Need a place to exercise that green thumb? Check out Plainfield's Community Garden, located on County Road 700 E, just north of Hadley Road, next to Center Community Church. The church is providing free use of the garden property; and gardeners may also park at the church. Gardeners can sow, nurture and harvest their favorite plants in an individual reserved 20 foot by 20 foot plot.
Parks and Recreation Director Clay Chafin said, “We are excited about our first Community Garden, and are confident it will be a success for years to come.” He expressed his appreciation to Center Community Church for making the property available, and added that the Community Garden is “another opportunity for Plainfield residents to individually and collectively enjoy the great outdoors.”
To participate, gardeners must sign a release and agree to work only in their individual plots. They must also bring their own trash bags to dispose of pulled weeds. Water drums will be available on the garden perimeter, but participants should bring a watering container to access the on-site tanks.
Contact Chafin at 839-7665, ext. 523, or via email at cchafin@town.plainfield.in.us, to obtain the participation form/release or to learn more about the Community Garden.
Independence Day Bursting 4th at Hummel Park
Hummel Park will host its annual July 4th Celebration with activities and entertainment for all ages – free of charge.
The fireworks extravaganza, featuring hundreds of aerial displays, will begin at approximately 9:55 p.m. on Saturday, the 4th. But the full slate of activities begins at 5 p.m., when families can begin staking out their favorite spots to picnic and celebrate.
At 7:30 p.m., the Knightsmen will perform. The Knightsmen are a ‘60s band in the truest sense, covering hit songs by the Beatles, Beach Boys, Roy Orbison, Cream and more. Next up, at 8:15 p.m., will be the annual Plainfield Chamber of Commerce “Rubber Duck” Race. (For more information on this featured event, call 839-3800.) Throughout the evening, families can enjoy activities that will include a rock climbing wall, the “bounce house” giant inflatable slide, and a dunk tank. Food from a variety of vendors will also be available.
According to Park Administrator Derek Clay, “The 4th of July Celebration is certainly a highlight of the summer season, and we all benefit from the partnership of government and community organizations
that make this event possible.”
On-site parking will be limited; the best parking opportunities are located off County Road 700 E, with additional parking at Calvary Baptist Church. For more information, contact the Park office at 839-9121.
Clarks Creek Aquatics Programs Build on Success
Since their launch last fall, the aquatics programs at the Natatorium at Clarks Creek Upper Elementary have been atremendous success. Nate Thorne, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation and aquatics manager for the Clarks Creek facility, said, “The Natatorium is essentially an extension of programs and services available at the Plainfield Recreation and Aquatic Center; we've been very pleased that the community has stepped up to take advantage of the opportunities there.”
Successful programs have included scuba certification, 1-on-1 and small group swim lessons, beginning diving, and lifeguard certification. Thorne also reported on the 5th grade swim lessons offered during the school day to Clarks Creek students: “The feedback from these lessons was outstanding. The program will be offered to this fall's 5th grade students and, like last year, their parents will be invited to the last day of swim lessons to witness their child's progress.”
Other recent highlights include:
More than 100 participants in the Developmental Swim Team and “Splashers” Junior Swim Team using the facility each weekday morning from 7:30 to 9:30.
A West District YMCA Day Camp partnership, enabling summer campers to visit Clarks Creek twice a week for lessons and recreational swim
Approximately 30 members of the Power Aquatics Club Swim Team practicing at Clarks Creek weekday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30
“The Clarks Creek partnership (between the Town and the Plainfield Community School Corporation) has been a perfect example of the Town Council being good stewards of tax dollars while still finding innovative ways to benefit the community,” Thorne said. He reported that the Parks and Recreation Department would continue to explore innovative programming for the Clarks Creek facility, including after-school swim lessons for Clarks Creek students, in conjunction with the West District YMCA.
Thorne also noted that the Recreation and Aquatic Center's Fall/Winter Program Guide will be available at the end of August. The guide will list upcoming session dates for aquatics programs at the Recreation Center, including Splash Island, as well as the Natatorium at Clarks Creek.
For more information about any of these programs, contact Thorne at 839-7665, extension 534 or by email at nthorne@town.plainfield.in.us.
Summer Birthday? Celebrate at Splash Island!
Splash Island at Plainfield Recreation Center is more than just a great place to enjoy a summer day; it's also a terrific place to celebrate a child's birthday. Semi-private indoor and outdoor party areas can be reserved in two-hour blocks. All party packages -- designed for groups of up to 25 outdoor or 30 indoor participants – include a free T-shirt for the birthday child.
Packages range from member rates of $100.00 (“Surf's Up” Package) to $279.00 (“Tsunami” Package). Nonresident and non-member rates are slightly higher. Certain packages include refreshments and other perks.
For pool party rules, scheduling and additional package information, contact Food and Beverage Coordinator Julie Winship at 839-POOL (839-7665), ext. 535 or by email at jwinship@town.plainfield.in.us.
