(ANGOLA) - Community leaders, donors and family members gathered Saturday to celebrate the grand opening of Sheets Family Park, a new public recreation destination in Angola.
The park, which includes a splash pad, playground equipment and pickleball courts, is now part of the City of Angola's park system and is free for public use.
Speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Angola City Councilman Dave Olson called the opening the result of years of work by individuals, organizations and community partners.
"We are here on this beautiful day to celebrate the grand opening of the Sheets Family Park, the newest Angola city park, a park that is free for everyone to use," Olson said.
Olson said the project continues Angola's tradition of investing in family-friendly parks and thanked the many organizations that contributed funding, planning and support, including the YMCA, Cameron Health, the Steuben County Community Foundation, Trine University, Steuben County and the City of Angola.
The park is named for Chuck and Tusie Sheets, longtime community supporters whose family donated land for both the YMCA and the park.
Mary Sheets-Tomaski reflected on her family's history of community involvement and said supporting Angola and Steuben County was central to her parents' values.
"The strength and well-being of Angola and Steuben County were part of the family's DNA from the beginning," Sheets-Tomaski said.
She credited a decade-long collaborative effort involving local foundations, businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations for bringing the project from concept to reality.
The City of Angola will oversee the long-term operation and maintenance of the park.
Sheets Family Park is located adjacent to the YMCA of Steuben County and opened to the public immediately following Saturday's dedication ceremony.