Huntingburg launches crowdfunding to raise $22,500 for Niehaus Park Fitness Court

The City of Huntingburg has launched a community-wide crowdfunding campaign to bring an outdoor Fitness Court to Charles C. Niehaus Memorial Park, expanding access to health and wellness opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities. City leaders say reaching the campaign goal will unlock a dollar-for-dollar match that doubles the community’s investment.

The Fitness Court project is designed as an innovative outdoor gym that supports adults of varying fitness levels through bodyweight-based workouts and guided routines available via a complimentary mobile app. Beyond equipment, organizers describe the court as a welcoming gathering place for individual use, group classes and free wellness programming, and they emphasize the facility will be fully ADA-compliant to ensure accessibility for people of all abilities. Patronicity campaign copy frames the effort this way: Huntingburg is "built on activity, connection, and a strong love for sports" and seeks a space that is "welcoming, simple, and open to all without a subscription or barrier."

The city has set a fundraising target of $22,500, with funds required by March 31, 2026 to qualify for matching support from the National Fitness Campaign and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority through the IHCDA CreatINg Places initiative. If the target is met, every donated dollar will be matched dollar-for-dollar. Patronicity’s campaign page capture lists the effort as "Partial Funding" and notes, "This campaign will collect all funds raised by Mar 31, 2026 11:45 PM."

Charles C. Niehaus Memorial Park already hosts a walking path, driving range and disc golf course, making it a hub for movement in Huntingburg. City officials and the Huntingburg Parks Department say a Fitness Court there would expand free, outdoor fitness options for residents across age groups and abilities.

Residents can contribute online through the campaign page on Patronicity by searching for the campaign name healthyhuntingburg on that platform. Offline donations may be made by cash or check payable to City of Huntingburg with the memo "Huntingburg Fitness Court." Mail donations to PO Box 10, Huntingburg, IN 47542 or drop them off at City Hall, 508 E. Fourth St., Huntingburg, IN 47542. All donations must be received by March 31, 2026 to be eligible for matching funds. For project details, donation questions or to arrange a meeting, contact Kenlee Steffe at ksteffe@huntingburg-in.gov or (812) 683-2211 ext. 1049.

A snapshot of the Patronicity page captured during reporting showed $100 funded of the $22,500 goal, 1% complete, 2 patrons and 53 days left; those metrics reflect the campaign capture and may change as donations arrive. Local reaction on social media has been broadly positive. A WJTS Facebook post about the campaign recorded 60 reactions, 8 comments and 9 shares. Sample comments included: "Folks are so respectful at Niehaus with the Disc course, walking trail and driving range- as well as our other parks too! This will be a great addition!! Us regular walkers can add more to our routine!!" from Julie Thompson; "This sounds great!" from John N Barbara Bullock; "This is sound, for both young and older people" from Terry Jones; "I’m excited for this!!" from Shannon Sparrow; "What a terrific idea!" from Craig Taylor; and "This is awesome!" from Alicia Ann.

For Huntingburg residents, the campaign represents an opportunity to expand everyday recreation in a familiar park while leveraging outside grants to stretch local dollars. The next month will determine whether the community secures the matching funds that can make the Fitness Court a reality; residents can monitor the campaign page on Patronicity for current totals and contribute before the March 31, 2026 deadline.