If you have driven by Lancaster Park lately, you will see that the pavilion has a roof and is starting to take shape. If all goes well, we expect to pour the 0.5 mile asphalt trail around the park and the basketball court in the next few weeks. We also anticipate the playground equipment to arrive around that time.
Speaking of Lancaster Park, we have some very exciting news to share; donors have stepped forward to fund Pickleball Courts. We are very thankful to Chip and Kim Mann, who reached out to get the ball rolling, and Diane Humphrey, who will honor her father, E.J. Schaefer’s memory. We are beyond excited to see this come to fruition so quickly. ERI Engineering has started designing the courts, and we hope to put the project to bid at the same time as replacing the parking lot.
Mark your calendar for next Saturday, Aug. 26, from 9-noon for the annual Parks Department’s Touch a Truck in the Common’s Parking lot across from the post office. Kids can look inside vehicles such as a school bus, fire truck, EMS, police car, Street Department truck, Wastewater Department equipment, and more. The Wells County Public Library will have activities for the kids and Bi-county will be handing out water.
The 49th Parlor City Trot is set for 7:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. Along with the 13.1-mile half-marathon, the Trot event will include a 10-kilometer run and a 5-kilometer run.
Packet Pickup is on race-morning beginning at 6:15 a.m. at the Bluffton City Gym. The starting line for the races will be on Main Street at the intersection with Walnut Street near the Wells County Courthouse. The finish line is on River Road at Pickett’s Run Park. There will be overall, master, and age group awards for all race distances. The race is also part of the Fort Wayne Running Club’s point series, and FWRC Members are eligible for a $5 discount. The 13.1-mile half marathon costs $40, the 10K is $30, and the 5K is $25. Register online at https://raceroster.com/events/2023/77063/parlor-city-trot.
Shirts are assured for those who register by Aug. 24. Based on the number of early registrants, an estimated additional quantity of shirts will be ordered for those who register after Aug. 24. But quantities will be limited and may run out.
There is a 3.5-hour time limit for the half-marathon, so we can give volunteers and the City of Bluffton some certainty about time commitments and the start and ending of street closures. An early start at 6:30 a.m. is available for runners who may not make the 3.5-hour time limit. Early starters are eligible for age-group awards but not overall awards. Please send a message to the race organizers thru the registration system if you are interested. Questions about the event can be sent to sports@blufftonindiana.gov.
Guys, we are happy to report that the well-loved sauna in the men’s restroom at the city gym has been replaced with a brand-new one. The controller will function the same as the old one using the timer outside of the door. City Gym memberships are currently discounted through the remainder of the year and run $40 for a single member or $60 for the family. Call the office at 824-6069 to schedule a tour.
The Splash Pad season is winding down, so be sure to visit the next weeks and over Labor Day weekend to enjoy playing in the water. Hours are 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Have a great week!
