BLUFFTON COMMUNITY FITNESS EVENTS AND FACILITIES

To promote public health, the Bluffton Parks Department has created a Community Fitness Flier that lists the many opportunities in our area to make it easy for you to find something physically active to do.  Bluffton has been blessed with many great programs and facilities that we want to make you aware of.  If you have any information you would like to have added to this list, call 824-6069 or e-mail the information to parks@blufftonindiana.gov.  Events are subject to change, so feel free to contact the organization directly from the information provided.

ABC STUDIO AND EVENT CENTER – 1169 N Main St. Suite 1 Bluffton     Phone : (260)433-3417         Facebook: ABC Studio & Activity Center           Email: andrea.abcstudio@gmail.com

BASKETBALL LEAGUES      128 E Market St        Barry Crosby Phone (260) 824-4399
                      Boys 5th – 8th Grade – Games are played on Saturdays in the Bluffton City Gym Dec-March
                      Men’s League – Games are played on Tuesdays in the Bluffton City Gym Nov – Feb. High School Rules apply.

BLUFFTON HARRISON SCHOOL DISTRICT (BHMSD)    Elementary School: 1100 E Spring               Middle School: 1500 Stogdill Rd                     High School: 1 Tiger Trail
Indoor Walking – School Year only – High School – 6 am to 7 am – Enter Door 1 – Walking Track of Upper Gym  Phone: (260) 824-3724
Indoor Walking – School Year only – Elementary School  – 4 pm to 8 pm – Enter Door 1 or 2  Phone: (260) 824-0333
Tennis courts are available for general public use when not in use for school-sponsored activities.  Lights are not available for evening/night use.

BHMSD Community Swim program September – May     Questions about any programs or to rent the pool call Justin Uptgraft at 824-3536 or e-mail juptgraft@bhmsd.org
                             Family Swim – An adult MUST accompany children.  Lap lanes are open.  Mondays from 7-8 pm, enter door #6. Cost $2 adults, $1 kids Season Pass $30
                             Open Swim – Recreational swimming for all members of the community.  Lap lanes are open.  Wednesdays 7-8 pm, enter door # 6. Cost $2 adults, $1                                      kids Season Pass $30. Children must be picked up by 8:00 pm
                            Day Swim – Lap and rehabilitative swimming for all fitness levels Monday – Friday 1:05-1: 45 pm.  Enter door #5.  Cost $2 or 10 session pass for $18
                            Early Bird Swim – Lap and rehabilitative swimming for all fitness levels Tuesday  & Thursday  6-7 am.  Enter door #6.  Cost $2 or 10 session pass for $18

 Red Cross Swimming Lesson Program April – May, For more information, contact Bluffton Harrison Middle School at 824-3526
                             Cost per student: $30 Bluffton – Harrison Township Resident/ $40 Non- Resident  Checks payable to BHMSD,
                             Infant Program Children 0 -2 yrs – Tuesday & Thursday Evening 5-5: 30 pm.  An adult must participate with the child.  Minimum of 5 students to                                         hold the class.
                             Pre-school Program Children 3-4yrs – Tuesday & Thursday Evenings 5:30-6:00pm.  An adult must participate with the child.  Minimum of 10                                            students to hold the class.
                             Red Cross Level Program – Monday, Tuesday & Thursday Evenings 6-7 pm Children must be at least five years old.  NO EXCEPTIONS.

BLUFFTON PARKS DEPARTMENT      128 E Market St Bluffton          Phone: (260) 824-6069         E-mail: events@blufftonindiana.gov
Website: blufftonindiana.net Facebook: Bluffton Parks Twitter:@Bluffton Parks

2022 Summer Recreation
Gym Membership- Becoming a member of the city gym gives you access to the fitness room, shower/locker rooms, saunas, racquetball court, and basketball court. Membership Costs: $80 Single Membership or $100 per Family Membership.  Fees are prorated at a $20 discount every three months. 1-day pass for visitors is  – $5 and must be purchased in advance of the visit.  Payments are accepted at the City Clerk Treasurer’s office in City Hall.

River Greenway 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 River Greenway Trail includes 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.

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.

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 a sledding hill.

Lions Park– 228 Midway; is approximately 5.5 acres in the west-central part of Bluffton, off Midway and Washington Streets; Facilities include a playground, a pavilion with picnic tables and grill, two lighted basketball courts, three lighted tennis courts, a practice T-Ball diamond, a lighted softball diamond, and a concession stand.

Pickett’s Run is located on E. Washington St. near Wayne St and River Road. The park includes paved paths (Pickett’s Run Loop 1/5 mile or 326 meters), a gazebo, picnic tables, and a Story Walk (managed by the Wells County Public Library). Located across the street at the corner of E. Washington & Bennett St. is the splash pad spray park. The splash pad is open May-Sept, 10 am-7 pm, daily depending on the weather. There is no cost to enjoy! The park also includes a life fitness trail for outdoor exercise.

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, two lighted baseball diamonds, two lighted softball diamonds, picnic areas, two pavilions, restroom/changing facilities, batting cages, two basketball courts, a splash pad, and 1/2 mile paved walking trail.

Washington Park -710 S Mulberry; is approximately 2.6 acres in size in the southeast part of Bluffton, off Ohio, Mulberry, Arnold, and Bennett Streets. Facilities include playground equipment, two 8-foot basketball goals, and two lighted 10-foot basketball goals, both newly paved in 2020; a newly built 2019 indoor climate-controlled pavilion for rent with restroom facilities; a lighted outdoor pavilion with picnic tables for rent and a fitness facility regularly used for Rock Steady Boxing.  The park also will include two horseshoe pits (bring your own equipment) and an outdoor corn hole.  There are three lighted tennis courts across Mulberry Street from Washington Park.

Wells Community Swimming Pool –  310 West Spring Street (260) 824-1550 Opens Memorial Weekend
Pool hours are Mon. – Fri. 1-6 pm and Sat. – Sun. Noon to 6 pm.
The pool is available for private rentals. Dates fill up fast, and we will start taking reservations beginning January 2nd by calling 824-6069. Call the pool directly from May 29-Aug 8th at 824-1550 to make a reservation.

Ticket Packages are sold at 20 tickets for $50.00. They are suitable for all ages and days.
Daily Admissions Adult (18+) $3.50; Student (3-17yrs) $3.00; 2 & under free w/ paid ADULT (Limit 3 free children per paid adult) Daily discounts are $2.00 admissions for all ages from 4-6pm only.
Lap Swim Monday – Friday (12:00 – 12:50 pm) – $2.00 A 10 visit pass is available for $15. Teens and adults may participate.
Pool Rentals include the giant slide for $125 per hour for parties under 150 and are $175 for parties of 151+ in attendance.  Rentals include lifeguards and free pavilion use. Logrolling equipment $10 per hour. The Wells Community Pool is ADA accessible. Pool entries include a pool ramp, a Portable Aquatic Lift, and easy access stairs.

BLUFFTON STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING -2268 N, IN-1, Bluffton           Facebook: Bluffton Strength and Conditioning          E-mail: blufftonstrength@gmail.com           Phone: (260)273-5437.
Bluffton Strength & Conditioning is a one-of-a-kind fitness facility that strives to improve the wellness of our community. We offer daily classes led by certified trainers, nutrition challenges, kids’ classes, and much more! Check us out on Facebook.

CREATIVE ARTS COUNCIL – 428 S Oak Street,     Bluffton Phone: (260) 824-5222       Email: creativeartscouncil@gmail.com         Website: wellscocreativearts.com

LINK TO CREATIVE ARTS EVENT CALENDAR

Black Box Theater– Also referred to as the “Multi-Purpose Room.” Productions of Wells Community Theater, dance performances, and special events occur in this space.

Balentine Art Gallery– An average of ten art exhibits are displayed in the Balentine Gallery throughout the year. Art classes and workshops also take place in the gallery at various times.

Dance Studios– Two dance studios with mirrors, barres, and Marley flooring. The dance studios are used for dance classes, auditions, and acting classes throughout the year.

THE DANCE CO. -114 North Main Street, Bluffton      Phone: 260-356-5542 – Traci Daugherty      Email: misstraci-thedanceco@hotmail.com         Facebook: www.facebook.com/thedancecobluffton
FOR MORE THAN 18 years, our school has provided dance education in Bluffton. We believe that our success comes from providing quality service and our underlying belief in the strength of our organization. Our objective is to inspire a passion for the art of dance in every child who passes through our doors. In the process, we strive to set the right example and help your child (and you) create memories that will last a lifetime. The Dance Co. believes that dance training encourages young people to develop a positive self-image and increase awareness of their physical being. Along with improving coordination skills and developing muscular awareness, dance classes give children the freedom to express themselves through movement.

Classes offered -The Dance Co. offers classes for ages 3 to 18 in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Boys only classes along with Co-ed classes. We celebrate our season with our year-end recital. We offer our students a professionally directed performance that allows them to present the results of a year’s hard work, dedication, and progress to their families and friends. Registration for fall classes opens up in late April.

LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH -428 S Oak St, Bluffton, IN 46714       Website: https://www.lifecommunity.net

Volleyball Jan-March to register call 260 824-2252 or email Caleb@lifecommunity.net

OSSIAN NAZARENE CHURCH – 302 N Metts St, Ossian         Phone 260 622-7449          Website www.ossiannaz.org

5K walk/run 

5K Walk/Run Turkey Trot

OUABACHE STATE PARK – 4930 East SR 201, Bluffton         Phone: 260 824-0926         E-mail: lmiller@dnr.IN.gov         Website: stateparks.IN.gov/2975.htm         Facebook: Ouabache State Park
Entrance Fees – Daily Gate Fees: IN State $ 7.00/car; Out of State $9.00/car; Bike/ Pedestrian $2.00
Annual Entrance permit resident $50.00, Annual Entrance Permit Non-Resident $70.00, Golden Hoosier Permit (Must be 65 years of age and IN resident) $25.00,
Motorized Lake Permit $25.00, Non-Motorized Lake Permit $5.00, Bike/ Pedestrian Permit $10.00
Camping Fees – Sunday –Wednesday $24.61 per night (includes tax), Thursday – Saturday $32.10

We offer five hiking trails and a paved bicycle trail, fishing (Licenses are sold at all gates), tennis courts/basketball courts, boat & bike rental, volleyball court, baseball diamond, and a bocce ball court. Equipment rentals include Bocce Ball, Cornhole, and baseball base rental is $6.00. Boats and bike rentals range from $5.00 to $20.00

Walking Trails – Year Round Park trails, FREE with paid admission

Swimming Beach  -all ages (drop-in) May 23-Labor Day Sunrise-Sunset Kunkel Lake FREE with paid admission

Paddle Boat Rental Must be at least 16 Memorial Day-Labor Day 9-5 M-Th, 7-7 F-Su Boat/Beach House $5 – $20

Bike Rental Must be at least 16 Memorial Day-Labor Day 9-5 M-Th, 7-7 F-Su Boat/Beach House $6-$10

SEASONAL SPECIAL EVENT LIST: Check the DNR website at stateparks.IN.gov DNR CALENDAR and SPECIAL EVENTS

SUMMER T-BALL, BASEBALL, SOFTBALL LEAGUES – Facebook: Bluffton t-ball      Facebook: Wells County Girls Softball      Facebook: Bluffton Youth Baseball Association     Facebook: Bluffton Elks Sandy Koufax Baseball Team

T-Ball: Chandler Gerber – 273-8792 Games are played at Jefferson Park (315 E Horton) & Whicker Field (1430 Wayne St) League runs mid-May-early July.  Must be at least four years old and not yet seven as of May 1st.  T Ball and Minor Registration Form 2023
Coaches Pitch – Must be at least seven years old and not yet have turned nine by April 30th.
Girls Softball:  Jeff Eubank – 827-8422 Jessica Beste 273-2230 Games are played at Roush Park (925 W Silver). League runs mid-May – early July. Grades 2-5 play in the Junior League, and grades 6-12 play in the Senior League.  Girls Softball Registration Form 2023
Farm League & Jr League: Gary Napier – 387-2279 Games are played at Roush Park (925 W Silver) Farm League 8-10 yr old and Junior League 10-12-year-olds.
Sandy Koufax: Rick King – 273-0460 Games are played at Lion’s Park (228 Midway) 13yr old and up. League runs April – June.

2023 BASEBALL DIAMOND AGREEMENT

WELLS COMMUNITY BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB – 11410 S Wayne St Bluffton         Phone: 824.5070         FB: Wells Community Boys & Girls Club
Annual membership of $20 is required for each child.  Summer Hours: 7 am – 5:30 pm; Cost: $25 per child for the week. Breakfast, lunch & a snack are provided daily.

Summer Activities (June -Aug ): Lego Club ages 5-12; Princess in Training ages 5-8; Bookworm Club ages 5-8; Yoga Club (girls only) ages 9-12; Music Makers Club ages 9-12; Jr Forrester Club ages 5-12; Career Launch Teens only; Jr Staff Teens only; Various STEM/Sports activities ages 5-18
Fall Activities (Aug -May ): Write Brain Books ages 5-18; My Future ages 5-18; Various Art Activities ages 5-18; Career Exploration ages 5-18; Alternative Energy Club ages 9-12; Robotics Club ages 5-18; 3D Awareness Club 9-18; Career Launch Teens only; Jr Staff Teens only; Various STEM/Sports activities ages 5-18

WELLS COMMUNITY SWIM TEAM Website: www.wellsswim.info      email: wellsswim@gmail.com         WCST president for 2020: Beth Singleton (260) 820-1865
The Wells Community Swim Team is an athletic team whose athletes come from all over wells country. We average about 100 swimmers ranging in age from 5yrs – 18yrs, which are broken into five separate competition groups. Each group is assigned a different Coach reporting to a Head Coach, a total of at least four coaches. Our season starts in May with practices and finishes in Mid-July with our Conference Championship Meet.
We view our team as a conduit to teach kids life skills, life lessons, teamwork, and the thrill of competition. Additionally, the kids get some very serious exercise each morning through July. And at the end of it all, they leave having developed some lasting relationships.  In May, we hold practices at Norwell and Bluffton Middle School pools. Once the Wells Community Pool opens, we switch to holding practices there. While schools are still in session, we have practices from 4-5 pm or 5-6 pm. Once we begin outdoor practices, we have practice times from 7:45-8:45 or 8:45-9:45
Cost is $95 for the first child, $65 for the second, and $55 for each additional child. This includes two months of daily swim practices, individualized coaching, participation in 2 meets per week, and great cardiovascular exercise.

swim team agreement 2022

WHICKER PARK – 1410 Wayne St

New in 2017!  Whicker Park is an all-inclusive handicap-accessible park open from dawn to dusk.  Park includes restrooms, baseball diamond, playground, and pavilion.  The pavilion is open to the public and cannot be reserved.

CAYLOR-NICKEL FOUNDATION FAMILY YMCA-550 West Dustman Rd, Bluffton     Website fwymca.org     Facebook Caylor-Nickel Foundation Family YMCA       Phone 260-565-YMCA (9622)      Email theresa_biberstine@fwymca.org Mobile App

Membership Rates: Effective through 12/31/18 Type Monthly Draft /  Full Pay Annual, Students $19.00 / $228.00 , Adult $47.50 / $570.00,  One Adult Household $56.00 / $672.00 , Household $72.00 / $864.00,  Senior $44.50 / $534.00,  Senior Family $58.00 / $696.00. One Time Joiners Fee: $75.00, Students: $15.00, Bank draft must be for at least 12 months. Our financial assistance program makes the Y available to everyone. Discounts include the Military Outreach Initiative, 7th Grade Initiative, and Foster Families.

Facility Hours Monday-Friday 5 am – 9 pm Saturday 7 am – 6 pm Sunday 1 pm – 6 pm.  An adult must accompany children under 11 while in the YMCA facility.

LINK TO YMCA EVENT CALENDAR

Early Learning Center (Daycare Center-Director Amy Habegger) Monday-Friday 6 am-6 pm.
Child-care Facility Hours* Monday-Friday 8:30am-Noon Monday-Thursday 4pm-8pm Friday 4pm-7pm Saturday 8:30am-Noon Sunday 1pm-4pm

Pool: Swimming is a lifelong skill that helps participants build confidence, leading to a healthy, enjoyable lifestyle. Swimming lessons are available for all ages and skill levels, with lesson times on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. For more information or registering for classes, call 565-YMCA (9622), contact trey_stemen@fwymca.org and visit our website fwymca.org.

Gymnasiums: It’s not whether you win or lose; it’s how you learn the game. At the YMCA, kids develop all their skills, from catching and dribbling to teamwork and sportsmanship. Just as important, they learn firsthand the benefits of being healthy and active. We have two full Gymnasiums, which allow us to offer a variety of activities daily, including ½ court Basketball games, Volleyball, Pickleball, and open gym. Visit our website fwymca.org or our Mobile App to see a full schedule of our Gyms.

Walking at the Y: We encourage members to use the Gym or the Halls of the Y to get their steps in. We have mapped both areas to help you track your miles walked.

Wellness Center: Healthy lifestyles are achieved through nurturing mind, body, and spirit; We offer Wellness Center Orientation along with a Life Coaching Program to help promote healthier decisions and offer a variety of programs that support physical, intellectual, and spiritual strength.

Group Exercise Classes: Whether you are just beginning your wellness journey or are an experienced and avid exerciser, we have the perfect group exercise class with helpful, knowledgeable staff ready to help you every step of the way. A variety of classes are offered daily, starting at 5:15 AM, 9:15 AM, and 4:30 PM6: 30 PM. We also offer a Saturday morning class at 9:00 AM. You can see our entire schedule at fwymca.org or on our Mobile App.

Adaptive Programs: The YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne, in partnership with the Anthony Wayne Services Foundation, is expanding our services to people with diverse abilities. We all have strengths and limitations. At the Y, everyone is included. In addition to serving organizations with programs for adults and children of various abilities, the YMCA offers Adaptive Swim Lessons, integrated services for child care and camp, the unique Trail Buddies program designed to
get people safely out on the trails, and some specific adaptive youth sports programs. We are continually looking at ways to serve the large community better. For more information, contact at courtney_springer@fymca.org.

Rentals: Whether you have a family gathering or a birthday party you want to throw and don’t have space, we have a meeting room for rent that can hold up to 100. For more information, contact our rental coordinator Jennifer Cook at Jennifer_cook@fwymca.org.

YOGA FIX STUDIO: Bluffton, IN.
We offer reiki massage and many different types of Yoga classes weekly for everyone from beginners to more advanced youth and adults.  Yoga is excellent for any age group. The benefits are numerous, from decreasing stress, anxiety, insomnia, gaining more mobility and flexibility, weight loss, and relieving pain from ailments including fibromyalgia and arthritis to increasing muscle tone and joint strength, improved posture, and balance. The physical benefits work on mental and spiritual health by learning breathing techniques and other ways to balance your life by calming the soul and focusing on the mind. We feature different workshops to focus on specific topics related to Yoga and its benefits and will be sponsoring Yoga in the Park starting in June, every other Saturday at Kehoe Park from 9-10 am. The first class is always free to try. Stop into the studio at 1551 SE ST RD 116 or sign up online at yogafix17.wixsite.com/yogafix or call 260-273-5989 for any questions.

Relaxation Massage, Reflexology, Hot Stone Massage, Waxing are services also available by calling Becky at 260-273-4355

Bluffton Parks Events      Clue Park Edition Complete Game          Budget-Friendly Events Part 1        Budget-Friendly Events part 2