IU alum Will Shortz donates childhood property to Crawfordsville for new nature park

Jill Bond, The Herald-Times
·3 min read
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CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. ― Indiana University graduate Will Shortz, whose IU degree in enigmatology makes him the only academically accredited puzzlemaster, has donated the land he grew up on in Crawfordsville to the city for development of a nature park. The 47-acre plot, located near the intersection of Ind. 47 and Ind. 32, is on the city's southwest side, according to a news release.

Will Shortz, crossword editor for the New York Times, designed his own major at Indiana University and is active in many puzzle organizations.
Will Shortz, crossword editor for the New York Times, designed his own major at Indiana University and is active in many puzzle organizations.

Who is Will Shortz?

Will Shortz is best known as The New York Times crossword puzzle editor. He graduated from IU in 1974 after completing a program he designed in enigmatology, or the study of puzzles. He also has been the puzzle master for NPR's "Weekend Edition Sunday" since it began in 1987. The PBS documentary film "Wordplay" focuses on Shortz's career and the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament he founded and directs.

Podcast with Will Shortz:A Puzzlemaster's Tale: An interview with Will Shortz

Shortz was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha while at IU. Shortz delivered the IU commencement address in 2008. Shortz has also said he intends to donate his large collection of puzzles to IU's Lilly Library where it will enhance the Jerry Slocum Puzzle Room, which opened in 2006.

How will Crawfordsville use the donated land?

Crawfordsville intends to use the land, currently owned by Shortz, on the city's southwest side to develop a puzzle-themed nature park. Preliminary plans call for a public parking area, trails connecting to the Sugar Creek Trail, a small bridge spanning the stream that flows through the property, a sledding hill, and a small picnic area.

The park will be named the Shortz Nature Park in honor of the Shortz family.

“The property is beautifully wooded and within walking distance, for most people to enjoy. I truly appreciate Mr. Shortz’s generosity and willingness to set this land aside for the enjoyment of all,” said Crawfordsville Mayor Todd Barton.

What are the next steps for Shortz Nature Park?

The City of Crawfordsville will apply for a Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to pay for many of the amenities that will be a part of the new park. Grant awards will be announced in 2024. Upon learning the status of grant funding, Crawfordsville will engage the services of a professional design team and seek public input as plans for the new park are developed.

In addition to the Shortz Nature Park, the City of Crawfordsville will be simultaneously developing the Brickyard Nature Park on a 100-acre parcel of land located on the north side of the city, with funding provided by Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI). The Brickyard Nature Park is scheduled to be completed by June 2024.

Will Shortz, crossword editor for the New York Times, designed his own major at Indiana University and is active in many puzzle organizations.
Will Shortz, crossword editor for the New York Times, designed his own major at Indiana University and is active in many puzzle organizations.

What did Will Shortz say about the donation?

“I'm donating the property to honor my parents, Lyle and Wilma Shortz; my sister, the late April Curtis; and my brother, Richard Shortz," Will Shortz said. "I owe so much to Crawfordsville. It pleases me that the land will continue to be enjoyed by others.”

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Will Shortz family property to become nature park in Crawfordsville