The City of Elkhart Parks & Recreation Department was awarded the Indiana Park & Recreation Association’s Award of Excellence for Innovative Program.
The award recognizes the department’s innovative Super Full Moon Kayak program.
The Indiana Parks & Recreation Association Awards of Excellence celebrate programming that uplifts Indiana communities. The Innovative Program Award specifically honors programs that bring new experiences, methods or leisure opportunities to the community. The honor is awarded to parks and recreation professionals, organizations, agencies and volunteers.
The Super Full Moon Kayak program took place under the rare Blue Super Moon on an August night in 2023. Kayakers paddled along the St. Joseph River under moonlit skies, with lights on their kayaks and headlamps illuminating the way. The program had accessible and inclusive features, including adaptive equipment and a Spanish interpreter. It was open to participants of all experience levels and sold out within 24 hours.
The recognition aligns with the City of Elkhart’s broader Aspire initiative, which is dedicated to supporting quality of life and expanding creative community offerings.
Luisa Ixmatlahua, program coordinator, said the City of Elkhart Parks & Recreation was honored to receive the award.
“The Super Full Moon Kayak program is a perfect example of our commitment to creating unforgettable experiences that celebrate our city’s unique resources, including our riverways, and support our community’s well-being,” Ixmatlahua said.
