Yay! Spring break starts Friday, so we went ahead and put the tennis nets up at Washington and Lion’s Park. Both courts are lined with Pickleball, so get out there and enjoy some fresh air. 

Speaking of Pickleball, we will have a pre-construction meeting soon with the contractor installing the new dedicated courts at Lancaster Park. Stay tuned for upcoming information on when this park will close while a new parking lot and pickleball courts are installed. 

The Winter 100 Challenge ends next week, and if you haven’t already picked up your shirt and medal, you can stop by our office on the 2nd floor of City Hall to get them. Great job to everyone who completed all 100 miles. If you want to keep the momentum going, be sure to sign up for the following walking/running events. 

The Race without a Trace Earth Day 5 K, is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, at 9:00 a.m. at the Bluffton City Gym (128 E Market St., Bluffton, IN). This is a no-frills, no-fuss, inexpensive 5k run (or walk) to celebrate Earth Day. We are minimizing our footprint for this event by giving away past event shirts until they are gone. Even our awards are live plants and trees. Register online at https://raceroster.com/events/2024/86614/earth-day-5k. 

The 5 in 5 series will challenge you to do five 5ks in five weeks. Join us at 7 p.m. on Tuesday nights starting June 11, for “just for fun” 5k walks or runs. The cost is only $1 each night. There is no official timing or awards, but this is a great way to motivate yourself and connect with other runners and walkers. Water and snacks will be provided. If you participate on four of the five dates, you can earn a FREE series of T-shirts.

Ladies, join us for the popular Chicks Run on Thursday, June 20, at 7 p.m. at Pickett’s Run Park. Enjoy a “Just for the Girls” 5K Fun Run on Bluffton’s River Greenway. Whether fast or slow, we run and walk for the pure love of being active and moving with our girlfriends. Sure, we give awards to Speedy Chicks, but we also celebrate those women who inspire us with their stories, enthusiasm, and dedication! So… Grab a friend, neighbor, co-worker, mother, daughter, aunt, or grandma (dress up in fun outfits if you want — we give prizes for that!) and join us for the CHICKS RUN!

We are also excited to announce that registration has opened for the 50th anniversary Parlor City Trot! The event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 31. We have 50th anniversary commemorative awards, finisher medals, and awesome, high-quality event shirts. Sign up online at https://raceroster.com/events/2024/82437/parlor-city-trot.

We want to send a special thank you to Kappa Kappa Kappa for their donation. We truly appreciate the continued support they have given us and their constant desire to uplift our community. 

We also want to thank the recent Kehoe Concert Sponsors Isaac Stoller of Steffen Group Real Estate and Auctions and National Oil and concert donors First Bank of Berne, Bluffton Family Eye Care and CJ’s Flooring. We are at the halfway point of being funded, so there is still time to donate to this well-attended series. 

Kids, don’t forget to turn in your coloring contest at the end of this month before you head out to spring break.

Have a great week!