Parks & Recreation
WHITING LAKEFRONT DEVELOPMENT PLAN UNVEILED
On Tuesday, September 22, Mayor Joe Stahura conducted
a presentation releasing the final plan for Whiting's
Lakefront Development. The plan has been approved
by the Plan Commission and the City Council. The
focus of the project is to transform Whiting Lakefront
Park into a destination point for all to enjoy.
Included in the plan is a new 2-tiered boardwalk along
the shoreline, which will connect the Whiting trail
 system to the Hammond trail system and then up into
Chicago. Also included is the creation of a new
nature area, renovation of all existing facilities and a
new gazebo event center on the shoreline, with the
Chicago skyline serving as its backdrop. New
parking facilities, renovation and expansion of the
existing pathways and Whihala Beach boat harbor
renovations are also planned. A
new Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Museum is also
included as part of the overall project. The
entire plan can now be viewed on our web site and copies
are on display at the Whiting Public Library and at City
Hall, where the display boards can also be reviewed.
You can view the plan and related information by
clicking on the links below:
Preliminary phases of the project are already underway. Construction of
the project is expected to continue through 2011. The project is being
funded entirely with grants and industrial tax revenue (TIF) and no residential
or commercial property tax revenue will be used. Additional questions can
be directed to Bob Kark, Director of Economic Development at City Hall.
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THE WHITING COMMUNITY CENTER
View a full-color informational brochure about the
Whiting Community Center by
clicking here.
This structure that was built in 1923 by the Rockefeller family and Standard Oil Company, is listed in the National Register of Historic places.
It is the heart of the Park and Recreation system and houses staff offices. The Whiting Parks and Recreation Department offers various programs and activities throughout the year. The Community center has many indoor amenities available for public use. To mention a few, there are two basketball courts , one walking/jogging track, two saunas, two whirlpools, swimming pool, han dball/racquetball court, weight and cardiovascular rooms, billiards room, meeting rooms, kitchen facilities and different activities for children and adults.
The Community Center also houses a bowling center. The bowling alley hosts various leagues including USBC (United States Bowling Congress). If interested in bringing in a league or joining a league contact the bowling manager.
There are open bowling and open swim times. Scheduling for private parties is available for the swimming pool, bowling alley, social room or banquet hall. Whether it is line dancing or bowling call the Community Center at 219-659-0860 for more details. Click here for information about Community Center membership fees.
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PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
The Parks Department offers numerous programs and activities.
Call 219-659-0860 for more information.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
BONSAI STARTER CLUB:
Thursday, Sept. 9th, 6:00-7:00 PM
Interested in starting a Bonsai Club? Our very own
Whiting “Bonsai Guru”, Marty Dado, is willing to lead
this club if there are enough people interested! This
first meeting is to get everyone together to discuss
meeting times, days, dates, areas of interest, etc.
There is no cost for this meeting, but you need to
register by calling 659-0860…or stop in!
GUITAR LESSONS: Ages 7-Adult Wednesdays,
5:00-5:45 PM
Here’s an opportunity for everyone to learn the basics
of guitar, in a group setting, with instructor Brian
Lunsford. All one needs is their own guitar, the
enthusiasm to learn and the willingness to practice!
Brian has over ten years experience teaching guitar to
all ages…and all skill levels. This five week session
starts September 22nd and ends October 20th.
Preregistration is required.
Fees: $50.00 Residents (46394 zip code)
$55.00 Non-Residents
(No Refund Policy)
TUMBLEBEAR GYMNASTICS: Mondays (Ages 2-12 years)
Tumblebear Gymnastics continues on with new sessions
this fall! Their theme for the 2010/2011 school year is
“ABC’s of Gymnastics”. Balance beam, horizontal bar,
vault, air trak and tumbling are all experienced with
additional lesson plans developed for the older
students. Skill levels are for beginners through
advanced students. Students are to wear comfortable
clothing (no jeans, please!) and gym shoes. Classes are
provided by Tumblebear Gymnastics, Inc. It is not
necessary for a child to have participated in prior
sessions to join any session. Classes are subject to
cancellation if quotas are not met.
Four week sessions are held on Mondays:
Session I: Sept. 13 – Oct. 4
Session II: Oct. 11 – Nov. 1
Session III: Nov. 8 – Nov. 29
Session IV: Dec. 6 – Jan. 3 (no class Dec. 27th)
Times: 3:00-3:35 PM for ages 2-4
3:45-4:30 PM for ages 5-12
Fees for each session: $28 Residents (46394 zip code)
$30 Non-Residents
(NO REFUND POLICY)
YOGA-IN-THE-PARK:
The Whiting Parks & Recreation Department, in collaboration with instructor
David Potesta, invites you to experience our 8th Annual “Yoga-in-the-Park”. This
2010 season David will present a variety of Yoga styles each Sunday. Not sure
Yoga is for you? Watch from the hillsides and find out! Children (16 and
younger) must be accompanied by a parent. All participants must sign a liability
waiver which will be available at the park each Sunday.
When: Sundays (weather permitting)
Dates: June 6th thru Sept. 26th…no class July 4th
Where: Whiting Park (in front of the pond)
Time: 9:00-10:00 AM
Bring: Mat or blanket, water, wear loose comfortable clothing
Parking: Free!
Fee: Classes are supported by your generous donations
ONGOING & SEASONAL EVENTS:
Adult Sand Volleyball League:
Open to adults 16 and older. Games played on Tuesdays and
Thursdays at Whiting Park 6:30, 7:30, & 8:30pm beginning
in June through August. Rules and information available
at center. Team pre-registration required.
Crochet Class:
The Whiting Community Center offers ongoing six week sessions of crochet classes
throughout the year for ages 12 through adult. Join instructor Irma Ortiz on
Thursdays from 6:00-7:30 PM. Classes are for beginning and advanced students.
Advanced students are welcome to bring in their own patterns/materials and
receive Irma’s expert advice in completing their project. We have a limited
selection of free yarn for beginners to use…just bring along a size G hook. Call
now for next start date.
Non-Refundable Fees: $35.00 Residents (46394 zip) / $40.00 Non-Residents
Exercise Classes:
The
Center offers a variety of exercise classes on land and
in the pool which are included in your membership pass.
These classes include water aerobics, land and water
yoga, high and low impact aerobics, kickboxing, pilates,
salsa, etc. Call for further information on these
classes or stop in for our current exercise class
schedule.
Guitar Lessons:
Here’s an opportunity for everyone to learn the basics of guitar, in a group
setting, with instructor Brian Lunsford. All one needs is their own guitar, the
enthusiasm to learn and the willingness to practice! Brian has ten years
experience teaching guitar to all ages. Call now for more information on class
days & times. Non-refundable fees for these 10 week/1 hr. sessions are:
$100 Residents (46394 zip) / $110 Non-Residents.
Karate Training:
Courage…Respect…Discipline…Dedication…these are the hallmark characteristics of
those who study the martial arts. With over 30 years of experience in the
martial arts and the recipient of several black belts in various martial art
disciplines, Mr. Rich Lopez is dedicated to instilling these characteristics in
his students through his martial arts training. Starting children young helps to
instill a strong sense of self-esteem, improves confidence and promotes an
active, healthy lifestyle. Children also learn self-defense techniques and
respect for others. Adults benefit from improved fitness, reduced stress,
improved balance and co-ordination, and gain confidence by learning self-defense
skills. These six week/1hr. sessions are held on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM. Call now
and have your name put on our waiting list for the next session!
Non-Refundable Fees: $30 Residents (46394 zip) / $35 Non-Residents
Line Dancing: Young adults through senior citizens are invited to join
Diane Terpstra for a free night of line dancing every Thursday from 6:30-8:00 PM
at the Whiting Community Center (September through May). Not only is this a
great way to get that much needed exercise, but everyone has so much fun dancing
and making new friends that you definitely don’t want to miss out!
Open Bowl:
Tuesdays
& Thursdays 3:30-8:00pm. Every
Tuesday is dollar day! That’s $1.00 per game and $1.00
shoe rental!
Piano Lessons:
Held in 7 week sessions.
Fee:
$60.00 Whiting/Robertsdale Residents; $65 Non-Residents.
Proof of residency required. No refund policy.
Books are not included in registration fee. Call
now to have your name added to waiting list for next
available opening.
Preschool:
Open to children ages 3-5. Class sizes are small so
individualized attention by Mrs. Mary Ann Evanich and
Dawn Zivanovich is
guaranteed! Mrs. Evanich has 30 years experience
teaching preschool here at the Community Center. School
sessions start the day after Labor Day through May. If
interested in having your little one attend our
preschool, stop in for details.
Summer Play and Pee Wee Camps:
Open to children ages
4-12yrs. The program provides
children with field trips, recreation and educational
activities. Programs are held during summer vacation.
Pre-registration is required.
Swim Lessons:
Offered throughout the year for all ages. Class sizes
are limited. Session days and times vary depending on
the time of the year the classes are held. Fees: $45
Whiting/Robertsdale Residents; $55 Non-Residents. Call the Center for
further info. Program Instructor: Ruth Ruiz
Weight Watchers:
Meetings every Wednesday at
6:00PM. Weigh-ins are 5:30PM.
Well Walkers Club: Monthly meetings held on the
second THURSDAY of each month at (1:00 PM
Oct.-Apr.)/(6:00 PM May-Sept.) The
Whiting Parks & Recreation Department, in conjunction
with St. Catherine’s Hospital, offers you the
opportunity to take “steps” towards getting fit.
Meetings include health education programs and/or
screenings. Club members who return monthly walk logs
are eligible to win prizes via random drawings.
Membership gives you an opportunity to walk with others
who share your interest. Membership is FREE and you
receive a pedometer when you join.
Register now at the Whiting Community Center or call
219-659-0860 for further information.
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ANNUAL EVENTS
January 6th - Twelfth Night Ceremony - the traditional closing of the Christmas season with the burning of the Christmas trees. Enjoy a cup of hot apple cider or hot chocolate with the trumpet solo signaling the end of the Christmas season.
Saturday Before Holy Saturday - Children's Easter Egg
Hunt: For Whiting/Robertsdale children only. *** Proof of
residency required.
May - Arbor Day - Celebrated at 1:00 pm on
the second Friday
of May (14th) at Whiting Park. Memorial trees are planted throughout the city and parks with an emphasis on the tremendous importance trees have on our lives and the stewardship we embrace as a tree city.
July 4th - Celebration- one of the oldest and best
parades in the area travels down 119th Street while
Whiting Park welcomes families of all ages to enjoy
the festive activities and
fireworks at night.
July, August, & September - Symphony and Jazz Concerts - Held at Whiting Park.
Join thousands of music fans from across the Calumet
Region and enjoy a bottle of wine and relax in the
evening's open air listening to the sounds of Whiting's
very own Whiting Park Festival Orchestra.
September - Mayor's 2K/5K Run/Walk: Held at
Whiting Park in September ... for all ages.
October - Children's Costumed Halloween Parade
- *** For Whiting/Robertsdale children only.*** Held the Saturday
before Halloween unless Halloween falls on a Saturday.
For further information on any programs, future
events, ideas or suggestions, call the Whiting Community
Center at 219-659-0860.
We collect Campbell Soup Labels...drop them off at the
front desk or mail them to us at 1938 Clark Street.
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WHITING'S PARKS
 Kelly
Place Park, located on the corner of Kelly Place and
121st Street, is the newest addition to our parks
inventory. The construction of this new park
satisfied a goal outlined in City's Comprehensive Master
Plan to identify and install a park on the City's west
side. The park was financed in part by donations
form the BP Foundation in conjunction with the City of
Whiting. Volunteers from the BP Whiting Refinery,
Purdue University Calumet's Master Gardener Club, City
of Whiting Staff as well as several local residents
assisted in the park's construction. This park has
not been officially dedicated and named as of yet.
Harry Glair Park (Penny Park), located at Clark Avenue & John Street
(next to the Community Center), is ¾ acre in size with play equipment designed for children ages 1
through 10. This popular playground is within
walking distance of the business district and the
neighborhoods located in the Midtown section of our
community.
Atchison Avenue Park, located at Atchison Avenue & 115th Street, is approximately 1 acre in size designed for pedestrian and bicycle access. The play equipment is designed primarily for use by young children.
Horseshoe pits are also located on site and fenced off from the play areas.
The park is the home of the Whiting-Robertsdale
Horseshoe Club who also occupy the adjacent building as
an indoor horseshoe facility.
 Standard Diamonds, located at 119th Street, ½ block east of Schrage Avenue, is approximately 6.5 acres with lighted baseball, softball, t-ball diamonds, playground equipment, open play and picnicking areas.
The park is home to the Whiting Little League which
operates and maintains one of the top Little League
Complexes in Northwest Indiana.
 Whiting Skate Park at Standard Diamonds -
In July of 2010, the Skate Park was demolished as part of a large scale
Lakefront Development Project. The City is currently assessing its options
to rebuild the Park. Plans should be finalized by the end of 2010 and it
is anticipated that a new Skate Park will be built north of 117th Street in the
new Little League Complex. Details will be posted as they become
available.
Information regarding the recently demolished Park - On June 5, 2004, a grand opening was held for our new state of the art 8000 sq. ft. skate park. It was designed by Mark “Monk” Hubbard of Grindline Inc. with Stevie “Dread” Synder as the design consultant. Take a leap of faith and test the gnarly street course or the 11 foot Bowl (“better than the Butter Bowl”) which has Monk’s famous coping. There are steps, ramps, ledges and rails for all the grinders.
The park is found by taking 119th Street east to just past Schrage Ave. The park
is on the right.
Click here to view more Skate Park photos
 Whiting Park, located at East 119th St. & North Front St., is approximately 15 acres with different structural play areas for preschool and elementary aged children. Seven acres of open play areas, walking paths, four tennis courts, one baseball diamond, picnic facilities, a concession area, a fishing pier, two sand volleyball courts, in-line skate hockey rink and a relaxing fish pond with waterfall, perfect for meditation or Sunday morning yoga classes. Hold weddings & receptions with scenic photo-ops amongst flower gardens, Chicago skyline backdrop or romantic Lake Michigan. Whiting Park is adjacent to Whihala Beach, a Lake County park, whic h has walking along Lake Michigan, boat launch ramp and beach with lifeguards. Whiting Park is an excellent area for bird watching; the purple martin houses are fully occupied.
'Take a cruise on Robert J. Bercik Drive' and take in
all the amenities of one of the best kept park &
recreation secrets in Northwest Indiana.
Click here to view more Whiting Park photos
 Tom Smolen Park, located at 125th Street & Schrage Avenue, is approximately ½ acre with a shelter and 2 play areas with modernized play equipment. One area is designed for small children and the other is designed for pre-teens.
The Park was built on land donated to the City by the
Smolen Family of Whiting.
Whihala
Beach
Park,
located at 1561 Park Road,
Whiting, Indiana
46394.
It is approximately 2 3 acres. The
summer proves Whihala is popular with swimmers, boaters, and even sightseers.
During the spring and fall, birdwatchers
use the beachfront to see many of the migrating bird species in the flyway.
On clear days, the Chicago skyline looks
like a 3-D viewfinder photo, popping out over majestic Lake
Michigan.
The Park is open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (daily), with swim hours being from 10 a.m. – 6
p.m., Memorial Day – Labor Day. No
swimming is allowed unless a lifeguard is on duty.
Parking is free for Whiting/Robertsdale
residents (46394 zip code). A $7.00 fee
is assessed for all other Indiana residents and
$15.00 for out of state residents.
Whihala
Beach offers the following
features:
-
Toilets (flush)
-
Rinse shower
-
Food concessions
-
Grilling area
-
Boat launch (currently only accessible for Jet-Skis)
-
Swimming
-
Walking and Bike Trail
-
Fishing (Indiana
waters) – proper fishing licenses required
-
Jet-ski rentals available (dictated by weather)
Coming in 2011:
-
Boat launch improvements
-
Special Event rentals (weddings, parties, etc.)
-
Trail improvements
For additional information, call (219) 659-0860.
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