Forest Park Golf Course enjoys a rich history in the city of Valparaiso. A long-time mainstay in the Northwest Indiana golfing community, the course offers long, tree-ined fairways on the front nine and a hilly, challenging back nine.

Established in the 1920s as a six-hole course by William and Blanche Schleman, free golfing privileges were offered to those purchasing lots in the surrounding Forest Park housing community being developed by the Schlemans. One early golfer reports “ . . . fairways of this original course were blanketed with ragweeds, burdocks, thistles, and all such types of gifts from nature’s bounties. The greens were mowed with a scythe. Many of us used rubber golf balls that bounced joyously . . .”

The Schleman family donated the golf course to the city in 1947 with the stipulation it be restored and operated as a municipal facility. Shortly thereafter, 40 acres of land were acquired adjacent to the property, and the course was expanded to nine-holes with a clubhouse. Construction of the course was supervised by Harry Williamson, who later became golf course manager. Dedication was held on June 19, 1949, with William Schleman teeing up the first ball. Forest Park hired its first PGA professional, Richard Dodds, in 1954.

Thirty years later, 50+ acres were purchased north of the existing course to create an additional nine holes and a new clubhouse. James Spear of St. Charles, Illinois, was hired as course architect. The new nine holes were numbered 1 through 9, while the existing holes became 10 through 18. A dedication ceremony was held on May 31, 1973. Among those teeing off that day was Helen Schleman, daughter of the original donor.

Many leagues and groups call Forest Park Golf Course their home. Valparaiso’s City League began with 12 teams in April of 1952 and has grown through the years to host over 30 teams. The inaugural Vidette Messenger (now the Porter Amateur) tournament was played at Forest Park in 1955. Golf Digest has named Forest Park one of “Best Places to Play” and awarded it 3½ stars.