By Mark Ambrogi
As part of the Southwest Quadrant of Noblesville, the Gathering sees the revitalization of the area as crucial.
Thus the church has made it a mission to bring back the Proud Heritage Picnic.
The picnic ran from 2005 from 2012 by DeerCreek Community Church. The last one was held at Seminary Park, but previously had been held at Southside Park.
The Southwest Quad is a neighborhood bordered by 8th Street, Nickel Plate Arts, the White River and the Foundry.
The free event will return to Southside Park from noon to 4 p.m. on Oct. 3, sponsored by the Gathering and Noblesville Parks and Recreation.
“We want to see how this goes and if we are eve moderately successful, we want to re-establish this as an annual event and use it as a catalyst to engage with people and opportunity to get the word out about our church and these nonprofits,” said Matt Massingale, who is in charge of the Gathering’s community service and mission.
“We want this for the revitalization of that entire Southwest Quadrant, that community and overall Noblesville,” he said.
There will be a hog roast, outdoor and carnival games, face painting, balloon artists and Big Daddy Caddy, a party band, will perform.
“We’re trying to get everyone to come and relax, bring your kids and build some friendships,” said Kathy Houghtalen, a resident of the neighborhood, and a committee member for the picnic.
Massingale said the police department will have a Crime Watch booth, and the Hamilton County Master Gardeners will also have a booth along with several Noblesville-based nonprofits, including Hamilton County Area Neighborhood Development, or HAND, Serve Noblesville and Habitat for Humanity for Hamilton County.
“Many of those groups have been active in the southwest quad revitalization effort throughout the last year,” Massingale said. “We hope this is twofold, one to draw volunteers and donors and also to draw beneficiaries. We’re giving them the opportunity to engage with the nonprofits so that may help.”
Houghtalen, who has lived in the Southwest Quad for two years, but previously lived in another section of the city, said there are several organizations who are supporting the area.
“It’s really resonating with the people that live here because they see people care,” she said. “I go to the meetings because you are supposed to bloom where you are planted.”
The area has a Facebook page under SW Quad Noblesville, which Houghtalen helped create.
As part of the revitalization plan, many neighbors showed up to clean Southside Park in April.
Houghtalen is hoping the community garden will be approved over the next few months.
“Everything in it will be edible,” she said.
Go to the picnic
Date: Oct. 3
Time: Noon to 4 p.m.
Address: 376 Plum St.
Cost: Free
