The pride Crown Point Mayor Pete Land has for his city and the accomplishments made over the last year shone through at his State of the City address.
Land gave his address on Thursday at Bulldog Park, a short distance west of the historic downtown square, on a sun-filled early evening packed with guests who sat outdoors at nearby tables and dined on food and drinks from nearby parked food trucks.
“The state of our city is strong; we continue to be a community that people want to visit, to be involved with, to be part of what I think is a pretty fantastic community to call home. I am excited for our city, I am excited and so optimistic for the present day Crown Point and the future Crown Point,” Land said.
Land, during his one-hour speech, first recognized his own staff as well as his department heads, city council members and boards.
“I always talk in terms of a team,” Land said.
He also gave recognition to the city’s businesses, providing longevity trophies to In-Pact, 46 years; Main St. Cafe, 55 years; East Chicago Machine & Tool, 79 years; Wilson Iron Works, 81 years; and Tech Credit Union, 90 years.
Land also recognized the Crown Point High School community by singling out Kaitlin Flewelling for her community service of 254 hours and Aiden Hielema for 226 hours.
“We like to recognize a boy and a girl who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to give back to our community,” Land said.
An excellence in business or development award was presented to Bob Ligda, the owner of D & L Wood Products.
“As the owner of D & L Products, he has shown a remarkable commitment to not only his business but to our city, generously donating to countless programs and organizations over these many years, not for recognition or for anything in return, just to help,” Land said.
A community impact award was presented to Don Burrell.
“He (Burrell) was the driving force behind the creation of the Burrell Cancer Center within the Franciscan Health Medical Campus, which cared for thousands of individuals when they needed it the most,” Land said.
Land spoke about the completion and opening of three major projects in the city, including Sauerman Woods Park, the city skatepark and Veterans Memorial Trail.
Coming this year to the 95-acre Sportsplex will be the startup of an adult pickleball league in the city, Land said.
“If you build a pickleball field, they will come,” Land joked.
Also new this year will be a new campaign as part of the city’s communications and social media efforts.
“One new campaign, ‘Crown Point on Film,’ gave the public disposable cameras to take pictures of Crown Point and will be used as part of our 2026 events,” Land said.
Two important projects coming to completion in 2026 will include the tank island renovation and the city bike/walking trail expansion.
Land said the Sherman tank, purchased in 1952 for $100, serves as a memorial for all veterans of WWII and the VFW, and was Crown Point’s first city park.
The tank has been enhanced as part of a beautification of the island.
“Once done, it’s a gateway to the city,” Land said.
The last segment of the city’s Veterans Memorial Trail was completed in 2025 and it will be dedicated to honor and recognize American Legion members and Gold Star families.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great honor to announce that this trail will be marked and forever called: the Gold Star Family Memorial Trail,” Land said.
In closing, Land talked about the strong foundation of Crown Point.
“And this foundation is us; all of us that live here, have a business here; from those that came long before us and laid the first bricks establishing Crown Point; those of you who have been here for decades or come in more recent years, each of us, past and present, are the foundation of this city. As long as we remain strong, this beautiful city will remain strong,” Land said.
Deborah Laverty is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
