[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 31 (Friday, February 26, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E237-E238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING ROBERT NICKOVICH UPON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 26, 2016

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand before you and my 
colleagues today to honor Mr. Robert Nickovich and to wish him well 
upon his retirement. Since 1981, Bob has served as Chief Executive 
Officer of the Lake County, Indiana, Parks and Recreation Department. 
Throughout the years, he has devoted his time and efforts to improving 
the quality of life for residents and visitors of Northwest Indiana. 
For his lifetime of service, Mr. Nickovich will be honored at a 
retirement dinner at Turkey Creek Banquet Hall in Merrillville, 
Indiana, on Friday, February 26, 2016.
  Robert began his career with the Lake County Parks and Recreation 
Department as a recreation supervisor in 1972, at which time there was 
only one park site managed by the department. Since then, the Lake 
County Parks land has grown immensely, expanding from 400 to nearly 
7,000 acres within eleven parks throughout the county. This land 
includes nature preserves, historic sites, trails, parks, and family-
friendly facilities. In 1995, Bob played a major role in the creation 
of Deep River Waterpark in Merrillville. The facility is nationally 
recognized and continues to be a tremendous asset to the economy of 
Lake County, generating millions of visitors since its opening. 
Bellaboo's Play and Discovery Center was also created under Mr. 
Nickovich's direction in 2006. Located at Three Rivers County Park in 
Lake Station, Bellaboo's provides a hands-on early learning experience 
for children. The award winning facility exhibits the significant 
connection between play and early learning. Through his work with the 
Indiana Park and Recreation Association, the National Association of 
County Park and Recreation Officials, the Great Lakes Regional Council, 
the Indiana Grand Kankakee Marsh Restoration Project Steering 
Committee, and the North American Coastal Project, Bob has been an 
exceptional leader and passionate activist for parks and recreation in 
Northwest Indiana and beyond.
  What is little known is Bob's inestimable help with the creation of 
the Marquette Plan. At its genesis, if there was a question on a 
concept or utilization issue, Robert received my first call. The Plan 
is in every way improved because of his sage counsel.
  In addition to his work with parks and recreation in Lake County, Mr. 
Nickovich has also given of his time through his involvement in various 
community organizations including, but not limited to, Lake County's 
Community Foundation--The Legacy Foundation, and

[[Page E238]]

Waterfowl USA--Northwest Chapter, and he has also served on the board 
of directors for the Drifting Dunes Girl Scout Council.
  Bob's dedication to his community throughout his career is exceeded 
only by his devotion to his amazing family. Bob and his wonderful wife, 
Julie, have one son, Jim, and two beloved grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I have known Bob Nickovich for my entire adult life and 
am lucky to have him as a friend. Our region and state have been 
enriched because of his life of selfless public service. Future 
generations will profit from his foresight and exemplary work, and his 
impact on the region will be witnessed for years to come. For his many 
contributions, Bob is worthy of our gratitude and admiration. I ask 
that you join me in wishing him well upon his retirement.

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