LaPorte County Parks and one of their employees received state awards in January 2010 in Indianapolis.
Roger Grove
The Indiana Parks and Recreation Association (IPRA) awarded the county parks system for its development of a two-story Environmental Education Center at Red Mill County Park. The center provides park patrons with group camping as well as additional environmental education programming opportunities.
The award was given under the category of “Park Development Award” for the creation of an environmental experience, layout and facility design standards. With support and a generous gift of $200,000 in land value from the LaPorte County Park Foundation as the local match to a $200,000 Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant, this project became reality.
Tim Morgan, parks superintendent, said, “By providing much needed open space and environmental education classroom facilities, the park department has secured that future generations of children will have the opportunity to experience nature firsthand.”
LaPorte County Parks Maintenance and Construction Supervisor Roger Grove received a Maintenance Award from the IPRA.
Roger oversees seven park properties and over 600 acres of parklands. Under his leadership, guidance and foresight, the parks department has grown into one of the finest in the state.
“The LaPorte County Park System would not be at the level of excellence that we have all come to expect and enjoy without Roger and his unique ability to see the big picture,” Morgan said. “He has been the cornerstone on which the parks have been able to achieve such great success over the past 20 years!”
During his tenure with the parks, Roger’s achievements of new projects, new facilities and parkland, along with his ability to design and create the parks and its amenities along the way, have made him successful and have made LaPorte County Parks what they are today.
Roger has been employed with the LaPorte County Parks as maintenance and construction supervisor since January 1990. In the past 20 years, Roger has made a huge impact on the community, his professional peers, and the park staff.
“Roger exemplifies the true meaning of excellence with his creativity and thoroughness,” Morgan said. “He demonstrates outstanding leadership in enhancing the quality of life and enjoyment of the outdoors and has placed a legacy for future generations to cherish and enjoy.”
