McCloud Nature Center Gets a New Name and a New Feature
The Nature Center at McCloud Nature Park now has a new name. It is the Ray & Mary Benson Nature Center, honoring two tremendously important people to Hendricks County Parks & Recreation.
Ray and Mary Benson were huge champions of parks, and they donated incredible resources over over the course of decades to fund countless amenities that you enjoy at McCloud Nature Park, W. S. Gibbs Memorial Park, and the Vandalia Trail.
For more than 30 years after their retirements, Ray and Mary devoted their time to volunteering with several community organizations including Hendricks County Parks & Recreation.
Ray was a charter member of the Hendricks County Park Board, served multiple terms as Park Board president, and he continued to attend Park Board meetings on a regular basis for years after he stepped away.
Ray and Mary were married for 69 years when she passed away on April 5, 2022. Ray joined her in heaven on December 21, 2023. Both were deeply loved and respected by our staff.
It seemed only fitting, then, to honor them with a nature center in their names and a cheerful new sign on the front of the building that elicits smiles on people’ s faces, just like Ray and Mary always did.
The Ray & Mary Benson Nature Center also has a new amenity! Funded by a grant from the Parks Foundation of Hendricks County,
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a large deck was designed by Park Manager Jim Holtsclaw and built by our maintenance crew.
Our crew first removed the greenhouse from the back of the nature center and then got to work constructing the 560-square-foot deck that is accessible from the Nature Center and from two sides outdoors via steps. Additionally, a ramp makes the deck ADAaccessible.
Five benches made from recycled plastic and funded by a grant from the Hendricks County Recycling District are on the deck, providing plenty of seating for programs, reading enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to sit in peace and enjoy a lovely view of nature.