AVON, IN (December 10, 2024) –When volunteers formed the Hendricks County Bicentennial Steering Committee in the spring of 2023, they knew in addition to celebrating the county’s 200-year anniversary and honoring its past, they needed to leave something behind for future generations.
Local leaders gathered this week at W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park in Avon, Indiana, for the announcement and groundbreaking of the Hendricks County Bicentennial Tree Trail, a project that will showcase 100 different tree species all native to the Hoosier state.
“We wanted to leave a legacy, something tangible that 100 years from now when Hendricks County is celebrating their 300th anniversary, they could see what we did,” said Patricia Baldwin, co-chair of the Hendricks County Bicentennial Steering Committee. “When this suggestion surfaced, and we learned there was a statewide need for this kind of amenity, we knew this had to be our legacy project.”
The Hendricks County Bicentennial Steering Committee partnered with the Hendricks County Parks Department and The Parks Foundation of Hendricks County to find a home for the Bicentennial Tree Trail. It will be one of only two such trails in Indiana featuring virtually every tree native to Indiana in one place with signage identifying every tree. The only other trail of its kind in the state is the Indiana Veterans Memorial Mile in Terre Haute.
“The new park amenity will not only be unique to Hendricks County but will have regional and statewide significance as a primary destination for park patrons to physically view the wealth of native trees throughout our great state,” said Ryan Lemley, Hendricks County Parks Superintendent. “True to our roots, this legacy project will preserve and enhance our community for years to come.”
The Tree Trail will take over 8+ acres of land in the park. Park officials will do most of the work including designing the 200-shaped crushed gravel path that will meander through the trees, install benches funded by corporate sponsors and plant and maintain all the trees. They plan to plant three of every species and the Bicentennial Steering Committee will leave money behind to be used to replace trees and continue the trail’s maintenance for years to come.
Construction of the trail will occur in 2025 and beyond and will take many years before the trail and the trees reach full maturity.
Visit Hendricks County (VHC), a founding member of the Bicentennial Steering Committee, plans to invest in a gateway for the trail with design and construction still to be determined. They feel the project benefits quality of place as a built asset that will enhance the unique experiences of Hendricks County as well as enhancing quality of life for residents.
“Our recently released community research showed that our residents want more outdoor activities in Hendricks County and this project delivers,” said Josh Duke, VHC’s Senior Communications Manager and Bicentennial Steering Committee member. “The investment into a gateway will give the project an identity and create a connection to not only the place but the people who live here.”
The Hendricks County Community Foundation was also a founding member of the steering committee and sponsor for the trail. Four additional sponsors: Hendricks Power Cooperative, IU Health, North Salem State Bank and Tim and Bonnita Whicker have already committed to buying benches along the trail to help pay for the project. Four additional sponsorships remain available. Sponsorships include having the business name etched on one of the benches within the Tree Trail, among other perks.
The Bicentennial Steering Committee landed on the project after talking with representatives from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) who indicated a need for a park showcasing trees native to Indiana.
“Native urban trees support native pollinators, filter air pollutants, reduce stormwater runoff and erosion, reduce heat extreme temperatures and provide Hoosiers enjoyable outdoor recreational opportunities to stay active and healthy,” said Racheal Stenger, Urban Forestry Outreach Coordinator for IDNR. “Few other places in Indiana have planted examples of all species of Indiana native trees, and the benefits these trees provide, both ecological and educational, will continue to grow for years to come.”
But the project’s benefits don’t end there. Central Indiana elementary school students will now have one location to complete their leaf projects with so many trees in one place and signage identifying them.
Local health officials are also excited about the mental health benefits a park and trail like this will bring to the area.
“Nature is a powerful ally in behavioral health, providing a holistic approach to healing and resilience. Integrating even small doses of nature into daily life, like a walk in a park, can make a significant difference,” said Andrea Brown, Hendricks Behavioral Hospital’s Community Liaison. “It has the ability to enhance focus and creativity, provide connection and purpose, a reduction in mental fatigue, and a number of other social benefits. Nature encourages social interaction while providing a safe space to improve clarity in a restorative environment.”
For more information about the Hendricks County Bicentennial celebration, visit www.Hendricks200.com. For more information about corporate sponsorships for the Tree Trail, email hendricks200th@gmail.com.
