Burns Harbor Park Foundation
The Burns Harbor Park Foundation Inc., hereinafter referred to as the "Foundation" is a 501(c)(3) organization established in 2017.
The purpose of the Foundation is to:
- To solicit, collect, provide and receive funds, and/or property, and to receive gifts and bequests, for securing and maintaining facilities and the creation, support, and preservation of programming for Parks and Recreation conducted by the Burns Harbor Parks Department.
- To educate the citizens of Burns Harbor and surrounding areas with reference to the needs, programs and activities of Burns Harbor Parks Department.
Zack Bowser Donates $1000 to the Foundation
July 2021
Zack Bowser accompanied by soccer camp participants presents the $1000.00 "Pay It Forward" grant to the Burns Harbor Park Foundation on July 27, 2021. Pictured left to right: Bonnie Clark, Willow Faraone, Ruby Hiestand, Zack Bowser, Griffin Daniel, Ella Sipich, Harper Daniel
Soccer is a way of life for Zack Bowser, Indiana Gatorade "Player of the Year" and a sport that he wants to share with younger generations. Bowser said, "I love playing soccer and I like instructing the youth, and I want to see some great players at Chesterton go through." This summer Bowser instructed a soccer camp for kids ages 5 - 12 through the Burns Harbor Park department.
Bowser shared his passion and excitement of soccer by providing instruction on attacking, defending, footwork, ball handling, scrimmaging, and skill competitions. The sessions ended with an awesome one-hour life guarded swim at the beach in Lakeland Park.
Campers shared their reactions to participating in the soccer camp. One 5 year old participant who has never played soccer before proudly said, "I can't do anything but he (Zack) is trying to teach how me to play soccer." The oldest camper at age 8 who attended all three weeks said, "I've played soccer before and at camp I'm actually getting faster." All of the campers said that Zack was the best thing about camp. They enjoyed "tricking him" by squirting water at him and attempting to throw blueberries in his mouth during breaks.
Bowser, a Chesterton High School 2021 graduate, was named Gatorade Indiana Boys Soccer Player of the Year in June for his outstanding athletic excellence and high standards of academic achievement an exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field.
Bowser was given the opportunity to award a $1000 grant to a local or national youth sports organization of his choosing through the "Pay It Forward" platform. "I was having my camp here and it is such a great place that I chose to donate my grant to the Burns Harbor Park Foundation," Bowser said.
Foundation Installs Concrete Bag Toss Game
During the summer of 2020, a Concrete Bag Toss Game was installed at Lakeland Park. Bring your own bags or bags are available from the Gate Keeper at no charge.
Board Members
- Chuck Tutor, President
- Kylane Tumblin, Vice President
- Toni Biancardi, Secretary & Treasurer
- Kim Burton, Member
- Ailene Miller, Member
- Jennifer McHargue, Council Representative (Non-voting)
Contact the Foundation via email at bhparkfoundationinc@gmail.com
