At the Unity Foundation's official ribbon cutting for their Unity Foundation Park on September 9, 2015, the excitement seemed to be coming straight out of the lake into the hearts of the people. Anxious ears and excited minds absorbed every bit of information as to what the future of the Unity Foundation Park will become.
“We love our lakes!” the crowd chanted.
The night started out with an address on the history of the park. The sunset was melting into the lake while the crowd stood in awe of the park’s premier view as President of the Unity Foundation, Maggi Spartz, began speaking to the awestruck crowd.
The piece of property was purchased in September of 2011. Phase One began at that time in order to raise the money to continue construction of the project. Phase One consisted of demolition, reparation of the seawall, placing grass seed down and paving walkways. Phase One of this project became the foundation of the park’s future. The park started off as an idea, and it is slowly becoming a reality for the Unity Foundation and for the people of La Porte.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources' Bicentennial Nature Trust also awarded the Unity Foundation’s growing park with a $200,000 grant at the event.
“By being a part of this deal,” Ed Volk, the Co-Chairman of the Unity Foundation, began, “We are entering a covenant with the State of Indiana so this park will forever remain as park land.”
Following the speeches, the ribbon was unrolled and the giant scissors were placed in the hands of Maggi Spartz. Mayor Blair Milo and Co-Chairman Ed Volk stood by her side. Once the ribbon was cut, Phase One of the park’s creation had been completed.
The crowd then moved inside to The Cabernet Room of the Blue Heron Hotel in order to learn more about the future of the park, and the next two phases.
The ideas for Phase Two consisted mostly of aesthetic additions to the park. The goal is to add shade sails, so there can be shade without blocking the view of the lake, to go along with drinking fountains and park benches. All of these ideas are waiting to plant themselves within the park. The Unity Foundation is also hoping for all fundraising to be done by the end of Phase Two. About $400,000 is needed in order to achieve everything they want, and everything the community could want.
The Unity Foundation is hoping that the park will become a fun, safe, and exciting place for the community to band together on the lake. Pine Lake is the heart of La Porte, and it needs to be experienced. By having the park, the lake can be experienced and admired for all its beauty.
Therefore... we love our lakes!