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Mishawaka Parks and Recreation Foundation

Building Parks That Build Our Community

The Mishawaka Parks & Recreation Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents of Mishawaka and surrounding communities by supporting and promoting recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities within our parks system.

Mishawaka Parks and Recreation Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible.

Current Projects

Normain Heights Park

Community leaders are gearing up to bring a unique and inclusive experience to Normain Heights Park! A capital campaign is underway to build a Miracle Field, a specially designed space that allows people with disabilities to safely play organized baseball. The field will be the first of its kind in north central Indiana and serve the estimated 80,000+ people with disabilities and their families in our area. Leaders also hope to make significant upgrades to the park, which include a new softball field, restrooms, basketball courts, inclusive playground, and splash pad. 
To donate with a check, please make it payable to the Mishawaka Parks and Recreation Foundation.

Mail to:
Mishawaka Parks and Recreation Foundation
Miracle Field Capital Campaign
904 North Main St.
Mishawaka, IN 46545

Our Vision

Our vision is to create vibrant and inclusive parks and recreational spaces that serve as the heart of our community, fostering health, wellness, and lifelong learning for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Our Purpose

Education and Enrichment

We are dedicated to promoting lifelong learning and personal growth through educational programs, events, and experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for nature and the arts.

Community Engagement

We seek to foster a sense of belonging and community pride by providing opportunities for residents to connect, engage, and participate in recreational and cultural activities.

Health and Wellness

We recognize the importance of parks and recreational activities in promoting physical and mental well-being, and we are committed to supporting initiatives that encourage active lifestyles and healthy living habits.

Access and Inclusion

We strive to ensure that our parks and recreational programs are accessible to all members of the community, regardless of age, ability, or socioeconomic status.

Stewardship

We are committed to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty and recreational amenities of Mishawaka’s parks for present and future generations to enjoy.

Past Projects

Skate Park

Let’s break down walls, build relationships, and engage with a new audience in 2021,” said Superintendent of Parks, Phil Blasko. “The vision is to place the new portable skate park in the ice rink at the Merrifield Complex during the summer months, but also take the show on the road to neighborhood parks!”

The Portable Skate Park will feature quarter pipe ramps, safety rails, launch ramps, manual pads, and wedge ramps designed for skateboards, bikes, and scooters. Skateboarding teaches persistence, creativity, individuality, courage, confidence, recovery, self-discipline, and community! The Portable Skate Park will be a great addition to the amenities offered by Mishawaka Parks and will better serve the diverse interests of the community.

The Mishawaka Parks and Recreation Foundation works to engage the community to support Mishawaka Parks and Recreation in order to further charitable and educational programs and projects of the city. The Mishawaka Parks Foundation is leading the way on raising funds for this project.

Hammock Station

Imagine yourself leisurely lounging with friends after enjoying an action-packed morning in the newly renovated Hums Park. Help bring the first Hammock Swing Station to Mishawaka. Our vision for this Hammock Station is to provide a place where Mishawaka teens want to hang out. The Mayor Dave Wood Youth Advisory Council comprised of local teens was tasked with conceiving, designing, and promoting the Hums Park renovation in partnership with the City of Mishawaka and the Parks Department. It is a teen-centric park which includes a Ninja Warrior Course, corn hole, and a gaga ball pit, along with more traditional park amenities. The Hammock Swing Station is a unique seating area that invites youth to spend time outside with their friends relaxing, reading a book, or hanging out with friends.

The Hammock Swing Station is designed to be year-round which means it needs to withstand the elements that Northern Indiana weather brings. ​The hammocks themselves use something called the HUCK knot system which is very durable. It has no sharp corners or edges, making for a comfortable experience. They are UV-resistance and tested to withstand the outdoors without becoming brittle or fading over time. They will be suspended from metal poles securely installed into the ground. The quality materials make the Hammock Swing Station durable and safe for use by all individuals.

Why Give To Support

Giving to support the Mishawaka Parks & Recreation Foundation is an investment in the vitality and sustainability of our community. Your generosity and support are essential to the continued success and vitality of our parks and recreational programs. Here’s why your support matters:

Impact

Your contributions directly support the development and maintenance of parks, trails, playgrounds, and recreational facilities that enrich the lives of thousands of individuals and families in Mishawaka and beyond.

Legacy

By giving to support our parks and recreational programs, you leave a lasting legacy for future generations, ensuring that they have access to the same opportunities for outdoor recreation, education, and enrichment that we enjoy today.

Community Building

Your support helps to strengthen the social fabric of our community by bringing people together in shared spaces and shared experiences, fostering connections, friendships, and a sense of belonging.

Quality of Life

Parks and recreational amenities are essential components of a high quality of life. Your contributions help to create safe, beautiful, and accessible spaces where people can relax, play, exercise, and connect with nature, enhancing their overall well-being and happiness.

Partnership

By giving to support the Mishawaka Parks & Recreation Foundation, you become a valued partner in our efforts to promote health, happiness, and prosperity for all members of our community. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

We invite you to join us in our mission to create a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable future for Mishawaka and all who call it home.

Thank you for your commitment to our community and for helping to make Mishawaka a great place to live, work, and play.

Our Community Partners

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