The Fedder’s Alley All-Inclusive Playground and Fitness Park expected to break
ground in 2025 is significantly closer to fruition as a result of a $750,000 grant from the Health
Foundation of La Porte.
“The Fedder’s Alley All-Inclusive Playground and Fitness Park will offer opportunities for all ages
and abilities,” Parks Superintendent Shannon Eason said. “I am grateful for the support of Health
Foundation of La Porte’s generous financial support. This exciting project aligns perfectly with their
goals of healthy living.”
HFL stipulated that $500,000 of the grant award is to be used for construction of the playground
and fitness park. The remaining $250,000 is to be used to establish a long-term maintenance fund
for the project – the first fund of its kind of the Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department.
“Often, we create these legacy projects that are impactful, but we don’t take the time to consider
future maintenance,” Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch said. “This endowment, this maintenance fund –
it will make sure the playground at Fedder’s Alley endures for a lifetime.”
In September, the City of Michigan City launched a $2 million capital campaign for the project,
which is expected to cost about $5 million overall.
Eric DeWald, president and CEO at HFL, said, "Health Foundation of La Porte is thrilled to partner
with the Michigan City Parks and Recreation Department on the Fedder's Alley All-Inclusive
Playground and Fitness Park. We are excited about the role this park will play in our community,
offering a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all community members to gather, be
active, and make memories together."
Other commitments to the project include $1.5 million from the Michigan City Common Council,
$500,000 from the Michigan City Redevelopment Commission, $1 million in federal funding
secured by U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, and $50,000 from the Duneland Health Council.
“The benefit of such inclusive spaces extends far beyond mere play and exercise,” Eason said. “It
sends a powerful message to our community, teaching us all the values of empathy, respect, and
understanding. When community members of all ages and abilities come together in inclusive
spaces, they learn to celebrate differences and recognize strengths in one another.”
To watch an immersive video of the future park, make a donation to the project or get more
information, visit https://www.emichigancity.com/153/Parks-Recreation.
Health Foundation of La Porte (HFL), a private, independent foundation located in La Porte,
Indiana, is dedicated to empowering La Porte County residents to live healthy and well. HFL has
invested more than $44 million in the La Porte County community since November 2017. To learn
more about how HFL supports the La Porte County community, visit hflaporte.org, call
219.326.2471, or email contact@hflaporte.org.
