Picnic for the Parks 2025: A Celebration of Community, Conservation, and Connection
On March 6, 2025, we gathered at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds for an incredible afternoon celebrating our parks, trails, and community at the Picnic for the Parks Luncheon, presented by Great Lakes Recreation. This year’s event brought together outdoor enthusiasts, park supporters, and community leaders to connect over a shared love for nature and raise funds to enhance our local outdoor spaces.
A Day of Impact and Inspiration
From the moment guests arrived, the energy was electric! Attendees explored interactive park booths showcasing the latest projects and programs from our local parks departments. Highlights included wildlife encounters, conservation tips, and trail maps to inspire future outdoor adventures.
We also had the honor of welcoming Cliff Chapman, Executive Director of the Central Indiana Land Trust, as our keynote speaker. Cliff delivered an inspiring message about the importance of protecting natural spaces for future generations, reinforcing why the work of the Parks Foundation of Hendricks County (PFOHC) is so essential.
Cliff Chapman, CEO of the Central Indiana Land Trust and keynote speaker at the 2025 Picnic for the Parks Luncheon.
Honoring Leadership in Parks & Trails: Steve Blacketer
One of the most special moments of the afternoon was the presentation of the 2025 PFOHC Leadership Award to Steve Blacketer, nominated by Washington Township Parks & Recreation. This award recognizes outstanding individuals who have made a lasting impact on our local parks and trails, and Steve's dedication to enhancing Hendricks County’s outdoor spaces is truly inspiring.
Steve has been a pillar of leadership in our community for decades, championing parks and recreational spaces through his involvement in civic organizations and local initiatives. His contributions have helped shape the parks and trails we enjoy today, ensuring accessibility and enjoyment for all.
Watch this special tribute of Steve’s impact:
Together, We Raised Over $41,000!
With the generosity of our attendees and sponsors, we raised over $41,000 to support future park projects, accessibility initiatives, and outdoor programming. We are so grateful to everyone who contributed! Every dollar makes a difference in creating thriving outdoor spaces for our community.
The Parks Foundation of Hendricks County Board of Directors excited to spend the day at Picnic for the Parks and raise over $41,000!
A Huge Thank You to Our Sponsors
We are beyond grateful for the incredible support of our Picnic for the Parks sponsors. Their generosity made this event possible and directly supports PFOHC’s mission to protect, enhance, and expand parks and trails throughout Hendricks County. Check out all our sponsors at Picnic for the Parks — Parks Foundation of Hendricks County.
Thank You for Supporting Our Parks!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, and supported this year’s Picnic for the Parks. Your commitment to parks, trails, and conservation ensures that Hendricks County remains a beautiful place to live, play, and preserve for generations to come.
Stay connected with us for future events and park updates—follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for more ways to get involved!
To see a map of the 40 parks and trails in Hendricks County visit Explore Our Parks — Parks Foundation of Hendricks County.