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player ready...When former United States president Calvin Coolidge visited Highland in 1927 to dedicate Wicker Memorial Park to veterans of the Great War, his address to the throngs attending was long and poignant, according to contemporary accounts. He ended with a comment about future use of the grounds.
“As the inhabitants of the North Township repair to this park in the years to come, as they are reinvigorated in body and mind by its use, as they are moved by the memory of the heroic deeds of those to whom it is dedicated, may they become the partakers and promoters of a more noble, more exalted, more inspired American life,” he said.
The presidential directive still applies, according to those who are utilizing the newly installed 3,000 square foot Adult Outdoor Fitness Area at the northwest end of the park, across from a volleyball area.
“I heard about these ‘resistance’ machines that work off your body weight from my friend, who bikes by this park everyday,” Jerry Harderode of Highland said as he headed toward the circuit of seven machines. “They have so much for the kids and teens here, it’s great that they remembered us middle-aged folks too.”
Over the years, the tract of land known as Wicker Memorial Park at the corner of Indianapolis Boulevard and Ridge Road in Northwest Township has expanded to include a now closed public swimming pool, children’s playground, picnic area, golf course, putting green, small clubhouse, Social Center building, Formal Gazebo, Pavilion, War Memorial, walking trails, a Dog Park, Splash Pad, and Volleyball pit.
Myriad of events and activities have taken place from that first spring day opening in 1927 — some on a large scale, most notably in 2008, when Barack Obama made a campaign stop on Halloween evening.
And now, the newest amenity, the Adult Outdoor Fitness Area, is appealing to many visitors, for many reasons.
“I’m really liking this. I stop here every morning when I take my usual walk,” Munster resident Gerald Osborne said, as he headed toward the leg press. “This is a safe way to get in my exercise and it doesn’t cost anything but my time.”
Completed in July of this year, the open air fitness area is located on a unique geometric concrete pad, and has proven very popular, according to Wicker Park superintendent Brett Bierman.
“I was skeptical at first, regarding the response from the community,” he said. “But now I’m amazed. The Adult Outdoor Exercise Area is busy every day — from the time we open at 6 a.m. to dusk. Everyone loves it.”
Last fall, North Township Trustee Frank Mrvan had observed a similar project in one of East Chicago’s parks.
“Frank discussed the idea with me and I went to look it over,” Bierman added. “I knew this would be a great addition to our park and the board moved very quickly.”
The East Chicago Parks Department gave direction, offering the name of the company they worked with on the outdoor project.
North Township contacted that company and established a budget of $75,000 for their plan.
This amount covered the equipment – an elliptical, leg press, bench press, rower bike, vertical press and pendulum, concrete for their footings, as well as the large concrete pad they are situated on, landscaping, bike rack and benches.
Some of the machines are handicap-accessible.
“This is beautiful, even if you don’t work out, you can relax on the benches,” Mildred Goodman of Munster said, as she and two of her friends were on the walking path, which is within earshot of the new fitness area.
“No one else has a place like our Wicker Park — so many things to do for everyone. And they keep it so clean and lovely, no wonder it’s been around for such a long time.”
That figure tallies 89 years in existence for Wicker Park, which has been graced by two U. S. presidents and millions of visitors. And judging by the continuous hub of daily activities contained therein, it won’t be much of a surprise when that 100-year mark rolls around.
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Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Triune.