News Release
Legacy Foundation, Lake County’s community foundation, announced the recipients of its transformative $4 Million "Love Where You Live" public spaces initiative, following a Wednesday press conference at IBEW Local 697,
Designed to revitalize parks, gathering hubs, and vibrant public spaces, the initiative has awarded funding to 7 key projects spanning communities throughout Lake County. Representatives from civic organizations, local municipalities, and foundation leadership gathered to celebrate the announcement and detail how these investments will enhance regional quality of life.
"Investing in vibrant, accessible public spaces strengthens the social and economic fabric of our communities," said Kelly Anoe, President & CEO of Legacy Foundation. "The 'Love Where You Live' initiative directly supports projects that bring people together, foster local pride, and enhance quality of life for all Lake County residents."
Funded "Love Where You Live" Projects & Allocations:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana, Inc. ($1,000,000 Grant) — Legacy Park & Art Walk Project (Gary): Major components include a splash pad, waterpark and pool restoration, pickleball courts, running track upgrades, outdoor fitness stations, inclusive playground, and safety fencing around the BGC playground.
- City of Hobart Parks Department ($500,000 Grant) — Festival Park Improvement Project (Hobart): Creates a modern, accessible, family-centered destination along Lake George featuring a new performance stage, splash pad, playground, shelters, improved walkways, lighting, and ADA-accessible connections to the lakefront.
- South Shore CVA ($645,200 Grant) — Optimist Lake Project (Hammond): Converts an underutilized lake area near Interstate 94 and Kennedy Avenue into a vibrant, accessible community-centered destination with boardwalks, an over-water walking feature, paved loop trail, fishing pier, canoe/kayak launch, and event plaza.
- Town of Griffith - Parks & Recreation ($500,000 Grant) — Griffith Courts Year-Round Multi-Sport Recreation Project (Griffith): Transforms Griffith Park into a multi-sport recreational destination featuring a portable 40' x 80' ice rink, conversion of two basketball courts for winter/summer use, and a seasonal shelter to support year-round community gathering.
- Town of Highland ($886,300 Grant) — Kennedy Commons (Highland): Reimagines a long-vacant former gas station at 8436 Kennedy Avenue into a welcoming public green space, community garden, food access point, covered shelter, and public art space.
- Town of Lowell Parks Department ($300,000 Grant) — Historic Town Square/Legacy Foundation Revival (Lowell): Transforms an underutilized downtown area into a vibrant, functional community gathering space featuring accessible programing areas, performance spaces, historic elements, and community connections.
- Town of New Chicago ($168,500 Grant) — Small Town, Regional Impact: New Chicago Park Basketball Court Revitalization Project (New Chicago): Revitalizes the local park basketball court with a reinforced concrete overlay, polymer surface, glass backboards, and adjustable height goals to support youth recreation and health.
Project support funded through a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc GIFT IX to Legacy Foundation. Legacy Foundation is Lake County’s community foundation, dedicated to expanding equity and opportunity by connecting philanthropy with community needs. Learn more at legacyfdn.org.
However, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.
