NEIGHBORHOOD LEADER HONORED BY GOVERNOR-MAYOR-FAMILY-FRIENDS

On Friday, June 13th government officials, neighborhood leaders, friends, neighbors, and family gathered at 6019 Allendale Court in Waynedale to honor Paul Rykard. Mayor Graham Richard presented the Sagamore of the Wabash Award to Paul for his commitment to the Belle Vista/Allendale neighborhood.

 

“It is a great honor for me to present Paul with the Governor’s Sagamore of the Wabash Award,” said Mayor Richard. “As a neighborhood president Paul has fully embraced the concept of community-oriented government and has been a very effective leader.”

 

As President of the Belle Vista/Allendale Neighborhood Association since 1995, Rykard and other association officers have advocated on behalf of their neighborhood with City government for numerous improvement projects including the repair of the Fairfield Ditch, painting hydrants, new curbs, new water lines, and guard rails. As a result, more than $1 million of improvements have been made in the Belle Vista/Allendale neighborhood.

 

In nominating Rykard for the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, Mayor Richard, City Clerk Sandy Kennedy and Fourth District City Councilman Tom Hayhurst described Rykard as a tenacious leader who has helped strengthen the role of the Southwest Area Partnership as a potent “can-do” force in the Fort Wayne community.

In addition to receiving the award, the City of Fort Wayne has also named the Allendale traffic island, at Kimberley and Belle Vista, in honor of Mr. Rykard.