Writer / Jamie Hergott
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Avon is the perfect place to be in the summertime. While there is a decent amount of quiet parks, pretty trails and public pools, there is also a wide variety of exciting community programs and events that appeal to nearly everyone.
“We strive to provide spontaneous and structured playing at the parks,” says Trilby Berry-Tayman, Washington Township Parks Recreation Coordinator. “We want to get people moving. We love providing diverse opportunities for adventure.”
Washington Township Parks and Avon Parks are partnering with the Avon Chamber of Commerce to provide one of the most anticipated events of the summer: the free Concerts by the Creek series. These concerts will take place at the brand-new amphitheater in the back of Washington Township Park near the Pavilion. New equipment and nature seating has been added to make those beautiful summer evenings more comfortable as attendees listen to live music and enjoy an Indiana sunset. The dates for these family-friendly concerts are June 7, July 12 and August 2.
The two parks are also collaborating to bring back Movies on the Hill, family-friendly movie nights taking place on August 9 and September 6 at Town Hall Park. There will be free popcorn, free water, free candy, a magician before the movie and glow-in-the-dark bracelets and necklaces.
Bikin’ in the Burbs, which will take place on June 8, is expanding this year 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 and relationships with law enforcement.
While the parks work together, they also have their own separate events, allowing for diverse opportunities for Hendricks County.
“Our main goal is to offer unique events and programs that fill a void in the town of Avon,” says Delbert Harmon, Avon Parks and Recreation Program and Event Coordinator. “We want to provide things you can’t find anywhere else in Hendricks County.”
One of the most out of the ordinary events that Harmon is proud of is the Spring Fling Radio Control Festival. This full day of fun celebrates all radio control hobbies, including airplanes, boats and cars. New this year will be model trains and rock climbers, which are RC cars that can go over rocks and hills.
“Kids love it because they can try out the cars and boats,” Harmon says. “Enthusiasts come out, people bring their drones, and everyone brings their RC vehicles. It’s just a great atmosphere.”
That event took place at Avon Town Hall Park on May 4.
Residents usually love the return of the ever-popular weekly Avon Farmer’s Market, which begins June 4 and takes place each Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. in front of Hendricks Regional Health in Avon. Baked goods, handcrafted items and produce from local residents are featured each week in an ever-changing rotation of local goods.
One of the biggest events of the summer is the Rib Fest, taking place on June 29 this year at Kingsway Christian Church. Kick off a day of trying the county’s best BBQ, live music and entertainment by participating in the Rib Run 5k. The day ends with a balloon glow and fireworks.
Continue the running trend by kicking off the Fourth of July in the Run For Freedom 5k on July 4 at Avon Town Hall Park.
Washington Township has its own set of unique events that offer an entirely different kind of fun. The End of School Foam Party will be bigger and better than ever this year, with extra foam machines, a foam cannon, slip and slide kickball and sponge battles. The Washington Township Fire Department will be available to graciously hose everyone off. Come celebrate summer on May 30 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Brand new this year will be The Adventure Challenge on June 15. This challenge sends individuals running through the park while having to accomplish challenges, such as archery, a football throw, a tire course and more. This event is for ages 14 and up and is designed to test stamina, focus and skill.
Have younger kids that would enjoy something similar? On July 13, Washington Township is partnering with Hoosier Warriors Gym to provide a Parkour Ninja Challenge Course for the younger crowd, with age groups 4-6, 7-9 and 10-13.
One huge new addition Washington Township Parks is excited to announce is the opening of its brand new park, Pecar Park. This new nature park will also have its fair share of fun community events, so stay tuned this summer for Tuesday night nature talks with a naturalist, bunny yoga, murder mystery family campout and even a moms’ campout, complete with a food truck.
The Summer Fun Run Series, hosted by the Hendricks County Park Foundation, will bring its fun run to Avon on July 24. This is a 5k and one-mile fun run each week at a different Hendricks County Park. Avon Town Hall will host its run on July 24 along the White Lick Creek Trail, which is the town’s trail but runs through Washington Township Park.
There are many more events planned for both parks, so stay up to date on schedule changes and additional events and programs by visiting their websites: washingtontwpparks.org and avongov.org.
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