About Us

Our Story

Founded in 1985, the Elkhart Park Foundation was created to support and promote the development of park and recreation facilities and activities in the City of Elkhart. The initial board focused on receiving funds, gifts, and property for the department as well as educating local citizens about the needs, programs, and activities of the department.

The Foundation was created by Melvin Cohn, John Gildea, William Myers, Richard Treckelo, and Rex Martin. Here are a few highlights of their accomplishments: (need content details here)

In 2023, the Elkhart Park Foundation was revived with a new board, recognizing the importance of parks in our vibrant community.

Mission

Our mission is to create opportunities for people in our community to connect with their local parks, amenities, and neighbors by supporting the Elkhart Parks and Recreation Department in creating and maintaining aspirational parks and programs. We do this by providing opportunities to collectively enhance public experiences through donations of time, ideas and resources.

Vision

Picture a vibrant community hub where families gather, children play, and memories are made. That's the vision of the Elkhart Park Foundation, dedicated to enhancing our city's green spaces. With your support, we can transform parks into vibrant centers of community life. Join us in spreading awareness and rallying support to create parks that inspire, connect, and thrive for generations to come.