On Saturday, March 22nd, Chesterton alumni, residents, and local supporters came together to celebrate cherished memories and take one final lap around the former Chesterton High/Middle School and track during the heartfelt “The Last Lap” event. Thanks to our generous sponsors, the Duneland Family YMCA was able to open its doors and track gates to the community to use the track one last time and go home with a commemorative t-shirt.

“The Duneland YMCA is honored to celebrate the rich history and enduring legacy of the Chesterton High School and Chesterton Middle School track,” said Duneland YMCA CEO Dave Kasarda. “Recognizing the generations of students, athletes, and community members who have left their mark on this facility, we are proud to stand alongside the Duneland School Corporation in commemorating this milestone. The ‘Last Lap’ event serves as a tribute to the memories made here and the bright future ahead for our community.”

On this chilly March morning, a steady stream of families and individuals arrived, eager to take part in one last lap around the historic track. The morning was filled with laughter, shared memories, and heartfelt conversations, bringing the community together to celebrate the past while looking toward the future.

Duneland YMCA staff were on hand to offer guided tours of the current Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus, providing attendees with insight into the exciting plans for its future. The campus is already home to a variety of programs, including swimming lessons, senior activities, VEX robotics, and the Make Make art studio, showcasing the YMCA’s commitment to fostering wellness, learning, and community engagement. To learn more about the future of the Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus, visit Duneland Family YMCA.

We thank our sponsors who made this event possible for the community to experience a cherished landmark. Thank you to Wellsand Landscaping and Hardscapes,Lakeshore Mechanical Inc., Life Runners, Lori Tubbs Real Estate & Development Consulting, Ennis Builders, Trout Glass and Mirror, Val’s Famous Pizza & Grinders, Lana Conroy-Coldwell Banker Realty, Viking Wrestling Club, Tom Wisch Allstate, Karriman Construction, Towns of Burns Harbor, Cassiday Schade, Primetastic Auto Detailing, Berglund Construction, Duneland Chamber of Commerce, Trinity Displays, John VanDenburgh, and Kilgore Trout.