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The LaPorte Kiwanis Club has donated time and money from its Community Service Funds to help the city beautify and maintain its namesake park.
Kiwanis/Teledyne Park, located on the shore of Pine Lake off Pine Lake Avenue, is undergoing quite a transformation.
“We have seen an increase in traffic at the park, including bridal parties incorporating the park as a backdrop to their wedding photos,” said Kiwanis member Linda Komp.
Talks to improve the park started last year when the city ran short of funding for mowing and maintenance of parks. Komp, chairperson of the park proje
ct, approached city parks Superintendent Dean Heise to see if he would be interested in the club’s help. He was glad to accept the offer.
“I approached the Kiwanis Board of Directors and requested that some of our community funds be used for the park project, and they were all in agreement that this would be a wonderful project,” Komp said. “The board approved $5,000 from our community service project fund be appropriated for the park project.
“Our initial funds allowed us to hire landscaper Juan Cuarenta to start the first stage of our project: clean-up, clearing weeds in the park and pond and lying stone.”
On Saturday, May 28, members began planting new bushes and trees. A hosta garden was created in the wooded area. Cleveland pear trees were planted along the lighted walking path through the park.
Several members of the community stopped by the park that morning to donate hosta plants and shrubs. Nadia Komp, owner and designer of Simplicity Landscape Design, helped incorporate the plants into the hosta garden. Others made generous donations.
“Any donations from our community would be much appreciated for this ongoing project,” Komp said. “Continued funding will be needed for the maintenance and upkeep of the park.”
To donate, send checks made payable to the LP Kiwanis Park Project and send to P.O. Box 175, LaPorte, IN 46350.
