Founders Park
Hartford City, Indiana
Est. 1945.
-
How it started
SPG member, Ethel Anderson, in Delta Eta Chapter, of Rock Island, Illinois, developed a plan to establish a fund for a permanent memorial to honor the Founders of Sigma Phi Gamma Sorority. The plan for this memorial was brought forward to members, for consideration at the 1941 Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Delegates to the 1942 Convention in St. Louis, Missouri, selected a site in Hartford City, Indiana, the founding town of Sigma Phi Gamma. Sigma Phi Gamma Founders Park was dedicated on July 8, 1945, to commemorate SPG’s 25th anniversary and Ethel Anderson made the formal presentation.
-
Enjoy the park
The Sigma Phi Gamma Founders Park is located three blocks west of S.R. 3 between North and Elm Streets. There are pillared columns that mark the 2 main entrances of the park. The Park is 12 acres large, twice the size of nearby area parks. The SPG Founders Park is widely enjoyed by the community of Hartford City because it provides a variety of recreational opportunities.
-
Maintain it
Members of SPG generously donate funds annually to help the city maintain the park and purchase play equipment, benches, flowers, trees, and other things the city can’t squeeze into their budget when needed. Decisions affecting the park are made by the Park Board and SPG has a member actively involved with the board in the decision-making process.
Recently the Sigma Phi Gamma Founders Park was submitted for consideration of an Indiana State Historical Marker, based on the sororities 100th anniversary of community service and friendship. Members look forward to the dedication of the historical marker to commemorate the longevity of SPG.
What could be better for a community than a park, a place for kids to be kids & families to gather for picnics and activities!
A curved memorial bench has plaques honoring each of the 5 Founders of SPG. Memorial brick pathways line the flag pole area and snack bar.
The Park is used year-round by the citizens of Hartford City. During the Spring and Summer, the 2 T-ball fields are busy with games of T-ball & softball, and the concession stand is busy. There are 3 different types of playgrounds- one is a fenced playground for young children, another is a handicapped area for those with special needs and there’s a large playground with varied types of swings, slides, teeter totters and climbing apparatuses. Adults can be found enjoying the activities going on from one of the benches throughout the park. The tennis, cornhole and basketball courts are in active use. There is a covered picnic area with tables and benches. There is an enclosed shelter house, available for rental, with a small kitchen and bathroom, and of course there are public restrooms as well.
During the Fall, activity begins to slow down, however there are Pee Wee and Youth flag football games held in the park on lighted fields and there is the occasional cart race held in the park. Not much happens during the winter due to Indiana weather, however, the residents can be found playing in the snow and enjoying the winter wonderland of Founders Park.
Sigma Phi Gamma had five Founders who knew that a foundation of friendship, service, and community would bring, and keep, women together. The Park is dedicated to those five Founding members. Now, 101 years later, their vision and passion remain strong in existing members. SPG welcomes new members, for info on how to join check out our website.
