The Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department (HCPR) was honored with a Great Lakes Park, Facility, or Program Award at the annual Great Lakes Park Training Institute (GLPTI) conference.
Held at Pokagon State Park in Angola, Ind., GLPTI is the longest-running conference dedicated to parks and recreation professionals. The award recognizes recently completed projects that demonstrate innovation, cost-effective design, meaningful community engagement, and enduring impact. HCPR earned the award for the restoration and installation of the Bell Ford Bridge, a singular piece of Indiana engineering history. The restored bridge is now a defining feature of Geist Park, serving as a pedestrian thoroughfare and connecting visitors to a unique piece of local history.
“We are truly honored to receive this award,” HCPR Director Chris Stice said. “The restoration of the Bell Ford Bridge represents an extraordinary collaborative effort and reflects our department’s commitment to historic preservation, innovation, and delivering meaningful experiences for our community. We are proud to see this project recognized by our peers across the Great Lakes region.”
Photo provided
Constructed in 1869 to cross the East Fork of the White River in Jackson County, the Bell Ford Bridge is the only known Combination Post Truss Bridge remaining in the world. After collapsing in 2006 as a result of storm damage, the structure was carefully disassembled and placed into storage while preservation options were explored.
In 2018, Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt and the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department reached an agreement with the Jackson County Commissioners to acquire the bridge through a $25,000 donation to the Jackson County Round Barn Restoration Fund.
The Hamilton County Commissioners were presented with the 2026 Great Lakes Park, Facility & Program Award. (From left) Brad Davis, County Highway Director; Chris Stice, County Parks Director; Commissioner Christine Altman; Commissioner Mark Heribrandt; and Joel Thurman, County Highway Engineer. (Photo provided)
Once the bridge was acquired by Hamilton County, the project was led by HCPR and the County Highway Department. Completion of the project was made possible through a unique collaboration with Jackson County, the City of Fishers, INDOT, Fall Creek Township Trustee Doug Allman, and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), who provided $2.77 million in funding. Despite the complex nature of the restoration – including the reuse of 90 percent of the original cast iron components – the team overcame significant engineering and logistical challenges to bring the bridge back to life.
The bridge also connects with the new Geist Greenway, a federally supported pedestrian trail that links neighborhoods from 96th Street to 131st Street in Fishers. The joint planning effort ensures both infrastructure and recreation are enhanced for future generations.
“We’re incredibly proud to give the Bell Ford Bridge a new home at Geist Park,” Stice said. “It’s rare that a park feature can offer beauty, function, and historical significance all in one. We look forward to welcoming the public to walk across this one-of-a-kind bridge.”