05/12/2026
NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING TONIGHT
Our next meeting is TONIGHT, Tuesday, May 12, from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM at the Banta Activity Center at 605 Beech Street, Valparaiso, IN 46383.
The entrance is located on the West side of the building (the side with the large parking lot, NOT the playground.) Please feel free to come on in no matter what time you arrive.
All our neighbors (residents, not just homeowners) and the general public are welcome to attend.
Dinner, refreshments and desserts will be served first before the meeting. There will always be a vegetarian option. Dinner is served at 5:30 PM and we usually catch up with our neighbors and eat for the first 20-30 minutes.
It is okay if you come mid meeting or have children with you. We are happy to have all our neighbors attend and would prefer that you attend rather than not attend, even if you are late.
If you know someone new who has moved into the neighborhood or you have a neighbor who has never been to one of our meetings or events, please invite them and get the word out about our association. You do not have to be a homeowner to attend; we are open to the public.
What is the Banta Neighborhood?
The Banta neighborhood is a historical Valparaiso neighborhood located in the heart of Valparaiso. It is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. It is defined by the borders of Morgan Boulevard to the west, Lincolnway Highway to the south, Roosevelt Road to the east, and the railroad that intersects Morgan and Calumet to the north. It is anchored by the Banta Activity Center, a nearly 100 year old brick school building, at 605 Beech Street which lends its name to the neighborhood.
What is the Banta Neighborhood Association?
The Banta Neighborhood Association (BNA) is a nonprofit community organization established by the residents of the Banta neighborhood to meet regularly and discuss issues directly affecting our neighborhood, the city, and its citizens, as well as a place to get to know our neighbors and advocate for improvements for the neighborhood.
The BNA also actively hosts regular events and volunteer opportunities to highlight and improve the neighborhood, as well as bring all of our residents closer together. The BNA is NOT a homeowners association and is run entirely by volunteers. There are no dues. The BNA is not a political, religious or otherwise aligned organization and is open to any and all residents of the Banta neighborhood.
The BNA regularly meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 at the Banta Activity Center, 605 Beech Street. The meetings run from 5:30-7:00. Food, refreshments, and dessert are provided. The meetings cover an established agenda that is published beforehand and may include a guest speaker, such as candidates for political office, local elected officials and leaders, experts, and others who can provide information and guidance to the organization. The meetings are open to the community, even those who do not live in the Banta neighborhood but are interested in our group, neighborhood, or guest speaker.
What is the Banta Activity Center?
The Banta Activity Center is a historical school building owned and operated by the Valpo Parks Department. The Center operates senior enrichment programs during the day from 9 AM - 3 PM for adults ages 50 and up for an annual ($60) or semi-annual ($35) membership fee. The Center offers a variety of services and programs for seniors as part of their membership, including card games, bingo, mahjong, ping pong, writing workshops, movies, dancing, exercise, and complimentary lunches (with a suggested donation of $1.50).
The Center also offers youth enrichment activities after school and is available to be rented out to the community, offering a multi-purpose room with kitchen and restroom access for family or group functions. There is also a playground adjacent to the Center which has been improved over the years with grants applied for by the BNA with the cooperation of the City of Valparaiso and the Valpo Parks Dept.
