Editor’s Note:   Fishers residents constantly approve of the city’s parks in surveys.  But all Fishers residents also pay county taxes and have full access to the Hamilton County Park system.  The following commentary was published in the May 7th edition of the Hamilton County Reporter, and is posted here as part of a partnership agreement between the Reporter & LarryInFishers 

 by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

The Hamilton County Parks system began 50 years ago with virtually no land and no money, but today is the envy of the state. The park board and friends celebrated the county parks’ history with an impressive party Friday night at the Ritz Charles in Carmel.

About 200 enjoyed the “birthday party” and fundraiser which included a huge birthday cake, live music, an auction, reading from part of the U.S. Congressional Record and a state legislative resolution congratulating the county parks department on its progress over the past half-century.

Parks Director Al Patterson revealed plans for the next major project which involves construction of a conservatory at Coxhall Gardens.

The county park system developed its first project, Potters Bridge Park, in 1969. It was followed by Cool Creek Park.

Strawtown-Koteewi, the largest park of some 750 acres, followed in 2004. There are now a dozen parks covering a total of about 1,700 acres.

Within the parks are a vast number of cultural and recreational opportunities, including formal gardens, a natural history center, campgrounds, horseback riding trails and a swimming beach among others

Entertainment and educational programs are also offered for the public at many of the parks including outdoor concerts, nature walks, tours of the Coxhall mansion, even something called Pajama-Rama

County parks are located throughout the county and officials continue their efforts to preserve green space in the face of rapidly expanding residential and business development. The department under Patterson’s leadership has 15 full-time employees, numerous seasonal workers and dozens of volunteers.

Admission to all parks is free to county residents. Funds are raised by county yproperty taxes, rental of certain facilities, fundraising functions and contributions from business and individuals.