Park Department
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Follow the Park Department
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Jim Pankop - Park Director
211 Iddings Street
Kendallville, IN 46755
Tel: (260) 347-1064
Fax: (260) 347-7036
Email:
park@kendallville-in.org
Office hours: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Monday - Friday
Kendallville's finest assets include its parks and recreational services.
Founding fathers quickly recognized the beauty of Bixler Lake and it's
surrounding natural areas east of town. As early as 1854, the lake was
utilized as the community swimming hole, and private land on it's shore was
set aside "as a place of public resort where all trees were to be protected
and no buildings were to be built". A fifty passenger steamboat, The Flying
Dutchman, began operation in 1866, the first of numerous boating services
providing transportation to the lake's eastside park.
Over these many years, farsighted civic leaders purchased additional land
surrounding the lake. Bixler Lake Park now entirely encompasses the
beautiful 117-acre lake, more than 500 acres on its perimeter, providing a
vast array of recreational opportunities! Unique features include a
self-guided wetland nature area with deep woods and waterfowl observation
platforms, Victorian gazebo, native grass and wildflower field, community
gardens, campground, sports complex and many others.
The Kendallville Park and Recreation Department maintains these
facilities and conducts numerous programs to enhance the quality of life of
our residents. Offerings include programs to improve fitness, educate in the
area of our native Indiana ecology and conservation and promotion of the
arts. Community-based special programs, events and festivals are also
conducted.
Our mission is to provide quality parks and facilities, open spaces,
natural areas and leisure services which will enhance the well-being of
Kendallville citizens.
We invite you to investigate the many opportunities available through the
Kendallville Park and Recreation Department. There is something of interest
here for your enjoyment.