The Gary Emsweller Parks & Trails Grant Brings New Amenities to Both Parks
You know what we need at W. S. Gibbs Memorial Park?” our naturalists said last year.“ Music!”
So they came up with a plan to add a sound garden to the playground, researched the options, and found the type of equipment they wanted. The only problem that remained was how to fund it.
That’ s where the Parks Foundation of Hendricks County stepped in. Our naturalists applied for – and received! – a very generous award from the Gary Emsweller Parks & Trails Grant in 2025 which allowed us to extend the Gibbs playground, add border and engineered wood fiber surfacing, and purchase the sound garden equipment!
At their first opportunity, our maintenance team made short work of installing the new feature, and it opened to the public in June!
“ You know what we need in the Ray & Mary Benson Nature Center at McCloud Nature Park?” our naturalists said this year.“ Comfortable furniture!”
Once again, the ladies came up with a plan, found the furniture they wanted, and applied for the Gary Emsweller Parks & Trails Grant in 2026. And once again, the Parks Foundation of Hendricks County awarded us money for the project!
Our naturalists assembled all of the furniture, painted the walls, and gave the Nature Center a whole new look and feel! Come check it out, grab a seat, and stay awhile!
Huge THANK YOU to the Parks Foundation of Hendricks County for their continued support of our department!
Fall 2026 • 19