[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 11, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E347]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            MR. CARL FISHER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 11, 2008

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I pay 
tribute to one of the most caring, dedicated, and selfless citizens of 
Indiana's First Congressional District, Mr. Carl Fisher, longtime 
superintendent of the Portage Parks Department. After serving the 
people of Portage, IN, in this capacity for the past 24 years, Carl 
announced his retirement from this position. In honor of Carl, a 
retirement party will be held by friends and members of his staff on 
Friday, March 14, 2008, at Sycamore Hall of Woodland Park in Portage, 
IN.
  Following his graduation in 1964 from Grace College in Winona Lake, 
IN, Carl, an avid nature enthusiast, eventually went on to pursue his 
master's degree in recreation park administration at Indiana 
University. After completing his master's degree in 1975, he was hired 
as the district recreation supervisor for the Montgomery County 
Recreation and Parks Department. Carl held this position until 1977, at 
which time he took over as the park supervisor for the Goshen Park and 
Recreation Department. Carl remained in this capacity until 1983 before 
relocating to Northwest Indiana, where he took over as superintendent 
of the Portage Parks Department, a position he would faithfully serve 
for the next 24 years.
  Since taking over at the Portage Parks Department, Carl's 
contributions to Northwest Indiana have stretched far beyond his 
everyday responsibilities as superintendent. It was in large part 
through his efforts that the Portage Township Community Historical 
Society was created. This led to the acquisition and development of 
Countryside Park as a historical attraction for the City of Portage.
  In addition, Carl's vision and constant efforts to improving outdoor 
recreation, and more specifically, trail development, in Northwest 
Indiana have been unparalleled. Carl was a catalyst in the formation of 
the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission's Regional 
Bikeways Committee, which would later become the Ped and Pedal 
Committee. Under his vision and leadership, which includes the 
establishment of the Portage Parks and Recreation Foundation, Northwest 
Indiana has seen a vast increase in acreage and funding obtained for 
the development of its parks and trails. Astonishingly, during Carl's 
tenure as superintendent, Portage has seen the establishment of 11 
parks and 2 city-wide trails.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in commending Carl Fisher for his lifetime of leadership, 
service, and dedication to the residents of Portage, IN. He has touched 
the lives of many residents and visitors in Northwest Indiana. While we 
will all miss Carl's true service and uncompromising dedication, I ask 
that you join me in wishing him well upon his retirement.

                          ____________________