Sunset Hill Farm County Park now has a new playground for families to enjoy named after the late president of the Porter County Parks Foundation, Sharon Kish.
“A special thank you to Sharon Kish, whose leadership, passion and dedication was the driving force to make this happen,” said Jake McEvoy, Porter County Parks superintendent, noting that the space would be named the Sharon Kish Memorial Playground.
Kish was the board president for the parks foundation and the former president of United Way of Porter County. Kish, 76, died on March 21.
“This place is more than just swings and slides, it is a place where memories will be made, and kids can play and explore, a place where kids can be kids,” said McEvoy during a Saturday ribbon-cutting.
“This playground is also a testament to our commitment to the future, and by investing in spaces like this, we are investing in the wellbeing and happiness of generations to come,” said McEvoy. “We are creating a legacy of joy, health and community that will endure long into the future.”
Haisley Rickman, 3, of Valparaiso, gets a boost from her dad, Patrick, on Saturday, May 18, 2024, during the dedication of the new playground at Sunset Hill Farm County Park. (Deena Lawley-Dixon/for Post-Tribune)
“It is really an honor to be here today, and I am incredibly and unwaveringly proud of what we have done in the Porter County Parks,” said Larry McAfee, interim president of the Porter County Parks Foundation Board.
“Sharon had been our president of the Porter County Parks Foundation Board for the last four years,” said McAfee, who asked for a brief moment of silence for her. “She passed away very unexpectedly.”
Kish’s untimely passing did not allow her to see the playground dedication on Saturday, but she was able to see the finished playground.
“Our new Park Superintendent Jake and the late Park Foundation President Sharon were the driving forces behind this new playground,” said board member Bob DeRuntz. “It was very fitting to dedicate this new playground in her honor because Sharon had worked so hard to support our parks and to make a positive difference in our community throughout her entire life.”
The new playground consists of swings, slides, a music-making center, climbing equipment and a gaga ball octagonal pit.
Erasmus Fedro, 3, of Valparaiso, tries out the new slide at the Sharon Kish Memorial Playground at Sunset Hill Farm County Park on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Deena Lawley-Dixon/for Post-Tribune)
“There is so much to do here, for older and younger people,” said Nicolle Rickman of Valparaiso, who attended the event with her husband and two children. “Everything looks so good. This playground is really nice.”
For more information on Sunset Hill Farm, at the corner of Meridian Road and U.S. 6, and other county parks and programs, visit portercountyparks.org.
Deena Lawley-Dixon is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune
