~ Evansville, IN - As July begins, the city of Evansville is gearing up to celebrate National Park and Recreation Month. This annual event is a time to recognize and appreciate the parks, trails, playgrounds, pools, and green spaces that make Evansville a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. It is also an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the professionals who maintain and improve these spaces every day.

The parks in Evansville are bustling with activity on a daily basis. Children can be seen playing on playgrounds, families enjoying the pool, neighbors walking along trails, golfers hitting the courses, and friends gathering for community events. These moments are made possible by the tireless efforts of public servants and the continuous investment in these spaces that bring the community together.

Earlier this year, Mayor Stephanie Terry announced a significant investment of over $10 million in Evansville's parks during her State of the City address. Since then, additional projects have been moving forward, bringing the total park investments currently under contract or committed to over $13.3 million.

Some of the major projects include a $2 million renovation of the CK Newsome Center which will see upgrades such as new sports flooring, basketball goals, improved lighting and fresh paint in the gymnasium; technology upgrades in the recreation room; reconstructed restrooms for safety and accessibility; and ceiling improvements in the lobby. Another exciting project is the Igleheart Splash Pad which will bring aquatic recreation back to an area that had lost this amenity. Additionally, new accessible restrooms are being constructed at Wesselman Playground fulfilling a longstanding community commitment.

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Other projects include expanding opportunities for families to cool off at Tepe Park Splash Pad; creating new spaces for recreation and community gathering at Garvin Park Activity Zone; modernizing irrigation systems at Helfrich and Fendrich Golf Courses for better course conditions; continued investment in downtown public gathering space at CenterPoint Energy Square; and a new rooftop unit at Swonder Ice Arena for the comfort of athletes, families, and visitors.

From neighborhood parks like Stevenson and Howell Mini Park to destination facilities like Wesselmans, these investments not only strengthen public health but also promote neighborhood pride and enhance the quality of life in Evansville. The city continues to prioritize safe and welcoming parks for everyone.

To ensure the safety of park-goers, six dedicated park patrol officers now provide coverage across all city parks. Two officers are on duty during each eight-hour shift from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Their presence has already made a measurable difference at Rochelle Pool where there has been a decrease in calls for service since their deployment. In addition, new lighting has been installed at Goosetown Park with plans to install more at Vann Pollack, Fulton, and Tepe Parks.

The City is also committed to making its parks accessible to all. Next month, Caldwell Park will become more ADA accessible with new pour-in-place playground surfacing and an accessible pathway connecting key amenities. The JD Sheth Foundation has also partnered with the City to improve neighborhood sidewalks leading to the park. The Next Level Trail was constructed with concrete to maximize accessibility for users of all abilities.

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Evansville's parks are not just about providing recreational opportunities but also about creating opportunities for residents to connect, stay active, and make lasting memories. Every summer, hundreds of families participate in affordable swim programs while events like the City Swim Meet offer accessible recreation for swimmers of all ages. To ensure that these activities can continue safely, the City has increased starting lifeguard pay to $15.50 per hour resulting in 100% lifeguard retention for the 2021 summer season.

As National Park and Recreation Month kicks off, residents are encouraged to take advantage of everything Evansville's park system has to offer. Whether it's walking a trail, visiting a playground, spending an afternoon at the pool, playing a round of golf, or attending a community event, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Thanks to the dedication of the Parks & Recreation team and continued investment in public spaces, Evansville's parks will continue to serve residents for generations to come.

To learn more about Evansville Parks and Recreation, visit their website.

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