INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT) announced the City of Mishawaka has been named a 2016 IACT Community Achievement Award winner for its complete renovation of Mishawaka Central Park in the greater than 30,000 population category. The City will receive its award during the IACT Annual Awards Luncheon presented by Umbaugh, Wednesday, Oct. 5, at the 2016 IACT Annual Conference & Exhibition in French Lick.
Mishawaka Central Park was opened in 1941. Over the years it has undergone various updates, but nothing like the process that was initiated in 2014. The completely overhauled space was designed to bring the community together and make the park a place to gather for both a physical and social interaction. The renovated space includes five pavilions, a community fireplace for making connections, an interactive fountain complete with water cannons, and a large open lawn area. Central Park’s main attraction, a modern playground, features equipment that appeals to all age groups and abilities. The City opened the reimagined park on July 4, 2015 with a huge community ribbon-cutting.
“Cities the size of Mishawaka must have stand-out spaces that improve the quality of life in the community. Mishawaka Central Park, however, goes above and beyond the norm. This is a space that will make a real difference when people are considering where they want to move, locate a business or raise a family,” said IACT Executive Director and CEO Matt Greller.
In its 40th year, the IACT Annual Awards program, presented by Umbaugh, recognizes communities and individuals in municipal government for excellence and outstanding achievement. A nine member panel of qualified judges selected this year’s winners from a competitive field of nominees from around the state.
The Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT) is a coalition of municipal officials who seek to improve the quality of life in Indiana through effective government, and is a member of the National League of Cities. Founded in 1891, IACT is one of the oldest state municipal organizations in the country, with 470 cities and towns as members. IACT advocates for municipalities as the official voice of municipal government in Indiana, and promotes good government through education, training and leadership.