Basketball Courts Named "Legends Park"; Dedication Set for September 5
From the Montpelier Common Council meeting on August 10, 2026
The basketball courts behind the Montpelier Civic Center have been officially named "Legends Park" by the Park Board, with a dedication ceremony planned for Jamboree Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 2 p.m.
Four Montpelier sports legends will be honored with permanent sign boards featuring photos and achievements:
Joel Chapman Daly — women's professional basketball, inducted into both the Blackford County and Indiana State Basketball Hall of Fame
Joni Phelps — National Hall of Fame member with the All American Red Heads, a historic women's professional basketball team
Ed Kirschner — grew up in Montpelier, set the school scoring record, later coached state and national championships in Florida
Jimmy Risk — at one point the number-one horseshoe player in the country, who played horseshoes with President Truman and Admiral Nimitz
Future plans include honoring state-level athletes, college athletes, and sectional championship basketball teams.
Source: Meeting transcript — Montpelier Common Council Meeting August 10 2026
Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.
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