Picnic for the Parks 2026: The Buzz About Belonging
On Friday, March 6, the Parks Foundation of Hendricks County gathered at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds for the annual Picnic for the Parks Luncheon. This year’s theme, The Buzz About Belonging, invited guests to consider what it means to create parks and trails in Hendricks County where everyone has a place.
With a record 45 sponsors and a full room of supporters, community leaders, and outdoor advocates, the luncheon reflected growing momentum behind PFOHC’s mission to protect and enhance parks and trails across the county.
Small Creatures. Big Impact.
Keynote speaker Robert Jean, a bee expert and advocate for pollinators, reminded attendees that even the smallest contributors play an essential role in sustaining healthy ecosystems. Bees, though tiny, are foundational to the environments we depend on.
The message extended beyond conservation. Just as pollinators quietly support the world around us, PFOHC — and the community members who invest in its work — help ensure parks and trails remain vibrant, accessible, and welcoming.
Belonging in Action
A highlight of the event was the premiere of a new impact video featuring a PFOHC-funded mobility chair. The video shares how the chair opened up trails to a Hendricks County neighbor living with multiple sclerosis, making it possible to experience parks that were once physically out of reach.
Belonging can be the difference between watching from the sidelines and being part of the experience.
Supporting pollinators. Expanding accessibility. Strengthening connections between parks and people. These efforts reflect PFOHC’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that everyone belongs in our parks.
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership
The luncheon also included a historic moment as founding board member Jeff Banning was recognized with the 2026 Leadership Award. In a surprise announcement, PFOHC shared that the award will now be known as the Jeff Banning Parks Leadership Award, honoring his decades of steady leadership and dedication to parks and trails in Hendricks County.
The renaming reflects the lasting influence Jeff has had on the growth, connectivity, and culture surrounding parks in our community.
Record Support for Parks and Trails
This year’s event was made possible by the generous support of 45 sponsors, including presenting sponsors Abstract & Title and Edward Jones/Harold Tinsley. Their investment — along with the generosity of attendees — fuels future park projects, accessibility initiatives, conservation efforts, and programming across Hendricks County.
Thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, and supported this year’s luncheon. Your investment in parks and trails helps ensure these spaces remain places of connection, conservation, and belonging for generations to come.
