Parks & Recreation
WHITING LAKEFRONT DEVELOPMENT PLAN UNVEILED
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 2014. 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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SPORTS FIELD PROJECTS
The architectural renderings for the City's two new Sports Complexes can be viewed by
clicking on the links below:
Standard Diamonds Baseball Stadium
Little League Complex - 117th and Oliver
Both of these projects have been completed and are are part of the first
phase of the City's $50 million Lakefront Development Project. The Standard
Diamonds Park houses Oil City Stadium, the home field for both the Whiting High School baseball team and the
Calumet College of St. Joseph's men's baseball team. The NWI
Oilmen, a Midwest Collegiate Baseball League team, has selected Oil City Stadium
as its home field. The 117th Street Sports Complex will be the home of
the Whiting Little League and the Calumet College of St. Joseph's women's
softball team.
Additional information can be obtained by
contacting the City's Director of Economic Development Bob Kark at
or Mayor Joe Stahura at
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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.
Use Fee Schedule
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PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
The Parks Department offers numerous programs and activities.
Call 219-659-0860 for more information.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
COMMUNITY CENTER NEW SATURDAY HOURS –
Beginning Saturday, October 1st, the Whiting
Community Center, 1938 Clark St. will re-open on
Saturdays. Hour of operation are 8:00am -- 4:00pm. –
Book a swim pool party – bowling
party, etc. For further information call the Whiting
Community Center at 219-659-0860.
AIKIDO TRAINING:
Ongoing Tuesday and Thursdays 5-6 PM
Details
BADMINTON CAMP - July 1st through July 3rd
Details
BLUE GUARD DRILL TEAM CALL OUT -
Join a drill team! Ages 5-17. May 3rd registration
deadline.
Drill Team Details
BRANSON EXTRAVAGANZA -
October 6th through October 12th
Details
Flier
KARATE TRAINING - Held on Tuesdays 6:30 -7:30 PM
Details
MOM AND SON BOWLING PARTY - May 18th ages 5-12
yrs.
Bowling Details
OPEN GYM MORNING - Free April 27th 10AM to
Noon. Basketball Demo by Bob Owen
Details
PEE WEE PLAY CAMP - June 18th through August 9th.
Ages 4-6yrs.
Details
SAND VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE - Games start June 4th
Details
SUMMER PLAY CAMPS - Age 7-12, June 17th through
August 9th
Details
TUMBLEBEAR GYMNASTICS -
Exercise Program for children 2 1/2yrs. to 12yrs.
Details
YOGA IN THE PARK -
June 2nd through September 29th
Details
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.
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: $50 Residents (46394 zip) / $55 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 from Labor Day to the first week of June.
Summer months, no open bowl.
Piano Lessons:
Held in 7 week sessions.
Fee:
$70.00 Whiting/Robertsdale Residents; $75 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
Tumblebear
Gymnastics:
Balance beam, horizontal bar, vault, Air Trak and tumbling are all experienced
each Tumblebear session. Various classes are held for ages 2 through 12.
Students are to wear comfortable clothing (no jeans, please) and gym shoes. Four
week sessions are held on Mondays and continued throughout the year as long as
quotas are met. Fees per session are $30 Residents and $32 Non-Residents. Payment is due at time of registration.
Call or stop in for the dates and times of the next session.
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
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 (10th) 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. This year the fireworks will be held
on July 3rd at Whiting Park.
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
 Volunteer 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 was
named on behalf of the many volunteers that worked to
construct the park as well as the hundreds of volunteers
that work thousands of hours each year to make Whiting
the great community that it is today.
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.
 Standard Diamonds, located at 119th Street, ½ block east of Schrage Avenue, is approximately 6.5 acres.
The new Oil City baseball stadium is constructed. See
Sports Fields for additional information.
 Whiting Municipal Sports Complex, located at the
intersection of 117th Street and Oliver Street, just northwest of the Whiting
High School football field is currently under construction. The complex is
expected to be ready for play for the spring 2011 season. Additional
information can be found at Sports Fields.
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.
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, whic h has walking along Lake Michigan,
a 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
Fee Schedule
 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. Beach Video
This year we are opening the beach from 9AM-6PM Memorial Day through the month
of July and 10AM-5PM August until Labor day. Guarded swim hours are 12-7
Memorial Day through July and 12-6 August to Labor Day.Beaches may close due to
weather or high bacteria counts. For high bacteria closings you can visit
www.idem.in.gov/beaches and
scroll down to “Beachguard online monitoring system.”
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 closed to boats and jet skis as dredging is planned)
-
Swimming
-
Walking and Bike Trail
-
Fishing (Indiana
waters) – proper fishing licenses required
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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