Two historic structures located in Indiana State Parks are a step closer to restoration as a result of grants awarded to the parks’ local friends groups by the Indiana Parks Alliance (IPA).
IPA recently made a $3000 contribution to the Friends of McCormick’s Creek State Park for the design phase to restore the park’s historic fire tower and a $2000 contribution to the Friends of Tippecanoe River State Park to assist with replacement lighting for the park’s historic Tepicon Recreation Hall.
The Indiana Parks Alliance, formed in 2014, is a charitable organization that supports Indiana State Parks and Nature Preserves through advocacy, education, research, promotion, fundraising and assistance for local friends groups.
“Local friends groups do a lot of great work for many of Indiana’s state parks, and we are glad to be able to support those friends groups,” said Tom Hohman, IPA President. “Our state park system was a centennial birthday gift to Hoosiers in 1916, so this is a great way for the leadership and members of IPA to honor the great outdoor places that we have loved and used all of our lives. We are pleased that these grants will help restore two historic structures in our state parks as we celebrate Indiana State Parks’ 100th birthday this year.”
IPA also works in partnership to support fundraising initiatives through the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation (INRF) that are designated for Indiana State Parks or Nature Preserves, such as the Discovering the Outdoors Fund.
Support for IPA comes from memberships and donations. A variety of membership options are available. Donations are tax-deductible, and memberships can include state park annual passes and other gifts. Founder’s Circle memberships are available through July 1, 2016, to build a strong foundation for the organization. Visit www.indianaparksalliance.org for details and membership information.
