Park Department
Contact Information
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James Goodwin - Park Director
211 Iddings Street
PO Box 516
Kendallville, Indiana 46755Tel: 260-347-1064
Email:
park@kendallville-in.org
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Functions / Services of the Park and Recreation Department
Kendallville's finest assets include its parks and
recreational services. Founding fathers quickly recognized the
beauty of Bixler Lake and it's surrounding natural areas east of
town. As early as 1854, the lake was utilized as the community
swimming hole, and private land on it's shore was set aside "as
a place of public resort where all trees were to be protected
and no buildings were to be built". A fifty passenger steamboat,
The Flying Dutchman, began operation in 1866, the first of
numerous boating services providing transportation to the lake's
eastside park. Over these many years, farsighted civic leaders
purchased additional land surrounding the lake. Bixler Lake Park
now entirely encompasses the beautiful 117-acre lake, more than
500 acres on its perimeter, providing a vast array of
recreational opportunities! Unique features include a
self-guided wetland nature area with deep woods and waterfowl
observation platforms, Victorian gazebo, native grass and
wildflower field, community gardens, campground, sports complex
and many others. The Kendallville Park and Recreation
Department maintains these facilities and conducts numerous
programs to enhance the quality of life of our residents.
Offerings include programs to improve fitness, educate in the
area of our native Indiana ecology and conservation, and
promotion of the arts. Community-based special programs, events
and festivals are also conducted. We invite you to investigate
the many opportunities available through the Kendallville Park
and Recreation Department. There is something of interest here
for your enjoyment. See additional
information on the Park and Recreation Department Services and
Facilities on our Exploring Kendallville section's Recreation page.
Our current
informational flyer can be viewed here.
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Youth Center Reception Hall Rental
There are many reasons the Youth Center may be your best
reception hall choice. Our rates are among the lowest in the
area, and you have greater flexibility in planning your
event. You choose the food, beverages, decorations, and
set-up. There is no additional fee for these because you do
it. The Youth Center is a 4250 square-foot room that can
easily accommodate groups of 225 people. Chairs are
available for 125 people, and we have nineteen banquet
tables and sixteen card tables. A kitchen with two electric
ranges with ovens is included with a refrigerator and a
disposal. A stage area is also included to accommodate your
band or DJ. Alcoholic beverages may be served; smoking is
not permitted in the building. Your rental period is for
the entire day. Set-up can often be arranged during the day
before your event. Check with the office for availability.
Rates are as follows:
- Less than fifty people - $75, plus $100 cash
deposit.
- More than fifty people and all wedding
receptions - Residents: $250, plus $200 cash deposit.
Non-Residents: $300, plus $200 cash deposit.
- Auctions - $300 each day plus $100 cash deposit.
Reservations: Reservations may be made at the
Park office. Half of the facility
rental fee must be paid to reserve the facility. The
remainder may be paid immediately before your event.
Your cash deposit will be returned following your event
if all keys are returned and the building is left in the
shape it was turned over, clean and with no damage. The
renter is legally responsible for all repair and cleanup
costs.
Cancellations: Cancellations prior to 90 days
of reservation date will be fully refunded.
The Youth Center is not air-conditioned, however,
fans are available for your use.
For date availability: Contact the
Park office.
You may also wish to call:
- The Noble County Fairgrounds log cabin at
260-347-0666
- Kendallville Banquet Center at 260-347-6910
- Mid America Windmill Museum at 360-347-2334
- Taylor Rental at 260-349-1967
Return to top Park Board
David Button - President
Tel: 260-347-4277 Don Manger - Vice President
Tel: 260-347-5184 Garth Coons
Tel: 260-347-5284 Andrea Everage Dr. Thomas Jansen
Tel: 260-347-1150 Jane Rhea
Tel: 260-347-2994 Return to top
Endowment Fund
If you would like information about making a tax-deductible
contribution to any of our Endowment Funds, information can
be found here. Return to top View the Park Board
meeting schedule on our News & Events page >>
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