Connecting Muncie Neighborhood partners and resources
The expansion of Halteman Park into a Multi-generational Recreational Space project has reached Phase Two. The work will continue to serve as a model for other placemaking endeavors around the city. Click here to learn more about Phase One and how to get involved with Phase Two.
J.P. Hall, BSU Assistant Professor of Historic Preservation and Associate Chair, recently received the 2023 David Sursa Leadership Award for the impact on Halteman Village and the Muncie community as a whole.
J.P. Hall received the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County’s 2023 David Sursa Leadership Award for his dedicated service to Halteman Village Neighborhood Association. Hall was instrumental in reorganizing the Halteman Village Neighborhood Association into a 501c3 nonprofit in an effort to turn the former private community pool into a public park. He was nominated by the neighborhood association for his work to improve the park, but also for his service to the Muncie Community as a whole. When plans to demolish the neighborhood’s recently closed elementary school were announced, Hall led the neighborhood’s “Kids not Condos” campaign that saw that building ultimately saved and turned into Mitchell Early Childhood and Family Resource Center. To read more about Hall’s work in the community please visit the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County’s award announcement.
Halteman Village Neighborhood Association held their first park party Saturday, July 1st, and it was a huge success! Around 300 folks attended to celebrate the transformation of Halteman Park. To date, HVNA has raised over $112,000 towards park improvements that include new playground equipment, pavilion, and landscaping. The neighborhood association recently launched another campaign to raise funds to implement recreational and wellness opportunities for adults and seniors in the community. To learn more about past improvements and current goals as well as how you can make a donation, please visit: https://www.patronicity.com/project/halteman_park_phase_two#!/
(Photo provided with Press Release)
September 12, 2021
For immediate release
What: Playground/Pavilion/Splash Pad Ribbon Cutting
When: September 18th @ 11:00.
Who: HVNA, City of Muncie. All are welcome
Ribbon Cutting for Playground/Pavilion/Splashpad at Halteman Park. Come See the New Improvements
After years of challenges, the private Halteman Swim Club closed its doors in 2017 and was sold shortly after at the county tax sale. The property became abandoned, blighted, dangerous, and an overall eyesore upon the community.
Via an incredible public/private partnership between the Halteman Village Neighborhood Association (HVNA), the City of Muncie, the Muncie Parks Department, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s (IHCDA) CreatINg Places program, and many individual and local Foundation’s, all are ready to celebrate a soft opening of the park specifically highlighting the new playground, pavilion and splash pad.
“Without the city, and the Parks Departments commitment to our efforts, this park would not be a reality. We want to thank Mayor Ridenour specifically for his commitment to this project, for without his support and leadership we know we wouldn’t be here today,” state J.P. Hall, president of HVNA.
HVNA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization representing property owners and current residents of Halteman Village, Nor-Hall, Norwood and Vienna Woods neighborhoods within the city of Muncie. HVNA’s efforts are primarily focused on development and revitalization efforts to improve the quality of life/place for our residents and the Muncie community as a whole.
“This project just shows what is possible when a group comes together, plans, makes partnerships, then executes,” said Brad Marshall, HVNA Treasurer.
“The money we privately raised shows that people want these place-based improvements and are willing to put their hard-earned money towards making their neighborhoods better,” stated Brad Polk, VP of HVNA and City Council member.
Starting in the fall of 2020, after a meaningful planning partnership with the Parks and Open Spaces Studio in the Landscape Architecture Department at BSU, HVNA kicked off its fundraising campaign by partnering with the State of Indiana, via the IHCDA’s CreatINg Places program, to fundraise for a new playground. This crowdfunding campaign ultimately netted close to $82,000 of private funds which were matched by the state with an additional $30,000.
An incredibly generous grant from the Sherman and Marjorie Zeigler Foundation allowed for the construction of a pavilion at the Park that will allow for events, gathering space, and a shaded spot for all to enjoy. Lisa Goodpaster, long time Secretary of HVNA believes the pavilion, in addition to the splash pad and bathrooms the City is developing, make this park a place where a people can now spend an afternoon. “The park has come so far in just a few months, and when all is complete, will be a huge amenity for the city,” Goodpaster noted.
The city’s commitment of a splash pad (completed), bathrooms, a walking/jogging trail, improved basketball court, and pickleball courts (completion by fall21/spring22) will round out this park and make it an incredible destination for all of Muncie.
See Halteman.org for a complete list of supporters.
Media contact
J.P. Hall, President – HVNA, (574)309-4299
Brad Marshall, Treasurer – HVNA, (765)744-9332