When staging two major community events in celebration of the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse, a world of preparation – and resources – are required. Hamilton County Parks and Recreation staff, collaborating with Hamilton County Tourism and Hamilton County Government, have been planning for this once-in-a-lifetime cosmic coincidence for more than a year.
Part of that planning included identifying and reaching out to organizations and businesses that recognized the value in sponsoring such unique events taking place at Cool Creek Park and Strawtown Koteewi Park on April 8. Fortunately, the parks department has partnered in the past with a number of local organizations and businesses that have a stake in serving Hamilton County.
One such organization that is providing support for the events is the Duke Energy Foundation.
LaBarr
“We are excited to support the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department’s efforts to create a memorable and educational experience for our community during the total solar eclipse,” said Mark LaBarr, government and community relations manager at Duke Energy. “Our financial support will enhance the festivities taking place at Strawtown Koteewi Park, where the Duke Energy Foundation-sponsored ‘Be Naturally Curious’ nature education trailer will provide hands-on programming for guests of all ages.”
The Duke Energy Foundation is joined by other equally-community minded organizations and companies. Hamilton County Tourism, through its 2024 Tourism Gives Support Program, awarded funds in support of the event. The list of other sponsors of these special, eclipse-inspired events includes Ashlin Hadden Insurance, Community First Bank of Indiana, Compass Realty, Fredericks Contractors, JP Morgan, and Sobczak Construction.
Don Nicholls, now retired Resource Development Specialist for Hamilton County Parks, understands better than most that prospective partners are selective about the organizations and events they choose to support.
“The Duke Energy Foundation is an excellent example of an organization that expects its support to be utilized in such a way as to better the community it serves,” Nichols said. “It takes more than a village to stage such events. It takes companies like Duke Energy and our other valued sponsors to commit their resources to ensure a quality and memorable experience.”
For registration details about Hamilton County Parks and Recreation’s April 8 Total Solar Eclipse events: Moon Market at Taylor Center of Natural History and Park Side of the Moon at Cool Creek Park, or to view the collection of Total Solar Eclipse merchandise the parks department is offering in their online store, visit MyHamiltonCountyParks.com or call (317) 770-4400.
The Duke Energy Foundation-sponsored “Be Naturally Curious” nature education trailer will offer programming throughout the Moon Market eclipse event taking place at Strawtown Koteewi Park on Monday, April 8. (Photos provided by Hamilton County Parks & Recreation)