ABOUT JEAN SHEPHERD
COMMUNITY CENTER &
DOWLING ATHLETIC COMPLEX

Welcome to the Jean Shepherd Community Center in Hammond, Indiana—a place rich with history and hometown pride! Named after Jean Shepherd, the beloved writer and radio personality, the center celebrates the legacy of a local icon whose work inspired the fictional town of Hohman (based on Hammond itself) and the timeless holiday classic, "A Christmas Story".

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Jean Shepherd, born in 1921, grew up in the nearby Hessville neighborhood and left an indelible mark on the community. 

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The Jean Shepherd Community Center and Dowling Athletic Complex are impressive facilities with over 30,000 square feet of space, which includes state-of-the-art pickleball courts, baseball fields, soccer fields, and a running track. It is the perfect place for community events and sports programs alike.​

 

The Dowling Sports Complex is proud to be home to Purdue Northwest athletics! Our comprehensive outdoor athletic facility houses the playing fields for the PNW’s baseball, men’s & women’s soccer, softball and men’s & women’s tennis programs.​

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So, whether you’re here for some Hessville history, a game of pickleball, or simply to gather with friends, the Jean Shepherd Community Center is a welcoming spot for everyone in the heart of Hammond. Come be part of the story!