AVON, IN (April 25, 2026) – The Hendricks County Bicentennial’s signature legacy project officially opened today after county leaders, Bicentennial steering committee members and trail sponsors gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The Tree Trail takes over nearly 7 acres at W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park in Avon. One of only two trails in Indiana with nearly every tree native to the state identified, the trail will serve as a lasting tribute to the county’s Bicentennial efforts.
“We couldn’t be happier with how the trail turned out,” said Ryan Lemley, Hendricks County Parks Superintendent. “This will be a significant outdoor amenity our residents and visitors can enjoy for generations to come.”
Funded primarily by local bench and tree sponsors, the project was led by Hendricks County Parks. The team designed a “200”-shaped crushed gravel path that winds through the trees. They installed sponsor-funded benches, planted 200 trees representing 67 species and added signage identifying each species along the trail.
The Hendricks County Bicentennial Steering Committee partnered with the Hendricks County Parks Department and The Parks Foundation of Hendricks County to develop the Bicentennial Tree Trail. The idea surfaced last year after the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) indicated a need for a park showcasing trees native to Indiana.
Parks officials planted three of every species and have enough funding left over to replace trees and continue the trail’s maintenance for years to come. It will take many years for the trees to reach full maturity.
Visit Hendricks County, a founding member of the Bicentennial Steering Committee and a bench sponsor, also invested in a gateway for the trail, including landscaping by Bear’s Lawn Care in Lizton and signage designed by local resident Lee Faulkner.
Six additional bench sponsors: Hendricks County Community Foundation (another founding member of the steering committee), Hendricks Power Cooperative, IU Health, North Salem State Bank, Tim and Bonnita Whicker and an anonymous local family were recognized during the ceremony for their contributions. The sponsorship included funding benches along the trail to help pay for the project. The Parks Department etched each sponsor’s name on a bench along the Tree Trail.
The Parks Foundation of Hendricks County also received funding from 57 tree sponsors. The smaller contributions gave individuals, families and small businesses an opportunity to support the project. Each is recognized on the signage at the trail entrance.
For more information about the Tree Trail project, visit www.pfohc.org/trees.
