FOR INFORMATION ABOUT PROGRAMS

Click Here for Programs at BUCKLEY HOMESTEAD LIVING HISTORY FARM

Click Here for Programs at DEEP RIVER COUNTY PARK

Click Here for Programs at GIBSON WOODS and NATURE PROGRAMS

Click Here for Programs at CEDAR CREEK FAMILY GOLF CENTER

Click Here CSRI 2010 CALENDAR OF EVENTS (pdf format)

Click Here for info about LEAVE NO CHILD INSIDE

Click on following links for program information

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CAS Events

Calumet Astronomical Society public observing dates

The volunteers of the Calumet Astronomical Society invite you to explore the wonders of the universe when they present their popular free public programs.  Volunteers will guide visitors in the use of telescopes and astronomical binoculars as they observe the majesty of the skies.  Star charts, club information, and astronomy-related activities are presented.

The events are open to everyone.  Families and school groups are especially welcome.  Because observing is conducted in a “lights-out” environment, parents are requested to keep their children under close supervision.  For the safety of our visitors and members, and to prevent damage to equipment, running or other reckless activities will not be permitted.  Please do not use standard flashlights in the observing area.  Exposure to white light, even briefly, will seriously impair night vision making observing difficult.  Red filtered flashlights can provide illumination without affecting night vision.  You can easily make a red light by cutting the end off a red balloon and putting it over a standard flashlight. 

Remember, after sunset temperatures may drop rapidly so dress appropriately for changeable weather.  Programs are naturally dependent on cloud cover and weather conditions.  Inclement weather will cause these programs to be cancelled.  NEW THIS YEAR – CAS has established a "hotline" telephone number for information on our events - 773-639-5491. This provides updated   information about CAS events and weather cancellations on short notice.

More information about CAS may be obtained online at www.casonline.org

CAS OBSERVING EVENTS FOR 2010

Date(s)

Days

Program

Moon

Program Time

1/27-30/10

Wed-Sat

Mars Opposition

Full

7-9 p.m.

3/13/10

Saturday

Open House

WN 6%

7-10 p.m.

4/10/10

Saturday

Open House

WN 16%

8-11 p.m.

05/14/10

Friday

Spring

N.M. 1%

8-11 p.m.

05/15/10

Saturday

Public Outing

WX 4%

8-11p.m.

06/12/10

Saturday

Open House

N.M. 0%

9-11p.m.

08/13/10

Friday

Summer

WX 15%

9-midnight

08/14/10

Saturday

Public Outing

WX 24%

9-midnight

09/11/10

Saturday

Open House

WX 12%

8:30-11 p.m.

10/08/10

Friday

Fall

WX 0%

8-11 p.m.

10/09/10

Saturday

Public Outing

WX 3%

8-11 p.m.

11/13/10

Saturday

Open House

FQ 50%

7-10 p.m.

Conway Observatory at Buckley Homestead is located 4.5 miles west of Interstate 65 just south of Route 2. Exit I-65 west at Rt. 2 toward Lowell to Hendricks Road, then south to the “T” at Belshaw.  East (left) on Belshaw to the first right (Chase Street) and south for one mile.    

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National Public Lands Day

Watch for 2010 dates     

Enjoy a walk in your favorite Park and take a trash bag with you.  If everyone picks up a little bit of litter, we can keep our parks clean.  Better yet, don't litter in the first place.  By doing service-projects on National Public Lands Day, people across the country are not only taking care of public lands and giving back to their communities, but restoring places to play and connecting with nature. You will also be helping raise awareness about the vital role of play in the health and happiness of America's children.


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CSRI Programs

Cooperative Special Recreation Initiative Events

The Cooperative Special Recreation Initiative is a partnership between Community Hospital, Crown Point Parks & Recreation, Dyer Parks & Recreation, Highland Parks & Recreation, Lake County Parks & Recreation, Merrillville Parks & Recreation, Munster Parks & Recreation, Schererville Parks & Recreation, St. John Parks & Recreation, and several volunteers.  CSRI is a cooperative venture seeking ways to increase recreational opportunities for individuals of all ages who have special needs and abilities.  Please call the coordinating agencies at the phone numbers listed below for times, locations, and registration details for specific events.  

Help save postage and be more environmentally friendly by going paperless.  We are keeping a CSRI email list so notifications of events can be sent out as they approach.  If you are interested in being added to the CSRI mailing list or need to correct an address, name or contact person, please email csri2004@yahoo.com

Click here for 2010 CSRI Calendar of Events (pdf format)

2011 CSRI Winter skating party - Fun both on and off the ice

For families with special needs presented by the Lake County Parks

  • Deep River Waterpark Ice Skating Plaza
  • Saturday, February 12, 2011
  • 9:30-11:30 a.m.
  • Pre-registration required.  Call 219-769-PARK
  • This winter party is great for all ages and abilities. 
  • You don’t have to skate to join the fun. 
  • Participants are welcome to go on the ice plaza in skates or sneakers or stay in the warm eatery where we have crafts and games. 
  • Make a valentine.
  • Play Pin the Tail on Paddles and ring toss.
  • Dance the Hokey Pokey and more.
  • A special guest appearance from Paddles T. Otter. 
  • Concessions are available for sale.

2010 fall favorite - The CSRI Wheelchair Accessible Hayride

For families with special needs presented by the Lake County Parks

  • Oak Ridge Prairie County Park

  • Sunday, October 3, 2010

  • 2 - 4:30 p.m.    

  • $3 per person               

  • Limit 80

  • Pre-registration required by September 28, 2010     

  • Call 219-769-PARK (7275)

Come to Oak Ridge Prairie for a fantastic fall experience including music, snacks, crafts, games and a hayride.  Our specially designed hayride wagon is wheelchair accessible and can transport two people in wheelchairs per trip. Families bringing people in wheelchairs will reserve their hayride time at the time of registration.  All other guests will be assigned a hayride time upon arrival.  Each hayride is about 20 minutes long. The last hayride will depart at 4 p.m. or when all in attendance have had a ride, whichever comes first. 

Cooperative Special Recreation Initiative Events

The Cooperative Special Recreation Initiative is a partnership between Community Hospital, the Parks and Recreation Departments of Crown Point, Dyer, Highland, Lake County, Merrillville, Munster, Schererville, St. John, and several volunteers.  CSRI is a cooperative venture seeking ways to increase recreational opportunities for individuals of all ages who have special needs and abilities.  Call the coordinating agencies at the phone numbers listed below for times, locations, fees, and registration details for specific events.  

Help save postage and be more environmentally friendly by going paperless.  We are keeping a CSRI email list so notifications of events can be sent out as they approach.  If you are interested in being added to the CSRI mailing list or need to correct an address, name or contact person, please email csri2004@yahoo.com

The following event list is provided so you can “save the date.”  Registration may not begin until a later date as decided by the host agency.  Typically full information will be emailed closer to the date of the event.  Most programs have a registration fee and require advance registration.

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Veterans Programs

REMEMBER OUR VETERANS EVERY DAY of the YEAR at Stoney Run County Park. Click this link for Memorial Day and Veteran's Day services information Veteran's Recognition Services at Stoney Run

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PDGA Worlds Professional Tournament, Indiana State Disc Golf Tournament, Homie's Tourney and other events

Lemon Lake to host 2010 Worlds Pro Tournament

The Professional Disc Golf Association has announced that the 2010 PDGA Pro Disc Golf World Championships has officially been awarded to Catalyst Productions and the Red Roc Disc Golf Club at Lemon Lake County Park in Crown Point, Indiana.  Instrumental in the decision was that the park features four 18-hole disc golf courses on one site. Long time disc golf promoter and local pro Brian Cummings will serve as the tournament director for the event.

"Having all of our worlds competition venues on a single site will make the event efficient to manage and more convenient and enjoyable for all who attend," stated PDGA Executive Director, Brian Graham. "Competitors will be able to drive to one venue for the entire day and not have to worry about traffic or travel from one course to the next."

The Professional Disc Golf Association is pleased to be bringing the best disc golfers on the planet to Crown Point, Indiana for the 2010 PDGA World Championships hosted at Lemon Lake County Park from July 27 through the 31st.

"Our World Championships have always been about the competition, but they also serve as an opportunity for our disc golf community to spend some time together off the course, as well," explains PDGA Executive Director, Brian Graham.  "The facilities at Lemon Lake and throughout the Crown Point region will help us achieve our objectives and help make this a great World Championships experience for our players and fans."

An estimated 300 competitors from as many as ten different nations are expected to converge on the Crown Point, Indiana community for one of the most intriguing World Championships in recent memory.  Defending men's and women's open champions (and brother and sister combination) Avery and Valarie Jenkins will be severely tested from a disc golf field that is lifting the entire sport to new levels with their skills, competitive drive, and dramatic outcomes that decide the winners.

In the men's open division, David Feldberg has regained the incredible form that lead to his 2008 World Championship in Michigan, as well as the 2008 PDGA Player of the Year award.  Nikko Locastro too is expecting a great Worlds performance coming off his dramatic playoff win over Feldberg at the Japan Open last month, as well as his 2009 PDGA Player of the Year recognition.

Not to be overlooked either is the 12-time World Champion, Ken Climo, who play this year belies his 42 year old body.  Climo has already won twice on the 2010 National Tour and always seems to round into top shape on the World Championship stage.

On the women's side, Valarie Jenkins seems to have come all the way back from her early season knee injury at the start of the Nation Tour to once again regain a dominant position in the women's open division.  Though Jenkins' play has been sometimes brilliant (and sometimes not) this season, a resounding 27-throw margin of victory at the Japan Open in early June served notice to the rest of the women's competition that Valarie will be the odds on favorite to capture her fourth consecutive women's open World Championship.

Still, the Lemon Lakes disc golf complex provides a milieu that will require as much technical skill and accuracy, as it will strength and distance.  The demands of this well-rounded skill-set means that World-class players like Des Reading, Carrie Berlogar, Liz Carr, and Liz Lopez can unleash all their talent on the disc golf complex in Crown Point and put maximum pressure on Jenkins for the coveted World Championship crown.

Along with a host of other female talent planning on attending the Pro Worlds, a quiet buzz is building around the prospects of rookie sensation Paige Pierce from Plano, Texas, who is building on her third place finish at last year's amateur world championships to gain six top-ten finishes in all of her six PDGA events so far this year as a pro.  Pierce clearly has the skills to compete.  It will be the experience of the seasoned veterans that she will have to overcome to gain the top of the leader board at this year's Worlds.

The entire week in Crown Point will be anchored with the competition, but will also feature the inductions of the newest disc golf Hall of Fame members.  This year, the 2010 PDGA Worlds tournament director, and nearby Munster, Indiana resident, Brian Cummings will be inducted into the Disc Golf Hall of Fame.  Now into his fourth decade of disc golf promotions, Cummings has been successful as a player as well.  His efforts were primarily responsible for the development of the Lemon Lake complex, so it is apropos that Cummings, along with Charlie Callahan from northern California and Tomas Ekstrom from Sweden, will be awarded this great honor on July 29th in the shadows of the Lemon Lake facility just a few miles away during the PDGA Awards Ceremony.

The 2010 PDGA World Championships will crown as many as eight champions throughout the male and female age-protected divisions.  You can follow all the action on http://www.pdga.com or on the official Web site of the Pro Worlds, http://2010proworlds.com/.

This invitational international event draws players of the highest caliber from around the world. Keep up to date on the tournament by going to www.pdga.com  Businesses or individuals who wish to help sponsor the event may contact redrocdiscgolf@yahoo.com

OUR OWN BRIAN CUMMINGS WILL BE INDUCTED INTO THE PDGA HALL OF FAME DURING THE AWARDS DINNER -- CONGRATULATIONS BRIAN ON THIS WELL DESERVED HONOR

Click Here for the 2010 Worlds Professional Disc Golf Schedule  

Click Here for the Blue Course Disc Golf Map

Click Here for the Red Course Disc Golf Map

Click Here for the Silver Course Disc Golf Map

Click Here for the White Course Disc Golf Map

Click Here for the Gold Course Disc Golf Map

Indiana State Disc Golf Tournament

Lemon Lake County Park       August 15, 2010      First Tee Times: 9:30 a.m.

Register on line at www.redrocdiscgolf@yahoo.com

Lemon Lake Disc Golf Course is one of the premiere courses in the Midwest.  Bringing in disc golfers from surrounding states, this tournament is challenging to play and fun to watch.  Novice and Amateur players can expect advice and support from the pros while they play in this prestigious tournament.  Cheer on the players as they astound you with the distance, accuracy, and strategy of their play.  Professional, amateur, novice, and junior players are encouraged to participate.

For more information call Brian Cummings at 219-836-8240 or 1-800-636-2001 or see the web at

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT INDIANA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS:  To improve our ability to accommodate more players, sign-ups for the Indiana State Championships will be pre-registration only. You will be able to sign up online at www.PDGA.com or by mailing a check/money order to "Red Roc Disc Golf Club" c/o Brian Cummings 8036 Jefferson St., Munster, IN 46321.

The format for all future PDGA tournaments at Lemon Lake will be pre-registration only except the Homie’s Memorial.

Looking for volunteers:  If you want to volunteer to work on any of the four courses, please contact the course managers for assignments:
Red course:  Jay Svitko - VM (480) 292-0257 or email: redrocdiscgolf@yahoo.com
Blue course: Mike Triumph - VM (219) 765-9320
White course: Tim White - VM (219) 669-7051
Silver/Gold course: either Kirk Romandine - VM (708) 528-7011 or Bart Zandstra - VM (800) ROKNROL - email: bart@channelzdj.com

9th Annual Homie’s Fall Classic -- Matt Lovasko Memorial Tournament

Remember Matt, Meet his friends, Hear his stories, Feel his spirit, Celebrate his life.

Lemon Lake County Park Disc Golf Course              October 10, 2010      First Tee time: 9:30 a.m.

Pre-Registration strongly suggested.  Make checks payable to Red Roc DGC.  Include name, address, phone, PDGA#, division, and shirt size with your check to:  Red Roc DGC, 8036 Jefferson St., Munster, IN 46321

For more information call Brian Cummings at 219-836-8240 or 1-800-636-2001 or see the web at www.redrocdisgolf.com

Disc Golf at Lemon Lake County Park:  The perfect place – beginner or professional

If you know what a hyzer and an anhyzer are you’ll likely be excited about the new developments at Lemon Lake County Park.  There are now four/five 18 hole disc golf courses.  Some are short and some are have longer and more challenging fairways.  Over the past ten years the courses have been completed by volunteers from the Red Roc disc golf club, coordinated by local professional disc golfer Brian Cummings, in partnership with the Lemon Lake park staff. 

What’s disc golf?  It’s similar to ball golf but instead of hitting golf balls, players throw Frisbee-like discs at a basket.  It’s a lot more challenging than you might think.  That’s where the hyzer and anhyzer come into play.  A hyzer is when a player uses a backhand throw.  The disc’s flight arc causes it to fall in the direction opposite of the throwing arm.  An anhyzer is when a disc’s flight arc falls in the same direction of the throwing arm. Okay, enough of the technical stuff.  While the game, played at the pro level, can be complicated, it is also an activity that is easy to learn and lots of fun. Cummings emphasizes that many of the holes at Lemon Lake have been designed for beginner play.  Beginners generally don’t take on the really challenging holes until they learn several different types of shots. 

If you’re thinking that disc golf is a new sport, think again.  The Professional Disc Golf Association, the game's non-profit governing body, was founded in 1976 in California. Today the PDGA is run by the players and is overseen by a volunteer board of directors who are elected by the 11,531 members who play in more than twenty countries on five continents.

It’s a sport that’s challenging to the individual, just like ball golf, but it’s much less expensive and very open to new players. Lemon Lake has wonderful courses because of its rolling hills, elevation changes, some tight wooded fairways and some open ones.  “We, who’ve been involved for many years, know that the growth of the sport depends on young people getting involved. The rules are simple, the Lemon Lake courses are the best, and people really enjoy the scenery of the park.  Everyone should give disc golf a try,” says Cummings in his traditionally enthusiastic way. 

Red Roc and the park host three major events each year in addition to regular play and leagues.  The Frozen Tundra is played in February regardless of weather conditions.  Some years participants play all day in snow and freezing drizzle.  “That’s the fun of the tournament.  You never know what conditions you’re going to be playing in,” says Cummings, who nearly succumbed to frostbitten toes one especially treacherous year.  He now has a warm pair of boots. “This tourney really brings out the disc golf nuts, especially if the weather is really bad,” adds Cummings. He calls it an amusing event that attracts the hardcore players, but is still fun for beginners.  The tournament generally attracts about 60 players. 

Cummings has also noted an increase in winter disc golf play.  “All you have to do is dress warmer.  It’s still competitive and gives you a chance to enjoy the winter weather.  When it was around 40 degrees over the Christmas break, there were lots of players at Lemon Lake,” Cummings noted.  

Last year the Indiana State Disc Golf Tournament, held at the park, had 182 players vying for honors in the recreational, intermediate, advanced, and professional divisions. 

The other annual event is the Matt Lovasko Memorial “Homies” Tournament on the second Sunday in October sponsored by Matt’s family in memory of Matt’s enthusiasm for the game.  Last year 240 golfers competed.  For the kick-off, instead of the usual moment of silence in memory of Matt, the crowd conducts an energetic moment of noise. 

The courses are gaining good reputations because the holes are diverse, mixing open space fairways with tight ones.  The Red Course has a total of 5,762 feet with a par of 61.  The Blue Course has a total of 5,341 or 5,936 feet depending on the tee box with a par of 57.  The Silver Course has a total of 6,417 feet with a par of 60.  Gold Course tee pads adjoin the Silver course.  The White Course opened in 2009.

It’s a good balance and attracts players of all calibers.  Cummings and fellow members of the Red Roc disc golf club have assisted park staff, led by park manager April Brown, in developing the courses over the years.  Continuing development relies on a strong cooperation between the club and the county park department.  “It’s the only course in Indiana to have 72 permanent holes (baskets).

All events are held at Lemon Lake County Park, 6322 W. 133rd Avenue just east of Cedar Lake.  For information about the tournaments call Cummings at 219-836-8340. For park information call 219-769-PARK.  

Click Here for the Blue Course Disc Golf Map

Click Here for the Red Course Disc Golf Map

Click Here for the Silver Course Disc Golf Map

Click Here for the White Course Disc Golf Map

Click Here for the Gold Course Disc Golf Map

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HORTICULTURE PROGRAMS

GARDENING CLUB Meets Monthly
  • Deep River County Park Greenhouse or specific locations depending on activities*
  • Second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m.
  • Greenhouse located at 8305 Randolph Street, behind the Park Operations/Park Services building NEW LOCATION
  • Free

Attend monthly meetings to learn about gardening – trees, shrubs, flowers, herbs, and the lawn.  Led by Lake County Parks Horticulturist, Bryan McKay, members will hear lectures, see demonstrations, receive tips and techniques, and have their gardening questions answered.  Members have access to the Park Department’s greenhouses and volunteer in the gardens at Deep River County Park, Deep River Waterpark, Turkey Creek Golf Course, Stoney Run Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial and other park facilities. This is an active club.  * Location may change depending on the projects being accomplished.  Anyone not on the newsletter list may wish to call 219-947-7275 to check the location prior to attending their first meeting.

Members receive a monthly newsletter and may enjoy outings to area gardens.  For information, call 219-947-7275 NEW PHONE NUMBER

Spring Perennial Plant Swap

  • Deep River County Park                     

  • Monday, April 18, 2011                       

  • 10 a.m.                        

  • Free

  • Greenhouse located at 8305 Randolph Street, behind the Park Operations/Park Services building NOTE LOCATION

Spring and Fall are great times to increase or change plant varieties in your garden.  One way to do this is to swap perennials.  So pot your perennials, identify them and bring them to the Plant Swap to exchange for others.  Gardening staff will be on hand to give information on planting and care of your new varieties.  Also, bring empty containers for plants that may be divided and exchanged.  Don’t be late....plants go fast!  

Fall Perennial Plant Swap

  • Deep River County Park                     

  • Monday, September 13, 2010                       

  • 10 a.m.                        

  • Free

  • Greenhouse located at 8305 Randolph Street, behind the Park Operations/Park Services building NOTE LOCATION

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Geocaching

Geocaching Event

Lemon Lake County Park                   Saturday, August 21 (to be confirmed)         

Event is free                                      Park gate fee is charged

Pre-registration required                     1 - 3 p.m.

Cachers may register at the geocaching web site        ZIP code 46307

Non-cachers may call 219-769-PARK to sign up

Beginners, curious on-lookers, and experienced geocachers are invited to meet and greet at Lemon Lake County Park for an afternoon of geocaching fun. BYO snacks, drinks and bug spray.  Many of the old caches will be archived and replaced by new ones that will debut at this event. 

Geocaching is a techno-gadget game sweeping the globe!  Almost anywhere you travel, you can hunt for secret stashes hidden in plain view.  This family-friendly game is a great way to get out and get active with your kids, your friends, your dog, or by yourself!  All you need is a GPS receiver and access to the Internet. 

Are you new to geocaching?  We will try to put you wish experienced cachers.  There’s no better way to learn.  Check out the web at www.geocaching.com to get the basics.

GEOCACHING IN THE LAKE COUNTY PARKS

There are twelve parks and other natural areas in the Lake County system, many of which are popular locations for geocaching.  Since geocaches are generally placed off the trail, and we discourage off trail usage, we require respectful placement of caches in places where damage to the park is unlikely to occur. 

  • Whihala Beach County Park, Whiting, IN -- Geocaching is banned

  • Gibson Woods Nature Preserve, Hammond, IN – Geocaching is banned

  • Lake Etta County Park, Gary, IN

  • Three Rivers County Park, Lake Station, IN

  • Oak Ridge Prairie County Park, Griffith, IN

  • Turkey Creek Golf Course, Merrillville, IN – Geocaching is banned

  • Deep River County Park, Merrillville, IN

  • Deep River Waterpark, Merrillville, IN – Geocaching is banned

  • Cedar Creek Family Golf Center, Cedar Lake, IN – Geocaching is banned

  • Lemon Lake County Park, Crown Point, IN

  • Stoney Run County Park, Leroy, IN

  • Buckley Homestead Living History Farm, Lowell, IN

  • Grand Kankakee Marsh County Park, Hebron, IN – Geocaching not permitted during hunting season

  • Oak Savannah Trail – trailhead at Oak Ridge Prairie then east to County Line Road in Hobart, IN

  • Erie Lackawanna Trail – Lake County Parks manages the section between Griffith and Schererville

Procedure for placing a cache in the Lake County Parks

Permission is required prior to placing a cache in any of the Lake County Parks. Geocaching is banned at Gibson Woods Nature Preserve and in certain sensitive areas of other parks as well as on the golf courses and at Deep River Waterpark.

Scout the area of the park where you wish to place a cache and then contact info@lakecountyparks.com with a request providing the specific area of a particular park for each cache.  The Lake County Parks coordinator will contact the park manager who will verify the acceptability of the location(s).  Do not place your cache until approval is received.  Once approval is granted via email you may place the cache in the park and post it on www.geocaching.com. 

Additional regulations

  • Placing and searching for geocaches may only take place during normal park hours in park areas open to the public.
  • Some of the parks have parking fees when the gatekeeper is on duty.  Geocachers are subject to that fee. 
  • Caches must be registered on the Internet with www.Geocaching.com and must comply with all guidelines established by Geocaching.com
  • Caches must not be placed so that finding them encourages park visitors to make new trails. Nor can they be placed in locations that will encourage erosion or trail damage.
  • Cutting or modification of any vegetation or modification of geographical features is prohibited.  Caches may not be buried, or located within a water body.
  • Altering park signs, fences, posts, trails, trail markers or any park building is prohibited. 
  • Caches may not be placed on or near potentially hazardous locations.
  • Caches must not interfere with wildlife or other park visitors.
  • Caches may not contain inappropriate, hazardous or illegal materials such as flammables, explosives or food.
  • Caches may not be located on or in park buildings or structures or within designated historic or cultural resource areas.
  • Caches must be maintained by the owner. Caches that have been abandoned and not maintained will be considered as litter and removed.
  • The Lake County Parks reserves the right to remove any cache that has been determined to be inappropriate either in location or content, hazardous or has an impact to other park visitors, park neighbors or natural or cultural resources.
  • Make certain that your cache meets all the requirements and geocaching guidelines as posted on geocaching com.  Review these during your research. Issues of concern include cache saturation, commerciality, solicitation and long-term cache maintenance.

The staff and volunteers for the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department appreciate the efforts of the many geocachers in the park system.  We have certainly seen an increase in visitation at some of the parks directly due to the placement of geocaches.

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Calumet Astronomy Center Update

$150,000 grant to help fund Northwest Indiana Robotic (NIRo) Telescope

            Cutting edge astronomical research and project-oriented science education is in the offing, thanks to a $150,000 National Science Foundation grant Purdue University Calumet has received and will apply to the purchase of a state-of-the art, high-powered robotic telescope.

            According to Purdue Calumet Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy Adam Rengstorf, the Northwest Indiana Robotic (NIRo) Telescope will contribute to expanded astronomical knowledge through high-quality research, advanced Purdue Calumet astronomical and physics course and laboratory curricula, improved science education in area middle schools and robust opportunities for community outreach activities.

            The 20-inch, advanced Ritchey-Chretien reflecting telescope will be equipped with a thermoelectrically cooled CCD (charge-coupled device) imager, capable of producing a distortion-free image covering a field of view nearly as large as the full earth moon. 

            NIRo will be housed at the Calumet Astronomy Center at Buckley Homestead County Park in Lowell.  Already on the site is the Thomas Conway Observatory, which is operated by the volunteers of the Calumet Astronomical Society.  The location provides a darker sky for better, more unobstructed viewing than other northwest Indiana location, including Purdue Calumet.

            “The NIRo observatory will provide a platform for education and research featuring rich datasets of various astronomical phenomena,” Slavin said. “Purdue Calumet students will soon have the ability to learn the science of astronomy through discovery from authentic data that they themselves obtain with the robotic telescope.”

            Rengstorf added, “The NIRo Telescope will enable laboratory sections of our 200-level astronomy courses to be completely revamped to incorporate actual data. More advanced observational experiments will be available to our physics majors, independent research projects will also be possible, and there is the potential for cross-over projects with engineering, mathematics and computer science students.”      

            Robert Rivers, dean of Purdue Calumet’s School of Education, calls the NIRo Telescope “an exciting addition to the earth/space science curriculum” of local middle and high schools. “Purdue Calumet’s Center for Science and Technology Education will work with physicists at Purdue Calumet to design exciting, hands-on astronomy projects using the robotic telescope that may allow secondary students to either study known sky objects and events or, even better, to make original discoveries of their own,” he said.

            The $300,000 project is a collaborative effort of Purdue University Calumet and astronomy/physics professors Rengstorf and Shawn Slavin, along with the volunteers of the Calumet Astronomical Society and the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department.  All are partners in the development of the Calumet Astronomy Center (CAC), which is assuming a role of coordinating astronomical education, outreach and research in northwest Indiana. 

            Purdue Calumet is contributing an additional $50,000 to the project. Fundraising efforts are underway to secure the remaining $100,000.  Donations may be made to Purdue University Calumet (CAC on the memo line, please) and can be mailed to PUC Office of Advancement/Lawshe Hall, 2200 169th Street, Hammond, IN 46323-2094. For more information about the project contact Prof. Rengstorf at adamwr@calumet.purdue.edu or visit www.calumet.purdue.edu/cac/

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Click here for Northwest Indiana Robotic  (NIRo) Telescope plans (pdf format)