Bluffton Parks & Recreation Department

Bluffton Parks Master Plan Survey 2016

(260) 824-6069 – parks@ci.bluffton.in.us
Facebook: Bluffton Parks     Twitter: @Bluffton Parks
Bluffton City Gym – (260)824-5910
Wells Community Pool – (260) 824-1550
Open Gym daily Oct 15 – March 19 from 3:30 – 7 pm
Weekday Walkers M-F 9 -10:30am Oct 1-March 31
Tot Time Tue & Thur 11-noon in gym Oct 1 – March 30
Splash Pad Hours 10am – 9pm
Rock Steady Boxing Classes For Parkinson’s  (M, W, F 11:00 a.m.) (Information)
Dog Park Membership

Click on highlighted events for more information! All events are subject to change or cancellation. Events with * are pre-register only and usually register a month before the event.

March
March Gym Calendar
1-31 Weekday Walking 9-10:30am
1-19 Open Gym 3:30-7pm*
1 – Spring Coloring Contest (ends 31st)
7- Tot Gold Hunt & Bank Tour 11am
9- Hooked on Crochet 3-4pm*
14 – Princess Tea Party Ticket Sale Begins
16 – Theater Thursday 10am
16 – Stuff & Fluff 6-7:30pm*
23 –Homemade Card Class 6-8pm*

April
1 –Laundry Soap Fundraiser
6 – Underwater Egg Hunt 6:30pm*
10 – Senior Exploration (5 Mondays)*
13 – Easter Egg Hunt 5:30pm sharp!
14 –Summer Recreation Sign Up
20 –Theater Thursday 10am
22 – Earth Day 5K (Online Registration) (Registration Form)
24 – Homemade Card Class 6-8pm*
29 – Special Olympics
30 – Princess Tea Party*

May
13 – Women Self Defense 9-11am*
13 – Swim Lesson Registration 10-Noon
13 – Teacups & Tutus 1pm*
16 – Noodles with Nana 6-8pm*
17 – Summer Striders 5:30pm (7 Wed) *
Summer Striders blog:http://blufftonsummerstriders.blogspot.com
18- Theater Thursday 10am
19 – Bike to Work/School Day
21 – Bike Bluffton 20 or 6 Mile Bike Ride (Online Registration) (Registration Form)
25 – Homemade Card Class 6-8pm*
27 – Grandpa & Me Wooden Wrecker 10:30am*
27 – Wells Community Pool Opens
30- Summer Lunches/ Picnic in the Park begins

June
Summer Recreation
5 – Free Tennis Lesson (ends June 30)
5, 12, 19, 26 Free Basketball Open Gym 1-2 pm (ages 6-10)
5, 12,19,26 Craft Club 9am (6 Mondays)*
6, 13, 20, 27 – Tuesday Night Yoga in the Park 6:30pm
6,8,13,15,20,22,27,29-Summer Tot Activities 9am
8 – Chicks Run 5K 7pm (Online Registration) (Registration Form)
9, 16,23,30- Art in the Park 12-1pm (6 Fridays)*
9 – National Guard Band Concert 7pm
12 – K-12 Swim Class (10 lessons)*
13 – Glow Yoga 9:30 pm (Online Registration) (Registration Form)
14 – Bubble Dash 11 am (Flier)
14 – Foam Party 1pm
15 –Theater Thursday 10am
15 – Homemade Card Class 6-8pm*
17 – Pickle Ball Tournament 9 am (Registration Form) (Online Registration)
17 –Touch A Truck 9-Noon
17 – Casey James Concert @ Kehoe
Tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2945659
17 – Star Gazing 9pm
24 – City Challenge Race (Registration Form) (Online Registration)

July
Summer Recreation
3 – K-12 Swim Class (9 lessons)*
3, 10 – Craft Club 9am*
4 –4th of July 8pm concert 10pm fireworks
5, 12, 19, 26 – Wet Wacky Swim 6:30pm
6 – Tot Fire Dept Visit 11am
7 – Movie at Kehoe Park 8:45pm
7,14 – Art in the Park 12-1pm*
8 – Build & Battle Catapults 10:30 am *
9, 23, 30- Kehoe Concerts 7-8:30pm
10, 17, 24, 31 – Free Basketball Open Gym 1-2 pm (ages 5-10)
11, 13 – Summer Tot Activities 9am
11-25  – Tuesday Night Yoga in the Park 6:30pm
11 – Glow Zumba 9:30 pm at Kehoe Park (Online Registration) (Registration Form)
12- Summer Striders 2 5:30 pm (7 Wed) *
13 – Homemade Card Class 6-8pm*
14 – Movie at Kehoe Park 8:45pm
20 – Theater Thursday 10am
21 – Movie at Kehoe Park 8:45pm
22 – Iron Kids Triathlon 8am (Download Registration)) (Online Registration)
28 – Movie at Kehoe Park 8:45pm

August
1-31 – Yoga in the Park (Tue & Thur) 6:30pm
2 – Wet Wacky Swim 6:30pm
2 – Volunteer Pool Party 6:30-8pm*
5 – Tri Bluffton 8 am (Online Registration) (Entry Form)
6, 13, 20 –Kehoe Concerts 7-8:30pm
9 – Iron Kid Triathlon (rescheduled date)
17 – Theater Thursday 10am
26 – Squirt Gun Fight 1:30pm
26 – Giant Slip and Slide 2pm
27 – Slow Roll Community Bike Ride 3 pm at Kehoe Park
31 – Homemade Card Class 6-8pm*

September
1 – Fall Coloring Contest (ends 29th)
2- Parlor City Trot
5-28 -Yoga in the Park (Tue & Thur) 6:30pm
23- Harvest Hustle 5K (Download Registration) (online registration)
28 – Theater Thursday 10am
28 – Yoga Wine Down 6 pm(flier) (online registration)
28 – Homemade Card Class 6-8pm*

October
2 – Weekday Walking begins 9-10:30am
2 – Fall Senior Exploration (5 Mondays) *
3- Tot Time Begins 11-Noon
3– Tot Fire Dept Visit 11-Noon
14 –Great Pumpkin Hunt/ Hay Ride/ Pumpkin Drop 6pm
15 – Open Gym Begins Daily 3:30-7pm*
17 – Pumpkin Dunkin @ MS Pool 6:30pm*
19 –Theater Thursday 10am
26 – Homemade Card Class 6-8pm*
28 – The Park After Dark Zombie Run (online registration)
31 – Autumn Adventure 5-6pm

November
1-30 Weekday Walking 9-10:30am
1-30 Open Gym 3:30-7pm*
2- Hooked On Crochet (3 Thur) 5:30pm*
7 – Post Office Tour 11-Noon
15 –Giant Stocking Coloring Contest (ends Dec 16)
16 – Theater Thursday 10am
16 – Homemade Card Class 6-8pm*
26 – Gingerbread Contest Entry
27 – Santa’s Mailbox (ends Dec 16)

December
1 – Gingerbread Contest Entry Due
1-29 Weekday Walking 9-10:30am
1-30 Open Gym 3:30-7pm*
4-21 Vote for Gingerbread Contest 
5 – Tot Candy Cane Hunt 11-Noon
7 – Homemade Card Class 6-8pm*
9 – December Dash 5K & 1 Mile Jingle Bell Jog (online registration)
14 – Paws and Claus 5:30-7pm
15 –Winter Wonderland 5:30-7pm
21- Theater Thursday 10am

Photo/Video Policy

Photos and video footage are periodically taken of people participating in Bluffton Parks Department programs or activities, attending a class or event, or using park facilities or property.  Please be aware that by registering for a program or class, participating in an activity, attending an event, or using park facilities or property, you authorize the Bluffton Parks Department to use these photos and video footage for the promotional purposes of publications, advertising, marketing materials, brochures, event flyers, social media (including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and any other social media sites) and website without additional prior notice or permission and without any compensation to you.  All photos and videos are property of the Bluffton Parks Department.

Bluffton K-9 Kommons Dog Park

Bluffton residents may now apply to gain entry to The Bluffton Dog Park, located at 805 W Market at the intersection of Indiana and Market Street. The registration forms are available at City Clerk Treasurer’s Office or can be downloaded.  Bluffton K-9 Kommons Rules and waiver 

Jefferson Park

Jefferson Park, 315 E Horton; and is approximately 2.1 acres in size, located in the southeast portion of Bluffton off Townley and Bennett Streets. Facilities include a playground, 2 T-Ball diamonds, a batting cage, a press box and a concession stand/restrooms building. T-Ball is for ages 4-6, and coaches pitch is for 7 and 8, boys and girls.

Kehoe Park

Kehoe Park 300 N Main; is about 2 acres in size and located in the central part of Bluffton along the Wabash River, just west of the Ind. 1N-Ind. 124 juncture. Facilities include a lighted amphitheater (outdoor theatre), a pavilion (gazebo) with picnic tables and a restrooms building. This is the site of the summer concert series and free Friday movies in July.

Lancaster Park

200 East Jackson Street; located on the north side of Bluffton off of State Road 1 and includes approximately 17.5 acres and includes a sledding hill. (Former Lancaster School property)

Lions Park

Lions Park, 228 Midway;  is approximately 5.5 acres in the west central part of Bluffton, off Midway and Washington Streets, Facilities include playground, a pavilion with picnic tables and grill, a mini-soccer field, 2 lighted basketball courts, 3 lighted tennis courts, 2 restroom facilities, a maintenance office building with storage, a practice T-Ball diamond, a lighted softball diamond and a concession stand. Adult Softball Leagues and the Sandy Koufax league for boys ages 13-14 use the field at Lions Park, which used to be Wilson Field through the years that it was the football field for the high school.

Pickett's Run Park

Pickett’s Run is located on E. Washington St. near the intersection of Wayne St and River Road. The name of this property comes from the stream that once ran through this park site. This is the former location of 17 homes that were damaged in the July 2003 flood and had to be destroyed. Phase 1 of the park is complete which includes paved paths (Pickett’s Run Loop  1/5 mile or 326 meters), picnic tables, benches, wood carvings, a NEW Story Walk, and a historical marker. Located across the street at the corner of E. Washington & Bennett St. is the splash pad spray park made possible by the generosity of the Wells County Foundation in honor of the 50th Anniversary. The splash pad is open May – Sept, 10am-9pm, daily depending on the weather. There is no cost to enjoy! The park also includes a life fitness trail for outdoor exercise.  

River Greenway Trail Corridor

Rivergreenway Trail Corridor is a paved walking and bicycling trail starting at the east end of East Wabash Street, in the heart of Bluffton, and then running southeast on the banks of the Wabash River on River Road to the White Bridge, a distance of 2 1/4 miles. The state has extended the trail eastward from the bridge, connecting it into Ouabache State Park, where it links into an extensive park trail. The total trail from Bluffton to and through much of the state park is close to 5 miles. Future plans are to continue the Rivergreenway Trail westward to Markle. Rivergreenway Trail features include a boating access site in the east end of the trail near the White Bridge, a replica historic covered bridge and designated parking lots along the trail. No horses or motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail.

Rotary Park

Rotary Park is between 1 and 2 acres in size. This park is part of the Rivergreenway Trail corridor off the River Road along the Wabash River in the east part of Bluffton. Facilities include a pavilion with picnic tables, a paved parking lot and access to the Rivergreenway Trail.

Roush Park

Roush Park, 925 W Silver;  is about 8 acres in size and located in the southwest part of Bluffton, off the Indiana Street-Clark Avenue intersection. Facilities include playground equipment, 2 lighted baseball diamonds, 2 lighted softball diamonds, picnic areas, 2 pavilions, restroom/changing facilities, a storage building, press boxes at the ball diamonds, batting cages, concession stand and 2 basketball courts. The Farm League (9 and 10-year-old boys) and Jr. League (11 and 12-year-old boys) use the two baseball diamonds. Junior Girls League (ages 9-12) and Senior Girls League (ages 13-16) use the two softball diamonds. NEW in 2016 will be a splash pad, and 1/2 mile paved walking trail along with renovations done to the large pavilion.  

Veterans Memorial Park

Veterans Memorial Park, 725 S Main; is in the southeast part of Bluffton at the corner of Main and Arnold Streets. This park features memorial gardens, walkways, a gazebo and park benches. It is the scene of official tributes to those who have served in the nation’s defense.

Washington Park

Washington Park, 310 E Ohio; is approximately 2.6 acres in size in the southeast part of Bluffton, off Ohio, Mulberry, Arnold and Bennett Streets. Facilities include playground equipment, 2 8-foot basketball goals and 2 lighted 10-foot basketball goals; restroom facilities; a lighted pavilion with picnic tables (half enclosed and half open, both sections are available for rentals), and picnic areas with grills. Also, there are 3 lighted tennis courts across Mulberry Street from Washington Park.

Wabash River Park

Wabash River Park is located at the beginning (west end) of the Rivergreenway Trail Corridor and is about 1/2-acre in size. Facilities included are picnic tables, benches and a gazebo.

Park & Pavilion Rentals All pavilion rentals are made through the Parks Department at 260-824-6069. Rentals are to be paid when reserving and liability waivers signed. Pavilion Rental Form Call to schedule your event before filling out the rental agreement form to confirm dates and times. 824-6069

Kehoe Park (300 N Main) Stage Rental  – Weddings $75; Non Profit, 5 hours or less $290; more than 5 hours a day $515; For Profit, 5 hours or less $400; more than 5 hours a day $615. Deposit of $125 is required along with a 1 million dollar liability insurance listing the City of Bluffton as an insured for all rentals. (3-110 amp electric outlets, 1 – 30 amp electric outlet, 1 – 100 amp electric outlet, restrooms available, dimmer switch on stage for lights) Kehoe Pavilion Rental – $50 per day (free with stage rental)  (6 picnic tables, 2 benches, electric outlets seating for 36 people)

Washington Park (310 E Ohio) Pavilion Rental Inside $65 per day (14 electric outlets, 6 are dedicated for roasters, 19 picnic tables, 2 serving tables, 2 charcoal grills outside on patio, industrial size sink with hot/cold water, seating for 114 people, restrooms available) and outside is $50 per day (5 electric outlets, 3 dedicated for roasters, 20 picnic tables, 2 handicap picnic tables, 2 charcoal grills on patio, seating for 138 people, restrooms available)

Lion’s Park (228 Midway) Pavilion Rental $40 per day (4 picnic tables, seating for 24 people, no electric, restrooms available)

Roush Park (925 W Silver) Pavilion Rental $65 per day (picnic tables, serving counters, electric, restrooms available)

Rotary Park (Along River Greenway) Pavilion Rental  Free (5 picnic tables, seating for 50 people, no outlets, no restrooms)

Wabash River (Corner of Scott & Wabash Streets) Pavilion Rental $40 per day (3 picnic tables, seating for 18 people, no outlets, no restrooms)

Wetland Trail – This city owned property on the North side of the river is great for biking and walking.  Click for map view: Native Habitat Waterway

Wells Community Pool (310 West Spring Street) Pavilion Rental $40 per day or free with Pool Rental (17 picnic tables, 4 electric outlets, has a charcoal grill or a gas grill may be rented from the Parks Department, restrooms in pool house).  See “swimming” tab on website for rental forms.

Metal Detecting is not allowed on any City of Bluffton Park Property. Questions about any other ordinances can be answered by calling the park office at 824-6069.

Photo/Video Policy  Photos and video footage are periodically taken of people participating in Bluffton Parks Department programs or activities, attending a class or event, or using park facilities or property.  Please be aware that by registering for a program or class, participating in an activity, attending an event, or using park facilities or property, you authorize the Bluffton Parks Department to use these photos and video footage for the promotional purposes of publications, advertising, marketing materials, brochures, event flyers, social media (including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and any other social media sites) and website without additional prior notice or permission and without any compensation to you.  All photos and videos are property of the Bluffton Parks Department.

City Gym

Students in graded K-12 are invited to the city gym for supervised play every day typically from 3:30-7pm.  Basketballs and other equipment are provided during this time.  Make sure to pick your student up on time.  Grab a calendar in the for up to date schedules.  (Baseballs, roller skates, skate boards are not allowed on gym floor)  Free event!   Registration Form Open Gym

Gym Membership Becoming a member of the city gym gives you access to the fitness room, locker rooms, saunas, racquetball court and the gym.  City Gym Membership Form NEW! Membership Costs: $60 Single ($100 non-Wells county residents) $85 family ($130 non-wells county resident) Memberships run from January to January with monthly rates prorated: $5 Single ($9 non-Wells county residents) $7 family ($11 non-wells county resident) per month remaining in the year.   1 Day pass – $5 Payments are accepted at the City Clerk Treasurer’s office.

Gym Rental Gym Rental is $25 per hour. For Gym Rental information contact the gym office at (260) 824-5910 or the Parks Department office at (260) 824-6069.  Rental Application Form

Gym Rules:

1. Family members (immediate family) are described as husband, wife and minor (IRS dependent) children in the same household. Exceptions in the case of split families may be made, if you have questions, contact  the PARK OFFICE. Keys are to be used by members only and may not be given to anyone else to use. Other members that are included in the “family key” are college enrolled children still being supported by parents.  Any other household residents that are 18 years old and above, MUST purchase their own key. Single members are the only persons allowed to use their keys. They cannot bring in guest /family members or allow others to use their keys which includes, but not limited to spouses, children or other family members.
2. Anyone using alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, smoking or other inappropriate behavior in the gym or other gym associated facilities, will have their membership revoked.  No weapons are allowed in or around the facility.
3. Turn out all lights when you are finished using any of the gym facilities and secure doors as you leave.
4. Family members under 18 must be accompanied by an adult in this facility.  Family members ages 14-17 need an adult to use the weight room, children under the age of 14 are not allowed in the weight room.
5. No one under the age of 18 years may use the sauna.
6. All facilities are to be used at your own risk.
7. Immediately notify the gym supervisor if you observe any improper behavior or damage in the facilities, or contact the Bluffton Police Department.  (824-6069 or 824-3320).
8. Treat the facility with respect.
9. Gym hours are from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. There are to be no activities past 11:00 p.m. without prior approval by the Park Board.
10. Any person who misuses the City Gym facilities or equipment, engages in misconduct on or about the facilities, or engages in conduct disruptive to programs being held at the facilities, whether or not in  connection with an event sponsored by the Parks Department, shall be subject to having their City Gym privileges revoked at the sole discretion of the Superintendent of the Parks Department for the City of Bluffton.

Please report immediately any repairs or maintenance that may be needed. You may leave it on the parks  department voice mail, which is available 24 hours a day at 824-6069. ** MEMBERSHIP TO THE BLUFFTON CITY GYM IS A PRIVILEGE WHICH MAY BE REVOKED AT ANY TIME BY THE BLUFFTON PARKS & RECREATION BOARD OR IT’S EMPLOYEES FOR DISREGARD OF THE RULES AND GUIDELINES, OR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN! ** 1-DAY PASSES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASES IF YOU WANT TO BRING IN A NON-BCG MEMBER.  Application(PDF)

Wells Community Pool

The pool opens on May 27, 2017

Wells Community Swimming Pool  310 West Spring Street (260) 824-1550

Pool hours are Mon. – Fri. 1-6pm and Sat. – Sun. noon to 6pm.

The pool is available for private rentals. Dates do fill up fast and we will start taking reservations beginning January 1 by calling 824-6069.  During the pool season May 27-Aug 13th call the pool directly at 824-1773 to make a reservation.

Ticket Package Family or individual passes, 25 tickets for $40.00. These tickets may be used by any person the buyer chooses to share them with; they do not necessarily have to be family members. They are good for all ages and days.

Daily Admissions Adult $2.50 Student $2.00 5 & under free w/ paid ADULT (Limit 3 children per paid adult) Tuesdays are $1.50 admissions for all ages.

Adult Swim Monday – Friday (12:00 – 12:50 pm) – $1.25   A 12 visit pass is available for $15.

Wet Wacky Wednesday The pool will be open for evening family swim every Wednesday during the July & August pool season. Pool hours are 6:30-8 p.m. and cost is $1.50 per person over age 5. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Dates are:  July 5, 12,19,26  Aug 2 & 9th.

Pool Rentals Without large slide $85 per hour. With large slide $95 per hour and includes all lifeguards and free pavilion use.  Logrolling equipment $10 per hour.  Gas Grill rental $10.

Pool Rental Agreement Call to schedule your event before filling out the pool rental form to confirm dates and times. During the summer months call 824-1773, when the pool is closed call 824-6069.  The Wells Community Pool is ADA accessible thanks to the generous support of the Wells County Foundation. Pool entries include:  a pool ramp, a Portable Aquatic Lift and easy access stairs.

2017 Park and Recreation Summer Activities

Summer Recreation 2017
FUN FUN FUN and most of it FREE!! It’s time to sign up for the parks department summer events. To register view the link above and select the programs you want to participate in. Next, e-mail us at parks@ci.bluffton.in.us with the child’s name, age and your phone number along with the list of classes they want or call 824-6069.

(No programs on July 4th) (No Picnic in the Park July 3rd & 4th)

Students must have completed Kindergarten to participate in the activities unless otherwise noted. Grades are determined by what year the students just completed.

Learn To Swim at the Wells Community Pool

K-12 Swim Lessons – Register Saturday May 13, 10:00am -Noon at City Hall.  Cost is $6.00 county residents or $12 out of county due at registration.  Students must have already completed Kindergarten to participate.  Classes will be held in 2-week sessions either June 5 – 16th OR July 3 – 14th (July session is 9 classes due to the holiday on the 4th), weather permitting. Swim lessons times are 10-10:50am OR 11 – 11:50am.  Diving lessons will only be offered in July at 10am for strong swimmers.

Pee Wee Swim Lessons – Register Saturday May 13, 10:00am -Noon at City Hall.  Cost is $6.00 county residents or $12 out of county due at registration.  Children must be ages 4-pre-K with an adult who will participate in the lesson.  Lessons are M-W-F the week of June 26th.  Swim times are 11-11:45am.

Progressive Swim Courses  Level 1 through Level 7. Swimmers will advance according to ability. Upon completion of one level, students will be moved to the next level. Level 1: Water Exploration Level 2: Primary Skills Level 3: Stroke Readiness Level 4: Stroke Development Level 5: Stroke Refinement Level 6: Proficiency Level 7: Advanced Skills

Diving:  Must pass swim test

Adults Only Swim – $1.25 weekdays from 12-12:50pm or purchase a 12 visit pass for $15 good from June 5th through August 4th.

Free Tennis Lessons – Monday – Friday June 5- 30^th at Washington Park weather permitting. Parent must register student the first day they attend.

(Follow us on Facebook for any weather related delays at Bluffton Parks)

Students entering grades:           9-12th boys: 9:30-11am                 9-12th girls: 11-12:30       7-8th graders 12:30-1:30pm         5-6th graders 1:30-2:30pm

Photo/Video Policy  Photos and video footage are periodically taken of people participating in Bluffton Parks Department programs or activities, attending a class or event, or using park facilities or property.  Please be aware that by registering for a program or class, participating in an activity, attending an event, or using park facilities or property, you authorize the Bluffton Parks Department to use these photos and video footage for the promotional purposes of publications, advertising, marketing materials, brochures, event flyers, social media (including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and any other social media sites) and website without additional prior notice or permission and without any compensation to you.  All photos and videos are property of the Bluffton Parks Department.

Register for the Parks Department summer activities by calling 824-6069 or e-mailing parks@ci.bluffton.in.us.  Please include participants name, phone, e-mail and list of classes starting April 14th.  

Summer Ball Registration Info:

T-Ball:  Dave Goodwin – 273-0397    Coach’s Pitch 2017      T-Ball 2017   Mail completed form to 6899 Wenger Ct Bluffton IN 46714

Girls Softball: Allen Bricker – 273-1168  Softball Form 2017

Farm League & Jr League President Josh Cotton – 273-3020

Farm: Stephen Pastore- 438-0373

Junior League:  Rick McEvoy – 824-4364