HOLE-IN-ONE FOR WESTFIELD: CITY PURCHASES WOOD WIND GOLF CLUB
The City of Westfield, through the Downtown Westfield Community Development Corporation (DWCDC), purchased Wood Wind Golf Club, making it the city’s first municipal-owned golf course. The 147-acre championship golf course was initially developed in 1990 and has seen significant improvements over the years, including the relocation, redesign, and redevelopment of numerous holes.
“There has been much speculation over the years about whether Wood Wind would remain a golf course with the residential development that has popped up,” stated Mayor Scott Willis. “Since my first day in office, the new owner has pitched ideas to develop the course into a high-density housing development. The city purchasing the course ensures that it will remain a community asset for decades to come and that the open green space the area offers will be preserved.”
The DWCDC purchased the course for $3.1 million from Westfield Golf Club, LLC. This purchase includes all buildings on the grounds, the clubhouse and party pavilion, and site amenities, including two pickleball courts, golf carts, maintenance equipment, and furnishings. The pavilion can accommodate up to 150 people for special events.
To learn more about why this investment was necessary, please scan the QR code below.
MAYOR’S COLUMN
Westfield Residents,
As my first year in office begins to wrap up, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for allowing me to serve you. 2024 has been a year of learning, growth, and development for both myself and my staff.
In just 12 months, we’ve accomplished some incredible things. We have begun a review of our Comprehensive Plan (Advancing Westfield 2045), created a 10-year Comprehensive Infrastructure Plan, developed a master development plan for the Grand Park district that will vastly improve the experience for residents and visitors at the park, and begun a revitalization of our downtown area. We’re making significant progress in our community, and we are being rewarded with over $1 billion in commercial development. This includes Portal Diabetes relocating its headquarters to Westfield and Isotopia anchoring its first manufacturing site in the U.S. here.
In 2025, we’re fully committing to golf. We will be making investments at Wood Wind Golf Course as we take ownership of the course, and LIV has selected Chatham Hills as a U.S. tournament site in August. It will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase why Westfield is such a great place to be!
With this growth come challenges. We will see record levels of infrastructure investment to keep up with the growth we have experienced. Progress will finally be made on the Monon Tunnel at 161st Street, and 191st Street will be widened. We will also see the addition of more roundabouts and increased investment in resurfacing our streets.
I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season, and I look forward to what 2025 will bring!
Additional skate times will be available during Westfield Washington Schools’ winter break. Tickets can be purchased at: theiceatgrandjunction.com
MEET YOUR COUNCIL MEMBERS
LETTER FROM PATRICK TAMM, COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Dear Residents,
In the last quarter, I mentioned that we had a busy first half of the year, and that pace has not slowed down.
Over the past several months, we have seen record investment announcements in our community, including new restaurants, mixed-use developments, and the relocation of corporate headquarters. While also bringing more national and international attention with top ten rankings as best places to live in America and LIV Golf’s recent announcement. We believe it is essential to plan for what future generations will want to see in areas such as our downtown, Grand Park, 146th Street, along our trail system, and major corridors. We may not all agree, but we welcome respectful debate. Remember, at the end of the day, we are all neighbors. It is important to highlight that while we will see record investments in our streets and infrastructure next year, we are maintaining our city tax rate at $0.7175 for the third consecutive year, while also keeping healthy reserves.
As the year comes to a close, we wish you a happy and healthy New Year. Thank you for your ongoing support! Please feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions.
Sincerely,
Patrick Tamm | Council President
Jon Dartt
District 1
jdartt@westfield.in.gov
Victor McCarty
District 2 vmccarty@westfield.in.gov
Joe Duepner
District 3 jduepner@westfield.in.gov
Patrick Tamm
District 4
ptamm@westfield.in.gov
Noah Herron
District 5 nherron@westfield.in.gov
Chad Huff
At-Large chuff@westfield.in.gov
Kurt Wanninger
At-Large kwanninger@westfield.in.gov
WHY WILL THERE BE A SPECIAL CENSUS?
The City of Westfield will conduct a special census beginning in April 2025. The city has experienced tremendous growth over the last several years, and the next Federal Census will not be conducted until 2030.
An updated population count, estimated to be an additional 20,000 residents, could help the city qualify for an additional $1.6 million per year for six years. Federal and state funding programs distribute tax dollars based on population data. By participating in the census, Westfield will receive its fair share of funding for roads, schools, infrastructure, and other essential services.
More information will be distributed before the special census begins. Selected residents will be able to participate in the special census online; if you do not respond to their online portal, field representatives will follow up in person to make sure each resident is represented.
SWING BY FOR A CHAT: WESTFIELD’S GOLF CART LISTENING TOUR
We invite residents to a Listening Tour regarding golf cart accessibility in the community. The vision is to expand the network of trails accessible by golf carts and hear concerns from residents. Each meeting will be approximately 90 minutes. We encourage you to attend your district meeting to meet your city councilor, but if a better date or location works for your schedule, each meeting is open to all residents.
DISTRICT 1 WITH JON DARTT
JANUARY 14 AT 6 P.M. | BRIDGEWATER CLUB
DISTRICT 2 & 5 WITH NOAH HERRON & VICTOR MCCARTY
JANUARY 22 AT 6 P.M. | VIKING MEADOWS CLUBHOUSE
DISTRICT 3 WITH JOE DUEPNER
FEBRUARY 6 AT 7 P.M. | CHATHAM HILLS
DISTRICT 4 WITH PATRICK TAMM
JANUARY 20 AT 6 P.M. | HARMONY CLUBHOUSE
We’re proud to announce that the Westfield Police Department is partnering with the Westfield Fire Department to launch the AWARE program in our community!
The AWARE program is a vital campaign through Westfield Police and Fire Departments designed to raise awareness of cognitive disabilities and medical-related impairments among first responders. It’s a proactive initiative focused on de-escalation and mental health awareness, ensuring that individuals who may struggle with comprehension, communication, or compliance receive the understanding and care they need during emergency interactions.
A key feature of the AWARE program is a 4” emblem/sticker that can be placed on vehicles and residences. This serves as a quick, recognizable indicator to first responders that they may be interacting with someone who has a cognitive disorder. This simple tool helps us approach these situations with the informed, intentional care they deserve.
Caregivers can take comfort in knowing that Westfield’s first responders are committed to fostering a safer, more supportive community for their loved ones.
To inquire about program registration, please contact Jamie Pristasch, our Emergency Response Social Worker, at jpristasch@westfield.in.gov
The Advancing Westfield Foundation raised more than $600,000 at the inaugural Mayor’s Grand Gala, thanks to generous sponsors and community support. The event was held at Grand Park Events Center on October 5.
“The inaugural Grand Gala was a resounding success, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. It was a night that brought our community together, showcasing our spirit and passion for the nonprofit partners that serve Westfield so well,” stated Mayor Scott Willis.
The evening’s beneficiaries were Heart and Soul Free Clinic, CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions, and the Westfield Youth Assistance Program.
Scan the QR code to learn more!
GLITZ & GIVING: MAYOR’S GALA HITS A HIGH NOTE
HOLIDAY GIVING DRIVE RETURNS
As the holiday season approaches, Westfield Washington Schools and Westfield Education Foundation are once again launching the Westfield Holiday Giving Program. Following the overwhelming success of last year’s inaugural event, which brought joy to more than 1,200 local students and delivered more than 5,000 gifts, the community is coming together for a second time to ensure every child in Westfield has something to smile about this holiday season.
The program, in partnership with the Westfield Youth Assistance Program, Open Doors of Washington Township, and local churches, aims to spread holiday cheer and alleviate some of the financial stress families may face during this time of year.
Ashley Knott, Director of Community Engagement and Executive Director of the Westfield Education Foundation, said she’s excited for this year’s drive.
“Last year, we saw firsthand how powerful it can be when a community unites to support its own. We are so grateful for everyone who contributed, and this year, we are hoping to make an even greater impact.”
This year’s Holiday Giving Program is underway and has the goal of supporting even more students across Westfield. Community members can get involved in two ways:
1. Make a Fiscal Donation
Financial contributions of any size are welcome. Each donation will go directly toward ensuring every student has something special to open this holiday season.
2. Donate Gift Cards
$25 gift cards are also needed to distribute to families. These can be dropped off at the Westfield Washington Schools Administration Center.
“Each donation and act of kindness truly makes a difference,” Knott said. “It’s a simple way to bring joy to families who may otherwise go without. We hope the community can come together again to make this holiday season unforgettable for so many.”
ALUMNI NIGHT IN THE END ZONE
On Friday, October 4th, we hosted Alumni Night In The End Zone, where the Westfield High School Alumni Association and the Westfield Education Foundation came together to celebrate a memorable evening of Shamrock pride. Alumni from the Class of 1959 to the Class of 2024 were welcomed home to cheer on the Rocks in their victory over Avon. Guests enjoyed delicious food, snacks, desserts, and refreshments provided by Coca-Cola Consolidated, all while reminiscing and sharing their love for Westfield.
Our next Alumni event is scheduled for January 25th at the boys’ basketball game. We look forward to continuing this tradition of pride and connection! To learn more, scan the QR code.
WESTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL LEADING THE WAY IN PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE
Westfield High School is setting the bar for student preparedness with a focus on employability skills and workbased learning. Indiana’s Department of Education standards toward work-based learning, but Westfield has already embraced them. Since creating an internship coordinator position in 2022, Westfield High School has rapidly expanded its opportunities, growing the number of internships from just 50 students two years ago to 162 this school year.
At the heart of this initiative is Michelle Goudy, the school’s Internship Coordinator, who has played a pivotal role in connecting students with businesses and organizations in the community. Her dedication to building partnerships has transformed what it means to be “Life Ready” for Westfield students—whether they choose to further their education, enter the workforce, or enlist in the military after graduation.
Several students are taking full advantage of these opportunities and gaining valuable insights through their internships.
Kylie Amos, a Westfield senior, is learning firsthand about the world of finance through her internship with Bondry Consulting, a local company that helps schools and municipalities with financial planning.
“I’ve learned so much about financial management and consulting,” Amos said. “Being able to see behind-the-scenes of how decisions are made for community-based projects has been eye-opening.”
Claire Comer, another senior, is interning with Rocks Media House, the district’s in-house content creation team. Claire is learning about marketing campaigns, video production, and digital content creation.
“This experience has been an incredible experience,” Comer said. “I’m learning to tell a story and connect with an audience. This internship has really opened my eyes to the possibilities in the field of marketing.”
For Bryannah Rohl, her passion for public safety has led her to an internship with Indiana K9 Search and Recovery, where she is learning to train dogs for law enforcement and search-and-rescue missions.
“Working with Indiana K9 has been life-changing,” Rohl said. “This experience has solidified my desire to work in law enforcement or join the military, and I feel like I’m already making a difference.”
These stories exemplify the range of opportunities available to students at Westfield High School and the district’s vision that All Rocks will be Life Ready on the day after high school.
As the program continues to grow, Westfield High School is seeking local businesses and organizations to provide meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. If your company is interested, please reach out to Michelle Goudy at goudym@wws.k12.in.us.
AMBROSE ON MAIN:
A VISION FOR COMMUNITY & COMMERCE
Rebar Development has introduced plans for Ambrose on Main, a $27 million multi-use development in downtown Westfield, located at the northeast corner of State Road 32/Main Street and East Streets. It will include plaza and courtyard areas, a rooftop patio, and over 12,000 square feet of commercial space. The development will offer 87 one- and two-bedroom apartments with modern amenities. The project was introduced to Westfield City Council in October and, if approved by City Council, is set to start construction in February 2025, with an estimated completion date of July 2026.
WESTFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT UPDATES
• Lieutenant Bobbie Gorrell retired from WPD after 36 years of service–all with WPD
• Westfield Citizens Academy, a 10-week program for Westfield residents to receive first-hand experience in various aspects of police work, wrapped up recently
• New hire! Pamela Kielty, records assistant, started in October
• John Brown, Dalton Brown, and Alexis Couchman are in WPD’s Field Training Officer program, for newly hired officers
• New hire, Ryan Ward, will be attending the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in January
• Officer Josh Adley received his Traffic Crash Reconstructionist Certification (240 training hours)
• Officer Jonathan Mathioudakis received his Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Recertification
WESTFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT UPDATES
• WFD recruits completed 24,500 hours of accumulative training. We celebrate the following graduates: Macquire Bernath, Katie Davis, Aaron Wardlaw, Brandon Estes, Matt Anderson, Claire Vahary, George Kelly, and Quinten Miller
• Three new engineers were appointed: Zach Abbott, Taylor Debaun, and Shaun Barnett
• Mike Blech has been appointed as Logistics Chief
• A new ladder truck, L381, has been introduced and 270 hours of training were completed before it went into service
• WFD donated old fire engines to Westfield High School for their fire safety program
BIG IDEAS, BIGGER SPACE: GRAND UNIVERSE COMES TO WESTFIELD
Grand Universe, an innovative STEM learning destination, announced plans for a 66+ acre multi-use development near Grand Park. The project, spanning four districts, will offer a mix of education, entertainment, recreation, and tourism. Phase 1, focused on a science and space center, has an investment of over $300 million, with future phases potentially exceeding $700 million.
The Grand Universe District will feature a 170,000-square-foot science and space center, including one of the world’s largest full-dome planetariums for immersive 360-degree experiences. The Resort District will offer a space-themed hotel, convention center, and access to the Monon Trail. The Town Center District will combine retail, office, and high-density residential spaces. At the same time, the Sports Entertainment District will include sports, arts and entertainment venues, outdoor plazas, and a creek park with trails.
The project was introduced at the November 11 Westfield City Council meeting and had a public hearing at the December 2 Advisory Plan Commission (APC) meeting. The City Council and Redevelopment Commission will consider tax increment financing to assist with infrastructure costs in February 2025.
CONCEPT IMAGES FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY PROVIDED BY BROWNING DAY
ADVANCING WESTFIELD 2045 UPDATE
The City approved a contract with Rundell Ernstberger Associates, Inc. (REA) in August to advance the Comprehensive Planning process through seven different phases. Currently, work is progressing in Phase 1 (Baseline Assessment Phase), which began in September and will continue through December. During this phase, REA will collect and analyze relevant documents, studies, land uses, and data. They will perform several analyses, including market/fiscal, trail, equity, utility infrastructure, and a residential housing market study.
In addition, Phase 2 (Local Capacity Building) began in October and is projected to continue through December. During this phase, REA, with City staff support, will coordinate recurring check-in meetings, organize a steering committee and focus groups, conduct a city-wide tour, and develop a project brand. This phase will also include public engagement opportunities for the community to be involved in the comprehensive plan process.
For more information on the Comprehensive Plan Schedule, please see below:
PHASE 6 (PREPARATION FOR ADOPTION): 3 Months (November 2025 – January 2026) *dates are subject to change
LIV-ING LARGE: CHATHAM HILLS TO HOST 2025 GOLF TOURNAMENT
Chatham Hills will host LIV Golf Indianapolis from August 15 - 17, 2025. The event promises to showcase top-tier talent and provide an unforgettable experience for golf enthusiasts and sports fans of all ages.
LIV Golf Indianapolis will feature many of the best players in the sport competing across three days of intense individual and team competition as players vie for the coveted 2025 LIV Golf League Individual Champion title, final spots in the 2025 individual standings, and seeds for the team championship. As the regular season finale of the LIV Golf League, known for its innovation and commitment to enhancing the fan experience, the tournament in Westfield is set to deliver excitement both on and off the course.
“We are excited to bring LIV Golf to Westfield and the state of Indiana for the first time,” said Mayor Scott Willis. “Not only is the city known for hosting large tournaments nearly every weekend in the summer at Grand Park, but add in Chatham Hills’ reputation for hosting top-tier golf tournaments, recently including the MAC Collegiate Championship, we know this will be a spectacular event.”
The City of Westfield, Henke Development, Chatham Hills, Visit Hamilton County, and the Indiana Sports Corp all contributed to LIV Golf’s selection of Chatham Hills.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DATA
NUMBERS TO NEIGHBORHOODS: DATA’S ROLE IN COMMUNITY GROWTH
The 2024 data so far does not include numbers from October, November, or December. However, the city has already set a new record for the total value of permits this year, reaching $594.7 million, and this trend is expected to continue through the end of the year, making 2024 the highest year for permit values.
Although the numbers were lower in the third quarter, the number of single-family homes being built in 2024 is expected to surpass last year’s total (948 homes YTD, 1,149 by the end of the year), setting a new record for the most single-family home starts since 2021 (1,382 homes).
The number of new projects filed in 2024 is also rising, with 102 filed so far, compared to 75 last year. The year-end total is expected to reach around 135 projects, similar to the totals seen in 2020 and 2022, which were above average.
WHAT’S
A Letter from our President
It’s been another great year at the Chamber! With over 430 members and counting, we continue to advocate for our partners while building a vibrant and prosperous community through business leadership. Our mission is to inspire, connect, and educate businesses and their employees as we continue to build and grow Westfield. The growth happening in Westfield makes it such an exciting time to be a visitor, resident, or business in our city. With new additions coming in the hospitality space, healthcare industry, school system, and morethere is truly a place for everyone here!
We encourage and welcome you to get involved and let us connect you to our wonderful membership. The people, businesses, and organizations in Westfield provide a wealth of resources that extend our expertise, and we are always happy to keep connections growing in Westfield.
To learn more about how we can assist you, please visit westfieldchamberindy.com.
Lantern Awards
The Westfield Lantern Awards is a time-honored tradition of the Westfield Chamber of Commerce. The signature community recognition event began in 1982. The 2025 Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday, January 30 from 6 P.M. - 9 P.M. at the Prairie Waters Event Center in Westfield. If you would like to nominate a business or individual for their impact in 2024, please visit westfieldchamberindy.com
Holiday Luncheon
The Chamber’s Annual Meeting & Holiday Luncheon brings our membership and community leaders together to reflect on the past year, share plans for the year to come, and celebrate the success of both the Chamber and the community. Join us on Thursday, December 12 at The Bridgewater Club to celebrate 2024 and receive updates from our Board of Directors.
