Q: When did planning for SFP officially begin, and what was the original vision?
The vision for Sheets Family Park began with local philanthropist Chuck Sheets, who generously donated the land to the YMCA of Steuben County with the dream of creating a vibrant community gathering space. Early conversations and planning started in 2013, with the YMCA leading the process and inviting community input to help shape the park’s future.

Over time, that dream expanded into a broader vision of a park that would welcome residents of all ages and abilities, offering inclusive amenities and year-round opportunities for recreation. In January 2021, the YMCA partnered with the Moake Park Group to begin formal design work. Later that year, in November 2021, the Steuben County Community Foundation (SCCF) became an official partner, establishing the Sheets Family Park Agency Fund to serve as a fundraising pass-through for the YMCA.

One signature element, the splash pad, was added in direct response to 15 years of community needs data gathered by the Angola Parks and Recreation Department, which consistently identified it as the top priority for local residents. When completed, it will be the first public water feature within Angola’s city limits. This milestone that reflects the park’s commitment to meeting long-standing community desires and needs.

From the start, the goal has remained clear: to create a space that brings the community together, celebrates wellness, and offers something for everyone.

Q: Who are the main partners (City, YMCA, SCCF) and what roles do they play?

• City of Angola/Parks and Recreation Department – Financial investor, future property owner, and long-term steward, responsible for ongoing maintenance once complete.

• YMCA of Steuben County – Property owner through construction, original project lead, and visionary

• Steuben County Community Foundation (SCCF) – Funding partner, grant administrator, donor liaison, project coordinator as of July 2024

Q: What are the sources of funding and any major donors or grants that should be acknowledged?

The development of Sheets Family Park has been made possible through a mix of public and private contributions, reflecting the strong community commitment behind the project. Funding has included City of Angola allocations, gifts managed by the Steuben County Community Foundation, state and local grants, and generous private donations—most notably from the Sheets family. Together, these contributions, combined with widespread community support, have transformed a shared vision into a landmark project that will benefit Angola and Steuben County for generations to come.

Q: Were there any key milestones or groundbreaking dates worth mentioning?

• 2021 – Formal Design Process began, fund was created at SCCF

• 2022- Design finalized and contracted with Moake Park

• 2023-Project bids completed by three contractors, and JICI was selected to build the park

• 2024-

  • July: SCCF stepped in as project facilitator, Trine allocated $2.2 million to drive the project forward.

  • November: Groundbreaking ceremony

  • December: Project Fully Funded through GIFT VIII

• 2025

  • November: Projected Opening

Q: What phases of construction have been completed?

• The Sheets Family Park project is being completed as a single phase. To date, the playground equipment has been installed, and the building infrastructure is fully in place, with interior and exterior finishes still underway. The pickleball courts have been constructed and will soon be painted. Work on the playground surfacing is currently in progress, a process that takes more than 10 days to complete to ensure safety and durability. The next major milestone will be the installation of the splash pad elements, which represent the most significant portion of the remaining work. Following the splash pad, crews will focus on finishing touches, including signage, site furnishings, and final landscaping, bringing the park to full completion and ready for public enjoyment.

Q: Which phases are still in progress and what do they include?

• Splash pad

• Final landscaping, signage, shade structures, and seating/furnishings

• Painting pickleball courts and parking lot

Q: What is the anticipated completion date for remaining elements?

• Remaining park elements – November 2025

• Splash pad – Summer 2026

  • Although it will be complete this fall, this element will not be open to the public until Memorial Day 2026. 

Q: Were there any changes from the original plans, and why?

During the planning and design phases, the park’s scope naturally expanded as community input and visioning refined the project. However, since construction contracts were executed, there have been no design changes. All change orders and adjustments made during construction have been carefully managed within the project’s original contingency, ensuring the park remains on budget and true to its intended design.

Q: What accessibility features are included?

• ADA-compliant seating and surfaces

• Inclusive playground equipment

• Zero-entry splashpad

• Sensory-friendly design

• Accessible restrooms and parking

Q: What amenities are currently open and what will be available later?

At this time, no elements of Sheets Family Park are open to the public. The park will be fully accessible upon completion. While the splash pad area will be physically complete and open to view this fall, it will not be operational until Memorial Day 2026, in keeping with its planned seasonal schedule of Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Q: Any special features to highlight?

Sheets Family Park has been intentionally designed to offer inclusive and unique recreational features for the community. The playground incorporates a mound system, allowing children of all abilities to access play elements without barriers. The splash pad will be zero-entry and the first public water feature within Angola’s city limits, providing a safe and engaging space for families to enjoy.

For sports enthusiasts, the park will feature eight pickleball courts, including two championship courts designed for both competitive play and community use. The park is located along the Steuben County Trail, which is planned to become part of the regionally significant Poka-Bache Connector in the future, connecting Angola to a larger network of trails across the region.

Sheets Family Park is a public park, open to everyone (Not exclusively YMCA members).

Q: Which areas are currently open to the public and which remain closed?

At this time, no elements of Sheets Family Park are open to the public. The park will be fully accessible upon completion. While the splash pad area will be physically complete and open to view this fall, it will not be operational until Memorial Day 2026, in keeping with its planned seasonal schedule of Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Q: Are there restrictions during construction?

Yes, the park will not be open until all elements are complete and it is no longer an active construction site. 

Q: What is the process for reserving areas or hosting events?

The park will operate on a first-come, first-served basis and will be open to the public. The intent of Sheets Family Park is to be fully accessible to everyone, so no portions of it will be available for private reservations.

For those wishing to reserve space for events, the Angola Parks Department offers pavilions and other facilities in parks throughout the city. These can be reserved by contacting the Parks Department office directly.

The only exception will be public events hosted in partnership with the Angola Parks Department.

Q: Why does the park look “done” but parts remain closed?

The park remains an active construction site and, for liability and safety reasons, will not be open to the public until it is fully complete. Several features still require inspections, utility connections, and seasonal installations before they can be safely opened for use.

Q: Why is the splash pad not operational until 2026?

The Angola Parks Department plans to operate the splash pad from Memorial Day through Labor Day, aligning with their established summer season. During this time, all outdoor water features, including drinking fountains and restrooms, are guaranteed to be open, taking into account weather conditions and other seasonal considerations. Due to the park's completion in 2025 being outside this window, the splash pad will not be open to the public until the summer season begins in 2026. 

Q: What’s the difference between the YMCA’s role and the City’s role?

The YMCA of Steuben County was the early visionary behind Sheets Family Park, leading the initial planning process and early fundraising efforts. As the project developed, it became clear that the park’s long-term success would be best served under the operation of the Angola Parks and Recreation Department, given its role as a public park rather than a membership-based nonprofit facility.

This realization led to a unique agreement: the YMCA would retain ownership through construction, completing the project it had championed from the start, and then gift the fully completed park to the City of Angola Parks and Recreation Department for long-term ownership and maintenance.

This transition is a strong example of leadership and collaboration, ensuring that a much-needed and unique community amenity will be sustainably operated and accessible to all into the future.

Q: Who should the public contact with questions or concerns?

• At this time, please connect with Carmyn Hottell at SCCF for additional information.

• Once it is open to the public, those questions will be directed to the Angola Parks and Recreation Department Office.