MERRILLVILLE, IN — Legacy Foundation, Lake County’s community foundation, officially announced the recipients of its transformative $4 Million “Love Where You Live” public spaces initiative, following a Wednesday press conference at IBEW Local 697.
Designed to revitalize parks, gathering hubs, and vibrant public spaces, the initiative has awarded funding to 7 key projects spanning communities throughout Lake County. Representatives from civic organizations, local municipalities, and foundation leadership gathered to celebrate the announcement and detail how these investments will enhance regional quality of life.
“Investing in vibrant, accessible public spaces strengthens the social and economic fabric of our communities,” said Kelly Anoe, President & CEO of Legacy Foundation. “The ‘Love Where You Live’ initiative directly supports projects that bring people together, foster local pride, and enhance quality of life for all Lake County residents.”
Funded “Love Where You Live” Projects & Allocations:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana, Inc. ($1,000,000 Grant) — Legacy Park & Art Walk Project (Gary): Major components include a splash pad, waterpark and pool restoration, pickleball courts, running track upgrades, outdoor fitness stations, inclusive playground, and safety fencing around the BGC playground.
- City of Hobart Parks Department ($500,000 Grant) — Festival Park Improvement Project (Hobart): Creates a modern, accessible, family-centered destination along Lake George featuring a new performance stage, splash pad, playground, shelters, improved walkways, lighting, and ADA-accessible connections to the lakefront.
- South Shore CVA ($645,200 Grant) — Optimist Lake Project (Hammond): Converts an underutilized lake area near Interstate 94 and Kennedy Avenue into a vibrant, accessible community-centered destination with boardwalks, an over-water walking feature, paved loop trail, fishing pier, canoe/kayak launch, and event plaza.
- Town of Griffith – Parks & Recreation ($500,000 Grant) — Griffith Courts Year-Round Multi-Sport Recreation Project (Griffith): Transforms Griffith Park into a multi-sport recreational destination featuring a portable 40′ x 80′ ice rink, conversion of two basketball courts for winter/summer use, and a seasonal shelter to support year-round community gathering.
- Town of Highland ($886,300 Grant) — Kennedy Commons (Highland): Reimagines a long-vacant former gas station at 8436 Kennedy Avenue into a welcoming public green space, community garden, food access point, covered shelter, and public art space.
- Town of Lowell Parks Department ($300,000 Grant) — Historic Town Square/Legacy Foundation Revival (Lowell): Transforms an underutilized downtown area into a vibrant, functional community gathering space featuring accessible programing areas, performance spaces, historic elements, and community connections.
- Town of New Chicago ($168,500 Grant) — Small Town, Regional Impact: New Chicago Park Basketball Court Revitalization Project (New Chicago): Revitalizes the local park basketball court with a reinforced concrete overlay, polymer surface, glass backboards, and adjustable height goals to support youth recreation and health.
Project support funded through a grant from  Lilly Endowment Inc GIFT IX initiative to Legacy Foundation. Legacy Foundation is  Lake County’s community foundation, dedicated to expanding equity and opportunity by connecting philanthropy with community needs. Learn more at
legacyfdn.org.
About Legacy Foundation
Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. Our mission is to transform Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve. Through the generosity of a wide base of donors, Legacy Foundation has awarded over $50 million in grants and scholarships to nonprofit organizations and individuals since its founding in 1992. The foundation manages $100 million in assets and is governed by a volunteer board of directors representing a diverse spectrum of business, education, and the nonprofit and public sectors. Learn more at
www.legacyfdn.org.
About Lilly Endowment, Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J. K. Lilly and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education, and religion. The Endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion. However, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.
