The City of Hammond is hosting a grand opening of the Dowling Park Complex on Friday, Oct. 30 from noon to 3 p.m. A short program will take place at 1 p.m., with a ribbon cutting to follow. Refreshments will be provided.
The complex features baseball, softball and soccer fields, a tennis court and a 1.8 mile walking trail surrounding the perimeter of the park. Purdue University Calumet has entered into a one-year usage lease agreement with the City, and a potential long-term lease is being discussed.
Construction on the complex began in 2013. In 2014, the Hammond City Council approved the $7.3 million bond issue that was used for constructing fields at the park. The first construction phase included soccer, softball and baseball fields, along with dugouts and parking areas. The second phase included the tennis courts, walking path, bleachers, restrooms, concession stands, a training room and service facilities.