Happy New Year! It’s crazy how fast time seems to fly by. As we review how this past year has gone, we are delighted with how much was accomplished. Over $897,251.02 worth of improvements were made in 2023, maintaining the parks and developing Lancaster Park. Large projects require lots of financial resources, and we are thankful to have been blessed with over $177,000 in local donations and $25,490 in grants this year. Next year looks to be just as busy by adding pickleball courts, improving parking lots, renovating the pool house, and paving the last mile of the Inter-Urban Trail. We are so grateful for the continued community support; we truly could not do it without all of you.
Kick-off 2024 with the Wells Winter 100 Mile Virtual Challenge. Commit to run or walk 100 miles this winter: Jan. 1-March 19 (first day of spring). Whatever your fitness goals are for 2024, this challenge will help you build and maintain a solid base while reinforcing good habits and consistency through group accountability and motivation. All you need is an average of just under 10 miles a week. The price of the challenge is $25.00. By registering, you receive access to our Strava group, where you can log your miles and view the leaderboard, a Wells 100 Challenge T-Shirt, a medal if you complete 100 miles by spring, and chances to win additional prizes and discounts by submitting photos and comments on Strava or the Wells Winter 100 Challenge Facebook Page.
City Gym Membership Sale — 2024 Gym Key forms are available online at http://tinyurl.com/y53bbf6c.
Please print off the form and bring it to the park office on the 2nd floor of City Hall with your payment (exact change preferred). The price is only $95.00 per single membership or $125.00 per family membership, which includes your spouse and dependent children still living in the home. Door locks to the facility will be changed by 10 a.m. on Jan. 2.
K9 Kommon’s Dog Park Membership Keys are on sale now, and they will also have locks changed starting Jan. 2. Download the form at http://tinyurl.com/4h2jnjn8 and bring it to the park office on the 2nd floor of city hall to purchase a new key for 2024. The $25 fee offers all the dogs in your household an opportunity to run, play, and socialize with other pets. The pouch playground includes a Rover Jump Over, Doggie Teeter Totter, Hoop Jump, King of the Hill, Doggie Crawl Tunnel, and a Fire Hydrant.
Pavilion Rentals — It’s time to start thinking about your upcoming parties! We will be accepting rentals throughout all of 2024 starting on Jan. 2. Dates usually fill up quickly at the Washington Park indoor pavilion, so have alternative dates and times in mind when you reach out to us. Stop by our office or call 824-6069 to schedule your next event. Check available dates at https://teamup.com/ksahp6raijmudh7k7m. Rental forms for 2024 are online at https://tinyurl.com/mrxd9hnh
The Wells County Trails group is working on a boat launch in Vera Cruz to increase access to the Wabash River for kayakers and they need your help. There are only two weeks left to raise the last $13,000 and to take advantage of a $1 for $1 matching opportunity from the CreatINg Places Campaign, thanks to Indiana Housing and Community Development and AARP. This campaign is brought to you through Patronicity. A donation of any amount helps. Please help improve access to the Wabash River in Wells County. Mail or Drop off a donation to the Wells County Community Foundation at 222 W Washington St., Bluffton, Indiana 46714 (Make Checks Payable to Wells County Trails) by Jan. 12 or make an online contribution at Patronicity.com/VCPaddlesportsLaunch.
Have a great week and
a Happy New Year!
