County Parks honored with state award for HC Farms

Hamilton County Parks and Recreation (HCPR) recently received the Clark Ketchum Conservation Award at the annual Indiana Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) conference.

This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding achievement in conservation stewardship. HCPR earned the award for its transformative work on HC Farms, a 107-acre property in Westfield that showcases the department’s commitment to preserving natural resources and creating exceptional recreational opportunities to the community.

“We are truly honored to receive this award,” HCPR Director Chris Stice said. “This award isn’t just about what we’ve accomplished – it’s about what lies ahead. We are committed to continuing our mission of conservation and providing meaningful outdoor experiences for our community. This recognition inspires us to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in parks and recreation.”

HC Farms is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, including seven streams, wetlands, and dramatic ravines with cliffs rising 30 to 40 feet. This topography is a rarity in Hamilton County and underscores the urgency of preserving this land, which was previously slated for luxury housing development.

In partnership with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the National Park Service, HCPR secured more than $2.8 million in funding through Indiana’s In-Lieu Fee Program and the Land and Water Conservation Fund. These funds supported extensive restoration efforts completed by Stantec, a third-party entity. The restoration efforts included conversion of farmland to wetland areas, stream rehabilitation, and invasive species management.

When it opens to the public in 2025, HC Farms will feature 2.5 miles of trails, including ADA-accessible routes, allowing visitors to explore prairies, wetlands, and old-growth forests. The project’s success lies not only in its environmental impact but also in its community focus, creating a space for education, recreation, and connection to nature.

“When you walk through HC Farms, you can’t help but feel a profound sense of peace and wonder,” Stice said. “From the towering sycamores to the meandering streams, it’s a place that showcases Indiana’s natural beauty like no other. To know that our work will help protect and preserve this land for generations to come is incredibly humbling.”