The Explorer Magazine Winter Spring 2025 | Page 2

HENDRICKS COUNTY
PARKS & RECREATION
MAIN OFFICE 955 E . Main Street P . O . Box 463 Danville , IN 46122 Phone : ( 317 ) 718-6188 Weather Hotline : ( 317 ) 718-6111 hcparks @ hcparks . net www . HendricksCountyParks . org
PARKS DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATION Superintendent Ryan Lemley rlemley @ co . hendricks . in . us
Assistant Superintendent Eric Ivie eivie @ co . hendricks . in . us
Administrative Assistant Patty Seymour hcparks @ hcparks . net
PROGRAMMING Park Naturalist Amber Gideon agideon @ hcparks . net
Assistant Naturalists Joy Fulk • Ryann Hoffman Alexis Weidman
MAINTENANCE Park Manager Jim Holtsclaw jholtsclaw @ hcparks . net

MISSION STATEMENT

To lead in the protection of outstanding natural , historic and recreation areas , and linkages . To practice and promote the highest conservation ethics and provide environmental education and recreation opportunities to the community . To lead in enhancing quality of life and individual health while driving economic development to ensure a sustainable future for our community .
ON THE COVER
Eastern bluebirds are a beautiful sight to behold , and their song can ’ t help but make you smile . They are the perfect visual and auditory relief from the winter blahs . This beauty was captured on camera by Traci Patterson Photography . Traci grew up in Brownsburg , and her children frequently played at McCloud Nature Park , where she loves to visit for photography shoots . Visit Traci Patterson Photography on Facebook to view more of her outstanding work .
Maintenance Assistants Oather Duncan III • Caleb Hawkins Scott Hawkins • Wayne Huffman Jason Kittle • Phillip Lawson Kurt Steuer • Ralph Wilkinson
HENDRICKS COUNTY PARK BOARD Brad Eisenhart • Gary Emsweller Matthew Freije • Mike Hayden Paul Miner • Jeff Pell
PARK BOARD MEETINGS The Hendricks County Park Board generally meets the first Wednesday of each month at 2 p . m . in the main office although dates and times are subject to change ( see website for scheduling updates ). Meeting agendas are posted one week prior at the office and at the Hendricks County Government Center . The public is always welcome to attend Park Board meetings .
HENDRICKS COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT Hon . Daniel F . Zielinski , Judge
HENDRICKS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Dennis Dawes • Bob Gentry Brad Whicker
FEATURES
Maple Syrup Days
Our annual late-winter festival returns to McCloud Nature Park on March 1 and 8 as we celebrate the delicious sap flow of the sugar maple trees and the sweet treat it becomes !
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W . S . Gibbs Earth K Run
A new event is coming to W . S . Gibbs Memorial Park to celebrate Earth Day ! Run or walk a 5K or 10K course through our newest park !
Pancake Breakfast
Our annual Pancake Breakfast at McCloud Nature Park is back on March 8 , 2025 !
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3rd Rock from the Sun
Assistant Park Naturalist Alex Weidman shares some great information about the big blue marble we all call home just in time for Earth Day !
HENDRICKS COUNTY COUNCIL Caleb Brown • David Cox Larry Hesson • Nancy Marsh Larry Scott • Eric Wathen David Wyeth
ARTICLES
3 Park Guide 7 Summer Camps 8 Family Programs 12 Tear-Out Event Calendar
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14 Programs for Seniors 16 Junior Explorers 17 Tadpole Time 18 Vandalia Trail Updates
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20 Gibbs Park Expands 21 Gibbs Updates 22 Bicentennial Tree Trail 23 Homeschool Ecology Series
2 • www . HendricksCountyParks . org