Torrey Roy, Superintendent of the Kokomo Park Department, will be the guest speaker at Kokomo Area Creation Care meeting on Thursday, August 9th at Christ Lutheran Church at 3401 S. Dixon Road at 7 pm. speaking on Kokomo’s Parks and Trails. He will explain what the park system in Kokomo is doing to make the parks and trails more environmentally sustainable at the present. He will also tell us some of the plans being made for the future of the park system. Mr. Roy has worked in the park department for the last 13 years.  He has had the position as Park Superintendent for the past two years.

He will also help us understand the importance of the parks to the community.   Kokomo has 450 acres of city parks.  There are 31 parks including a free 18 hole disc golf course in Highland Park, two dog parks, Kirkendall Nature Center, sports venues and Kokomo Beach.  There are five walking trails plus bike paths.  There are 8 historical sites, landmarks, and the Elwood Haynes Museum.

Studies have shown that parks are a tangible reflection of the quality of life in a community.  They provide an identity for citizens and are a major factor in the perception of quality of life in a given community.  Parks and recreation services are often cited as one of the most important factors in surveys of how livable communities are.

Access to parks and recreation opportunities has been strongly linked to reductions in crime and to reduced juvenile delinquency. Parks have a value to communities that transcend the number of dollars invested or the revenues gained from fees.  Parks provide a sense of public pride and cohesion to every community.

The photo above is from the Kokomo Parks Department and is of Highland Park Indian Trails in Kokomo.

The meeting is free and open to people of all faith communities as well as interested individuals who want to learn more about the importance of parks that are “people friendly” is for the community.   Kokomo Area Creation Care is an affiliate of Hoosier Interfaith Power and Light. Our mission is to explore ways we can become better stewards of the earth.  Fellowship and snacks may be enjoyed at 6:45 pm.  For questions or more information please contact Carol Chen atcarol.4c@gmail.com