The Legacy Foundation awarded grants to seven projects in Lake County. The $4 million “Love Where You Live” initiative supports quality-of-place investments in the county.
The community gathered for the announcement of the projects Oct. 28 at IBEW Local 697 in Merrillville.
“Investing in vibrant, accessible public spaces strengthens the social and economic fabric of our communities,” said Kelly Anoe, president and CEO of Legacy Foundation, in a press release. “The ‘Love Where You Live' initiative directly supports projects that bring people together, foster local pride and enhance quality of life for all Lake County residents.”
The projects include:
- Legacy Park and Art Walk Project in Gary: $1 million grant to help the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana Inc. restore the pool and build a waterpark, among other upgrades
- Hobart Festival Park improvement project: $500,000 grant toward significant upgrades by the City of Hobart parks department
- Optimist Lake Project in Hammond: $645,200 grant to help the South Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau convert a lake near Interstate 94 and Kennedy Avenue.
- Griffith Courts year-round multi-sport recreation project: $500,000 grant to bring year-round sports, basketball courts and a shelter planned by the Town of Griffith's parks and recreation department
- Kennedy Commons in Highland): $886,300 grant to help the Town of Highland reimagine a former gas station at 8436 Kennedy Ave. into public space
- Historic Town Square/Legacy Foundation revival in Lowell: $300,000 grant that will help the Town of Lowell Parks Department transforms a space downtown into a community gathering place
- New Chicago Park Basketball Court Revitalization Project: $168,500 grant to help the Town of New Chicago revitalize the a basketball court park
A Lilly Endowment Inc. Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow Phase IX grant supported the initiative. The initiative supports community foundations in Indiana's 92 counties.
The Legacy Foundation, Lake County's community foundation, was founded in 1992 and manages $100 million in assets.
