Healthcare Foundation of La Porte (HFL) and the City of La Porte partnered together to improve the City’s parks and lakes. On Thursday, HFL, city, and La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership staff gathered at Stone Lake for a celebration of the work so far and a dedication of the trail to the foundation.
The majority of the event took place by the shore of Stone Lake, where attendees joined to celebrate the new area. Park Superintendent at the City of La Porte Park and Recreation Department Mark Schreiber proudly managed the project.
“We extended a multi-use trail all the way from here in Soldier Park to Clear Lake,” said Schreiber. “Previously, there was no trail access, or we just had a somewhat dilapidated street and the shoreline was not useable for recreation.”
The project successfully connected two popular areas within the City of La Porte, but it also provided a great space for residents to get out and move, in whatever way that may be.
“We had three goals with this project,” Schreiber continued. “Number one was we wanted to naturalize the shoreline; secondly, we wanted to increase recreational opportunities; and finally, we wanted to make things safer. It’s disingenuous to ask people to walk more, to bike more, and to try to get healthier while not giving them the infrastructure to do so.”
The effects of this effort were clear throughout the event. Children were playing in the distance on the swings at the playground and were splashing each other with water from the foot washers. Closer to the lake, dozens of people swam and sunbathed.
HFL President & CEO Maria Fruth, Board Chair Kathleen Lang, and all other HFL board members played a critical role in facilitating City of La Porte’s plan.
“Health and wellness is not necessarily something that happens overnight with immediate results, but the City of La Porte came with these plans and we said, ‘Yes, this is what our community needs,’” said Lang. “It’s amazing for our community and it’s a step forward for health and wellness.”
The dedication of the trail began a few yards away from the Lake’s shore. The trail is dedicated to HFL with signs scattered along it as reminders of foundation’s efforts to achieve the community goal of better physical and mental health.
“It all started with the Healthcare Foundation believing in and funding the plan, but also funding our first initiatives into it,” said Schreiber.
With City of La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody proudly standing beside her, Fruth cut a red, white, and blue ribbon over the trail, signifying that it is ready for community members to enjoy.
“Maria, Kathleen, the entire board – we are so fortunate to have you here as a true partner,” Mayor Dermody said. “I think our community truly appreciates it, and what better time than on the eve of Lakefest. This is going to be something special for all our residents to enjoy.”
Fruth echoed the words of Mayor Dermody, emphasizing how eager she is to watch the success of the entire City of La Porte come to fruition.
“Mayor – hopefully this first Lakefest is going to be amazing and extremely successful,” said Fruth. “Thank you for the continued support, and we will continue to celebrate.”
As soon as the ribbon was cut, two young parents pushing a stroller began to walk down the newly-dedicated trail. Their walk led them along the Lake, allowing them to enjoy some movement while taking in the beauty that makes La Porte remarkable.
For more information about Healthcare Foundation of La Porte, visit its website at www.hflaporte.org. For more information about City of La Porte, visit its website at www.cityoflaporte.com.