Author: Jes Beals

(Photo provided with Press Release)

September 12, 2021

For immediate release

What: Playground/Pavilion/Splash Pad Ribbon Cutting

When: September 18^th @ 11:00.

Who: HVNA, City of Muncie. All are welcome

Ribbon Cutting for Playground/Pavilion/Splashpad at Halteman Park. Come See the New Improvements

After years of challenges, the private Halteman Swim Club closed its doors in 2017 and was sold shortly after at the county tax sale. The property became abandoned, blighted, dangerous, and an overall eyesore upon the community.

Via an incredible public/private partnership between the Halteman Village Neighborhood Association (HVNA), the City of Muncie, the Muncie Parks Department, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s (IHCDA) CreatINg Places program, and many individual and local Foundation’s, all are ready to celebrate a soft opening of the park specifically highlighting the new playground, pavilion and splash pad.

“Without the city, and the Parks Departments commitment to our efforts, this park would not be a reality. We want to thank Mayor Ridenour specifically for his commitment to this project, for without his support and leadership we know we wouldn’t be here today,” state J.P. Hall, president of HVNA.

HVNA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization representing property owners and current residents of Halteman Village, Nor-Hall, Norwood and Vienna Woods neighborhoods within the city of Muncie. HVNA’s efforts are primarily focused on development and revitalization efforts to improve the quality of life/place for our residents and the Muncie community as a whole.

“This project just shows what is possible when a group comes together, plans, makes partnerships, then executes,” said Brad Marshall, HVNA Treasurer.

“The money we privately raised shows that people want these place-based improvements and are willing to put their hard-earned money towards making their neighborhoods better,” stated Brad Polk, VP of HVNA and City Council member.

Starting in the fall of 2020, after a meaningful planning partnership with the Parks and Open Spaces Studio in the Landscape Architecture Department at BSU, HVNA kicked off its fundraising campaign by partnering with the State of Indiana, via the IHCDA’s CreatINg Places program, to fundraise for a new playground. This crowdfunding campaign ultimately netted close to $82,000 of private funds which were matched by the state with an additional $30,000.

An incredibly generous grant from the Sherman and Marjorie Zeigler Foundation allowed for the construction of a pavilion at the Park that will allow for events, gathering space, and a shaded spot for all to enjoy. Lisa Goodpaster, long time Secretary of HVNA believes the pavilion, in addition to the splash pad and bathrooms the City is developing, make this park a place where a people can now spend an afternoon. “The park has come so far in just a few months, and when all is complete, will be a huge amenity for the city,” Goodpaster noted.

The city’s commitment of a splash pad (completed), bathrooms, a walking/jogging trail, improved basketball court, and pickleball courts (completion by fall21/spring22) will round out this park and make it an incredible destination for all of Muncie.

See Halteman.org for a complete list of supporters.

Media contact
J.P. Hall, President – HVNA, (574)309-4299
Brad Marshall, Treasurer – HVNA, (765)744-9332