This is a chance for our community to address the entire parks system. This process can have a significant impact on the perception of our shared spaces by both community members and visitors. It will be a reflection our shared values and point to the community’s vision for the future of Elkhart.
Visit the Your Voice page to leave a comment on the Our Parks Master Plan
Upcoming Our Parks Events
Check back for more upcoming events with the Our Parks Initiative!
MASTER PLAN TENANTS
The Pillars of the Plan
To better express the values guiding the plan and core metrics that will be used in the strategic action portion of the plan,
five (5) plan tenets modify the main tagline – Connect, Bloom, Expand, Play, and Amplify.
These are the foundational principles that the plan, and by extension, our parks will be built on.
They indicate how both community members in Elkhart as well as visitors to these public spaces
will experience the places, programs, and service of the Department.
OUR PARKS BLOOM by fostering sustainability, disaster resiliency, and ecological habitat
OUR PARKS AMPLIFY by supporting engagement, equity, and inclusiveness for a diverse community
OUR PARKS EXPAND by spurring economic activity, development, and community growth
Our parks serve many important roles, facilitate critical social functions, and protect vital resources. These plan pillars highlight those aspects.
OUR PARKS PLAY by serving as recreation leaders, imagination drivers, and key education facilitators
OUR PARKS CONNECT by joining neighborhoods, regions, partners, people
OUR PARKS SYSTEM
Our comprehensive suite of professional services caters to a diverse clientele, ranging from homeowners to commercial developers.
Which Parks?
- All 35 of Elkhart’s Parks are being analyzed for potential improvements.
- These maps highlight the current park system, both across the City and in the downtown area.
- To see more about our parks, visit our GIS site.
When Will the OUR PARKS Plan Be Implemented?
- Over the next several months, we will continue to collect community feedback on all portions of the plan.
- April 2025, our team will share the Master Plan with the State Department of Natural Resources for their feedback and approval.
- After those milestones, we’ll look to get started on implementation projects.
“Communities across the nation are recognizing the importance Park agencies have to support quality of place. We’re excited to learn more about the ways our city parks can support the aspirations of the entire community.”
Jamison Czarnecki
Superintendent, Elkhart Parks