The County Line
The Hamilton County Parks system began 50 years ago with virtually no land and no money, but today is the envy of the state. The park board and friends celebrated the county parks’ history with an impressive party Friday night at the Ritz Charles in Carmel.
About 200 enjoyed the “birthday party” and fundraiser which included a huge birthday cake, live music, an auction, reading from part of the U.S. Congressional Record and a state legislative resolution congratulating the county parks department on its progress over the past half-century.
The Indiana House of Representatives issued a resolution honoring the Hamilton County Parks for 50 years of service. Indiana State Representative Kathy Richardson presented the resolution at Friday evening’s Oh, What a Night! celebration.
Parks Director Al Patterson revealed plans for the next major project which involves construction of a conservatory at Coxhall Gardens.
The county park system developed its first project, Potters Bridge Park, in 1969. It was followed by Cool Creek Park. Strawtown-Koteewi, the largest park of some 750 acres, followed in 2004. There are now a dozen parks covering a total of about 1,700 acres.
Within the parks are a vast number of cultural and recreational opportunities, including formal gardens, a natural history center, campgrounds, horseback riding trails and a swimming beach among others.
Entertainment and educational programs are also offered for the public at many of the parks including outdoor concerts, nature walks, tours of the Coxhall mansion, even something called Pajama-Rama.
County parks are located throughout the county and officials continue their efforts to preserve green space in the face of rapidly expanding residential and business development. The department under Patterson’s leadership has 15 fulltime employees, numerous seasonal workers and dozens of volunteers.
Admission to all parks is free to county residents. Funds are raised by county property taxes, rental of certain facilities, fundraising functions and contributions from business and individuals.