display-none

Our Vision

The vision of the Parks Foundation of Hendricks County is to cultivate thriving outdoor experiences.

Our Mission

The mission of the Parks Foundation of Hendricks County is to grow financial resources to enhance the county’s public parks and trails.

Our History

In 2009, the Hendricks County Parks and Recreation Department recognized the need to create a fundraising partner to off-set the increasing strain on the county budget. The Parks Foundation of Hendricks County was formed as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the goal of raising philanthropic funds to create resources for parks and trails. In 2019, the Parks Foundation of Hendricks County Board of Directors made the strategic decision to expand our scope. PFOHC now supports all public parks, trails, and outdoor spaces in Hendricks County.

Highlights of our achievements:

  • The Parks Foundation of Hendricks County was officially established in 2009
  • Hosted the Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser at McCloud Nature Park
  • Created the Summer Fun Run Series which continues to be an exciting annual event
  • Provided assistance acquiring the S. Gibbs property which became the W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park
  • Provided support for general improvements at Sodalis Nature Park
  • Created a new fundraising event called Park2Park Relay
  • Created the Hendricks County Parks & Recreation Family Program Support
  • Provided support for the interpretive signs at Sodalis Nature Park
  • Provided support for recycling cans at McCloud Nature Park and Sodalis Nature Parks
  • Supported the creation of a hydration station at McCloud Nature Park
  • Hired first foundation employee in 2015
  • Hosted the Fall Colors Run at McCloud Nature Park
  • Implemented fundraising campaign for the arboretum at McCloud Nature Park
  • Served as a partner for the Honeybee Fest at McCloud Nature Park
  • Assisted with the construction of an observational beehive at McCloud Nature Park
  • Funded the boardwalk for the wetlands area at McCloud Nature Park
  • Expanded the scope of the foundation to support all parks and trail in Hendricks County in 2019
  • Used the proceeds from the Summer Fun Run to give grants to all participating parks to fund projects such as new picnic tables, a turtle habitat, planting new trees, and new signage
  • The Robert A. Wood Environmental Education Fund was created by a donor to provide grants for environmental education in our parks
  • Created a strategic partnership with the Hendricks County Community Foundation to maximize our collective impact in supporting parks, trails, and outdoor spaces throughout the county.

Sign up for our Newsletter!

Keep up-to-date with the
Parks Foundation of Hendricks County