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 began 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 a top priority for local residents. The completed splash pad became the first public water feature within Angola’s city limits, reflecting the park’s commitment to meeting long-standing community needs.

From the beginning, the goal was to create a space that brings the community together, celebrates wellness, and offers something for everyone. Sheets Family Park now serves as a community resource for recreation, connection, and inclusive play.

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

• City of Angola/Parks and Recreation Department - Financial investor and long-term owner and steward of the park, responsible for ongoing maintenance and operation.

• YMCA of Steuben County - Original project lead and visionary. The YMCA retained ownership through construction before transferring the completed park to the City of Angola.

• Steuben County Community Foundation (SCCF) - Funding partner, grant administrator, donor liaison, and project coordinator during the final stages of the project.

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

The development of Sheets Family Park was made possible through a combination of public and private contributions, reflecting the strong community commitment behind the project. Funding included City of Angola allocations, gifts managed by the Steuben County Community Foundation, state and local grants, and generous private donations, including significant support from the Sheets family.

Together, these contributions and the efforts of numerous community partners helped transform a shared vision into a completed public park that provides inclusive recreational opportunities for Angola and Steuben County residents.

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

• 2013 - Early conversations and planning began.

• 2021 - Formal design process began and the Sheets Family Park Agency Fund was established at SCCF.

• 2022 - Design was finalized and the project was contracted with Moake Park.

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

• 2024

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

  • November: Groundbreaking ceremony was held.

  • December: Project was fully funded through GIFT VIII.

• 2025/2026 - Sheets Family Park was completed and held the Grand Opening to the public.

Q: What phases of construction have been completed?

• The Sheets Family Park project was completed as a single construction phase. The completed park includes an inclusive playground, building infrastructure, pickleball courts, a splash pad, accessible restrooms and parking, landscaping, signage, shade structures, seating, and other site furnishings.

  The completed park reflects the original vision of creating an inclusive community gathering space that provides opportunities for recreation, wellness, and connection for residents of all ages and abilities.

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

During the planning and design phases, the park’s scope expanded as community input and visioning helped refine the project. Once construction contracts were executed, changes and adjustments were carefully managed within the project’s contingency to keep the project on budget and aligned with its intended design.

Q: What accessibility features are included?

Sheets Family Park was intentionally designed to provide inclusive recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Accessibility features include:

• ADA-compliant seating and surfaces

• Inclusive playground equipment

• Zero-entry splashpad

• Sensory-friendly design

• Accessible restrooms and parking

Q: What amenities are available at Sheets Family Park?

Sheets Family Park offers a variety of recreational amenities for the community, including an inclusive playground, zero-entry splash pad, eight pickleball courts, accessible restrooms and parking, seating and shade areas, and connections to the Steuben County Trail.

Sheets Family Park is a public park open to everyone, not exclusively to YMCA members. The park’s splash pad, outdoor water features, drinking fountains, and restrooms are available during the seasonal operating period from Memorial Day through Labor Day, subject to weather and other seasonal considerations.

Q: Any special features to highlight?

Sheets Family Park has been intentionally designed to offer inclusive and unique recreational opportunities for the community. The playground incorporates a mound system, allowing children of all abilities to access play elements without barriers.

The zero-entry splash pad provides an accessible and engaging space for families and is the first public water feature within Angola’s city limits.

For sports enthusiasts, the park features eight pickleball courts, including two championship courts designed for both competitive play and community use.

The park is also located along the Steuben County Trail, which is planned to become part of the regionally significant Poka-Bache Connector, connecting Angola to a larger network of trails across the region.

Sheets Family Park is a public park open to everyone and is not exclusively for YMCA members.

Q: How is Sheets Family Park available for public use?

Sheets Family Park is a public park designed for community use and is available to residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.

The park’s amenities are available for public use in accordance with the City of Angola Parks and Recreation Department’s rules and operating schedule.

Sheets Family Park is a public park available to the community during its seasonal operating period from Memorial Day through Labor Day. During this season, the park’s outdoor water features, including the splash pad, as well as drinking fountains and restrooms, are available, subject to weather and other seasonal considerations.

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

Sheets Family Park is intended to remain accessible to the public. The park operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and portions of the park are not generally available for private reservations.

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

Public events may also be hosted in partnership with the Angola Parks Department.

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

The YMCA of Steuben County was the original 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 because it was intended to serve as a public park rather than a membership-based nonprofit facility.

The YMCA retained ownership through construction and completed the project it had championed from the start before transferring the completed park to the City of Angola Parks and Recreation Department for long-term ownership and maintenance.

This transition represents a collaborative community effort to create a sustainable public amenity that is accessible to residents and visitors into the future.

Q: When is the splash pad open?

The splash pad operates seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day, aligning with the City of Angola Parks Department’s established summer season. During this period, the splash pad, outdoor water features, drinking fountains, and restrooms are available, subject to weather and other seasonal considerations.

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

• For questions about Sheets Family Park, including current hours, amenities, events, or park operations, please contact the Angola Parks and Recreation Department.

• For questions about SCCF’s involvement in the development of Sheets Family Park, please contact Carmyn Hottell at the Steuben County Community Foundation.