William and Blanche Schleman were recognized as forward-looking and community-minded citizens of Valparaiso. In 1921, the real estate company of which William Schleman was president bought the farmland that is now Forest Park. Through his foresight and vision, this beautiful home area was planned and developed. In 1947, William and Blanche Schleman gave the Forest Park Golf Course and the land adjoining it on the south to the Valparaiso Park District as a permanent park and recreation area to be used and enjoyed by all the citizens of the community.