With unique trail experiences like the recently completed portions of White Lick Creek Greenway, Brownsburg Parks Director Travis Tranbarger has much to be proud of in the community. This trail, for example, connects Brownsburg residents north of I-74 to businesses, restaurants, and Arbuckle Acres Park through an elevated boardwalk through the trees.
According to Travis, parks are an important piece to a community’s economic development strategies by helping to attract businesses, organizations and new residents. The connectivity of the trails is a prime example of the park’s role in this development.
“Parks conserve essential community resources, increase home values, and provide low-cost opportunities to improve your well-being,” Travis said.
Travis began his career with Brownsburg Parks 12 years ago as the recreation superintendent. When the parks director role became available, he knew he wanted the job because he had been a part of planning for some larger development projects and was interested in carrying those plans forward.
“These parks development projects held a lot of value to our community,” Travis said. “I also knew the parks and recreation system had exciting potential for growth in Brownsburg.”
One of his favorite parks is Williams Park because of the variety of experiences it provides from various trail types to play options—and the work that has been done to improve conservation education efforts for park users throughout the property.
“I’m proud of what we have in Brownsburg,” Travis said. “And what the Town has for parks and recreation is substantial!”
Travis leads a team of 16 full-time and over 30 part-time employees. They maintain over 300 acres of parkland, 18 miles of trails, and a comprehensive offering of programs, events and activities throughout the year. The agency oversees the summer farmers market and major events like Blues in the ‘Burg, Christmas Under the Stars and the Fourth of July festivities in partnership with the Lions Club. The agency also operates the before and after school program and out-of-school services for the Brownsburg Community School Corporation.
“I appreciate the Parks Foundation of Hendricks County’s model of supporting all parks throughout the county,” Travis said. “The work that PFOHC does to promote all the great things being done in parks throughout the county is vital to the future success of each agency.”
Brownsburg Parks has significant community impact projects in the works. The Virgil Park in the southeast part of Town will have different play features and trailhead amenities for the B&O Trail—including enhanced wetlands and prairies. The all-wooden playground in Williams Park that was originally built in 2000 by a community group of volunteers is being renovated with more accessible play features and with more sustainable materials to help ensure the structure lasts another 20 years.
Additionally, Brownsburg Parks are currently working with the, Park Board and Co-interim Town Managers on the
ten-year site master plan for Lincolnwood Park, a 51-acre property along White Lick Creek and west just west of the downtown area.
“Investing in parks is a crucial investment back into your community. Whether folks use the local parks, trails and recreation programming regularly or not, they have both a direct and indirect impact on a community in so many different ways,” Travis said.
When he’s not busy with the Parks team, Travis enjoys spending time with his wife, two children and Fox Red Labrador Retriever. You can catch him coaching his nine-year-old daughter’s team in the Brownsburg Junior Basketball League each year—or running her to dance and Girl Scouts.