Patron in the City: Deb Arseneau
We believe that passionate individuals can spur change in their communities. We refer to those individuals as Patrons in the City, dedicating their time, sweat, and tears to building vibrant communities.
Deb Arseneau, Health & Human Sciences Extension Educator, has served Purdue Newton County Extension in Morocco, Indiana, for over 30 years. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with families, schools, and community partners to help individuals strengthen their relationships, improve their health, and achieve financial wellness.
Recent data published about Newton County, Indiana, revealed that residents struggled with obesity and had limited access to recreational opportunities.
Deb had an idea for an outdoor gym to create a place for residents to gather, exercise, and build healthy lives together. Collaborating with local leaders, she got to work on a place-changing project to improve the quality of life in her community.
Purdue Newton County Extension, the Town of Morocco, Newton County, and the Jasper Newton Foundation joined forces to create Chris LaCosse Park, a multigenerational wellness park featuring a half-mile paved walking path, a senior fitness zone, a story walk, an outdoor classroom, and gathering spaces.
In the summer of 2024, a crowdfunding campaign was launched to build the park with an ambitious goal of $50,000. The campaign was selected for the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority's (IHCDA) CreatINg Places crowdgranting program. If the campaign reached its goal, the project would receive a $50,000 matching grant. With the park's benefits for Hoosiers 50-plus, the project was also selected for AARP Indiana’s CreatINg Livable Communities crowdgranting program, in partnership with the IHCDA, offering an additional $5,000 match if the project reached its goal.
With the potential to secure $55,000 in matching funds, the community rallied together to meet the campaign goal.
On October 16, 2024, the campaign crossed the finish line, with 53 community patrons contributing $51,000, unlocking $55,000 in matching funds to make the park a reality.
The park celebrated its grand opening on May 25, 2025. Today, the park provides free, year-round recreational opportunities and serves as a symbol of community pride and healthy living in Newton County.
We recently spoke with Deb to learn more about the project and the power of collaboration.
Patronicity: Tell us about your community!
Deb: Newton County is a rural community in Indiana. Despite facing challenges like limited access to fitness facilities and a nearly 40% obesity rate, our residents are deeply committed to improving quality of life. The Town of Morocco exemplifies this spirit—individuals and agencies came together to support this initiative that promotes health, connection, and community well-being.
Patronicity: What was your project? Why was it needed?
Deb: Our project was the creation of Chris LaCosse Park in Morocco, Indiana—a vibrant community space designed for outdoor fitness, family activities, and educational engagement. With few gyms or exercise options available locally, residents lacked access to spaces that promote healthy lifestyles. This park fills that gap, addressing a critical need for accessible wellness opportunities and safe outdoor spaces.
Patronicity: What inspired you to get involved in this project?
Deb: An outdoor gym has been a long-time goal of mine. After reaching out to various partners, we found we shared similar dreams to support healthy lifestyles. The collaboration between Purdue Extension, the Town of Morocco, local agencies, and community members reflected a shared vision: to build a space that encourages active living, supports all age groups, and strengthens social connection in our town. That shared purpose inspired us to bring Chris LaCosse Park to life.
Patronicity: How has the project changed your community?
Deb: Chris LaCosse Park has provided a dedicated space for physical activity, learning, and connection. The walking path, senior fitness zone, story walk, and outdoor classroom have already created new routines and touchpoints for residents of all ages. It's exciting to see all of the elements come together.
Patronicity: How has the community responded to your project?
Deb: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. More than 50 donors—individuals, organizations, and agencies—rallied to support the park. Community members are using the walking paths, enjoying the fitness equipment, and expressing excitement about the upcoming features. It’s clear that people feel a sense of ownership and pride in what’s been created.
Patronicity: What do you hope community members take away from this project?
Deb: We hope residents see that positive, lasting change is possible when we come together. We want people to feel inspired to take care of themselves, support one another, and show an interest in their community.
Patronicity: How did the matching dollars from the IHCDA & AARP Indiana support your project and further its impact on the community?
Deb: The matching funds from the IHCDA and AARP Indiana’s CreatINg Livable Communities partnership were instrumental. They not only doubled our fundraising impact but also added credibility and momentum to our efforts. This support helped us turn vision into reality—allowing us to build infrastructure that meets the needs of all ages and supports aging in place, wellness, and intergenerational connection.
Patronicity: What could other communities learn from your project?
Deb: Other communities can learn that partnerships are powerful. When local government, nonprofits, educators, and residents unite around a common goal, real change is possible. Focus groups, youth engagement (like student designers), and creative funding sources—such as matching grants—can all drive progress. Even in small towns, big dreams are achievable with collaboration and perseverance.
Patronicity: If someone wanted to become more involved in their community, what advice would you give them?
Deb: Start small, but stay consistent. Get involved in local meetings, talk to your neighbors, and volunteer with existing initiatives. Listen to the needs of your community, and don’t be afraid to lead when something matters to you. Most importantly, remember that every effort—no matter how small—contributes to something greater.
Deb's work reminds us that transformative change doesn't require massive budgets or resources; it requires vision, collaboration, and a community willing to invest in itself. Chris LaCosse Park stands as proof that when local government, nonprofits, educators, and residents unite around a shared goal, even small towns can achieve extraordinary things.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead
Ready to become a patron in your city? Launch your place-changing project today at patronicity.com.
