Grant will go toward new parks offices

The Hamilton County Department of Parks and Recreation has received a $100,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The money will go toward a new main office for the department.

An existing building in the 300 block of Lafayette Road in Noblesville will become headquarters for the park system next year. The grant will go for renovation of the building, says park board president Terry Prather.

For many years the park department offices have been housed in a former residence adjoining Cool Creek Park south of Westfield.

County officials purchased the Lafayette Road location earlier this year. It will also house the office of the Hamilton County Coroner which currently shares space in the county health department building.

The park operation is administered by Chris Stice who oversees operations in 13 parks throughout the county. which have been cited as among the best county parks in the state.