The City of La Porte Park and Recreation Department is proud to reveal the first look at our new mascot, which will be used to help market our parks and programs throughout the area. The mascot will make his first appearance on May 9 during the Opening Day of our Cal Ripken Baseball program.
However, the "fox" needs a name before his inaugural appearance and that's where the Park Department is asking for input from the community. The department is holding a naming contest, with community members asked to submit ideas for names on the City of La Porte Park and Recreation Department Facebook page through Friday, April 17. The Park Department staff will pick the top three names and the winning name will be decided by a Facebook vote from Monday, April 20, through Friday, April 24.
Any person suggesting the winning name will be placed into a drawing to receive the prize of a $50 gift card.
The Park Department staff chose the "fox" to honor to the Fox family, which donated Fox Park, Beechwood Golf Course and Civic Auditorium to the city. Foxes are also present in wooded areas throughout the region, making it the prefect representative for our beautiful parks.
The "fox" will greet and entertain participants and spectators at department activities as well as represent the department at area events such as parades, festivals and school functions.
"We're excited to introduce our new mascot to the community," Park Superintendent Mark Schreiber said, "but we need a name first. Our hope is the mascot will help promote our programs and park usage, especially among children. Our goal is to better engage the youth of our community, creating a happier and healthier next generation of park patrons."