Writer / Jamie Hergott
Photography Provided
While most were trudging their way through winter, Brownsburg Parks and Recreation staff were working hard to get ready for a summer full of activities, fun and programs.
Mary Louise Bewley, Community Engagement Manager for Brownsburg Parks, takes her job seriously and takes pride in the offerings of the department this summer.
“We see our job as to help to create a healthy community through recreation, health and wellness, nature conservation and nature education,” Bewley says. “We provide activities to help bring the community together to build a strong Brownsburg.”
The events this summer span from May to September, kicking off summer with the opening of the ever-popular Watermill Splash Pad at Williams Park. This will open Memorial Day weekend and will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. through September 29. The first weekend, Bewley expects a very large crowd and encourages families to plan accordingly.
One new offering this summer is Plein Air Painting within Brownsburg Parks. Plein Air Painting is the act of painting within the landscape. This will be led by a former Brownsburg Parks employee and local entrepreneur Rachel Davis of the Purple Palette. All ages are welcome to come and enjoy the parks in a whole new way by making beautiful art within their landscapes. These will take place on June 15, July 20 and August 10 from 10 a.m. to noon at Williams Park in Shelter 6.
Party in the Park debuted last year and was so popular, it’s back on the schedule for this summer on July 27 from 9 a.m. to noon at Williams Park. This is the end of summer bash that features musical entertainment, inflatables, food trucks, outdoor games and other activities: all free and appropriate for all ages.
Safety and building relationships with law enforcement in a positive way are also a focus this summer. Bikin’ in the Burbs, which will take place on June 8, will expand to include the Town of Avon and Washington Township Park. This ride takes place on the B&O and is a celebration of safety on the trails. This event will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. on June 8 on the B&O and will also feature Bike With a Cop, Touch a Truck and a local bike shop offering information on equipment and riding.
There are several very popular events that will be making a comeback this year. The Summer Concert Series is back, taking place on June 20 and July 18 at Arbuckle Acres from 7 to 9 p.m. These evenings feature live bands in the park, so bring friends and family, chairs and snacks for a fun at the open-air local concert.
Brownsburg Fourth of July activities are always a favorite way for Brownsburg residents young and old to celebrate the nation’s freedom. This year, the Fourth of July parade will be on Thursday, July 4th at 10 a.m. followed by a live concert by the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra at 7:45 p.m. on the field across the street from Brownsburg West Middle School. Fireworks will be set off from the grounds of Brownsburg High School at 10 p.m.
The most anticipated event of the summer is the Fourth of July Extravaganza, a carnival hosted by the Brownsburg Lions Club, at Arbuckle Park July 2 through 6 from 5:30 p.m. until close. There will be carnival games, food and wristband nights, which are July 2, 3, 5, and 6.
The very popular Silly Safari show will take place at the Outdoor Classroom, located just north of Williams Park at 710 Alpha Street on July 13 from 10 to 11 am. This exotic animal petting zoo program always draws a big crowd as it’s always new and exciting.
There’s also no shortage of festivals this summer in Brownsburg. The Festival of the Arts, hosted by the Brownsburg Chamber of Commerce will take place July 20 at Arbuckle Acres and will feature more than 100 vendors from all over the region selling everything from baby clothes to artwork. The cost is $3, and kids 12 and under are free.
The Blues and BBQ Festival will take place on Sunday, September 8 from noon to 7 p.m. at Arbuckle Acres.
“This really is the summer concert in Hendricks County,” Bewley says. “We had 2,000 people last year and we hope to double that this year.”
The lineup includes Mojo Morgan field (son of Muddy Waters), local favorite Queen Delphine and The Crown Jewels, Gracie Curran & and The High Falutin Band (a blues Music Award nominee) and headliners Chicago blues masters Li’l Ed and The Blues Imperials. There will be a kids’ area and food trucks.
Those striving to be more active can take advantage of the returning Summer Fun Run Series, sponsored by Hendricks Regional Health and the local parks departments. Each fun run takes place in a different Hendricks County Park. Any level of athletic ability is welcome. Brownsburg Park’s fun runs will take place June 12 at Williams Park from 4 to 7 p.m. and July 31 at Arbuckle Acres from 4 to 7 pm.
Stay tuned for the online calendar for updates and additions to programming by visiting Brownsburg Parks online at brownsburg.org/parks.
“The vision of Brownsburg Parks is to enhance the quality of life in Brownsburg,” Bewley adds. “We hope to further economic development goals to create a community of choice to live, work and play now and for future generations.”
Comments 1
I heard there was going to be a pride function at Arbuckle park this summer ? when