Park Agency Spotlight: City of Wabash Parks and Recreation

The Indiana Park and Recreation Association had the amazing opportunity to hear about the City of Wabash Parks and Recreation from its Superintendent, Adam Hall. Please read below to learn more about Adam and Wabash Parks!

What is your favorite memory at your park agency?

My favorite memories are when I am able to speak with members of the community and they share with me the history of our parks and how they have changed through the years. I always find it interesting when I learn something new about our parks. One structure on one of our parks is over 100 years old. It was used as a hospital, an orphanage, and currently a gathering for a Women's Club and food pantry.

How does your agency contribute to the community?

Our Park Department provides many different amenities within our 70 acres of total park properties. We provided playgrounds, basketball/tennis courts, an 18 hole disc golf course, a 50 meter pool, a story walk and a fitness court, to name a few. We also have three miles worth of trails for people to use and explore while in our town.

What special events is your park agency known for?

The Park Department partners with multiple groups and organizations throughout the year to assist in events. We host a disc golf tournament each year that is lead by our local disc golf league. The local Junior Achievement organization will have a rubber "Duck Derby" where hundreds of rubber ducks go down our pool slide to for a fundraiser to help Junior Achievement. Our two biggest events are located at our Historical Paradise Spring Park, and the events are the Founder's Festival and Chili Cook-Off. The Founders Festival is the third Saturday in September and consists of a parade and a living history of the Paradise Spring where government officials negotiated for surrounding lands with Native Americans. The Wabash Cannonball Chili for Charity is the third Saturday in October and it brings in thousands of people each year to taste over a hundred different chilis. There is a judging competition, a best theme, and a people's choice best chili. The proceeds go back to local organizations each year and people have a great time at the event.

What do you see for the future of your park agency? What are your goals?

Our goals are to continue to offer new and updated facilities and amenities and we are always working to keep our parks clean and safe for everyone.

Why do you choose to be a member of the Indiana Park and Recreation Association? How long have you been a member?

I have been a member of IPRA for six years. I joined when I became the superintendent to gather as much knowledge as I could about my position and what other park organizations are doing.

How has your experience with IPRA benefited your park agency? What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your membership?

My experience with IPRA has been wonderful. My first year as a superintendent and being a member of IPRA I was able to apply for the Google trekker program and we were able to literally put our trails on the map. IPRA offers a lot of help throughout the state and has helped our department greatly.