couch to the 5K in 9 weeks. No prior
running experience necessary. Price includes race
entry, weekly motivational emails, private Facebook
group, and training plan.
Youth Track and Field at BGMS
Tuesdays, June 6-July 18, 5:30-7 pm. $55.
Boys and girls ages 4-12 of all skill levels are welcome
to participate on the Porter County Parks track team!
participants will have the opportunity to compete in 4
events each meet (field and running). Children will run
with youngsters their own age, with boys and girls in
separate divisions. We will compete against the Valpo
YMCA and Valpo Parks Dept. Meets are tentatively
scheduled for June 24, July 8, July 15, and July 22.
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 134
VALPARAISO, IN
Porter County Parks & Recreation
155 Indiana Ave., Suite 304
Valparaiso, In 46383
***ECRWSS***
RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER
Spring Out
to Sunset
Only
$5 Per
Car!
Laser Ball
Inflatables
Meet the
Animals
Homebrew
Competition
& Beer
Garden
Vintage
Baseball
Live Music
Wagon Rides
Saturday, May 20, 2017
12-4pm
Sunset Hill Farm County Park
775 Meridian, Valparaiso
Porter County Parks & Recreation
Contact Information
http://portercountyparks.com
Main Office
155 Indiana Ave., Ste. 304
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone.......................(219) 465-3586
Fax............................(219) 465-3640
Maintenance..........(219) 252-9157
Recreation...............(219) 734-0203
Registration for Adult & Youth Recreation,
Wellness & Enrichment Programs
Naturalist..................(219) 465-3641
Registration for Nature Programs,
Parks to Schools & Senior Programs
Camp FUNset .........(219) 309-0680
& Field Trips
Marketing................(219) 548-0219
& Rentals