In 2009, the Hendricks County Parks and Recreation Department wanted to offset the increasing cost of funds needed for parks in the county.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit was formed, the Parks Foundation of Hendricks County, to support its efforts.
The foundation’s mission is to grow financial resources and enhance the county’s public parks and trails.
Statistics show that green space, outdoor experiences, parks and trails all enhance a thriving, strong quality of life for the community, and municipalities in Hendricks County are consistently working to offer more of it for residents and visitors.
According to Katy Cummings, executive director of the Parks Foundation of Hendricks County, the foundation’s role is to help make those experiences possible through fundraising, grants and special events, and they’re simply assisting the many parks directors in the county to make dreams a reality.
“The Foundation does not own or manage any parks or land. We work with the eight parks directors in Hendricks County and others to advocate for our parks, raise money for them and award grants to support the work they are doing,” Cummings said.
It may surprise residents of the county that there are currently just shy of 50 parks and trails.
Grants are awarded for new equipment promoting health, fitness or recreation; signage; beautification projects; special events and programs; environmental education; and conservation initiatives.
For example, in 2026, $64,600 in grant funds was awarded to improve trail safety and wayfinding at Blue Heron Park, design a safe crossing to expand the B&O Trail, provide bike-friendly amenities on the B&O Trail, create a birding and reflection space at McCloud Nature Park, build basketball courts at Scott Park, make accessibility enhancements at Echo Hollow Nature Park and support the Wild World of Nature educational series at Washington Township Parks & Recreation. In order to raise funds and advocate for the parks and trails, the foundation hosts events throughout the year.
“We’ve done the Summer Fun Run and Walk Series for 18 years now. Once per week, we visit 12 different parks and trails throughout the summer,” Cummings said. “It’s cool because so often, I hear people say, ‘I’ve lived here forever and I didn’t know this park was here.’ We had 800 people sign up this year, and it continues to grow each year. We’re thrilled with the participation.”
In addition, on March 5, 2027, the fourth annual Picnic for the Parks at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Complex will bring volunteers, partners and community members together to celebrate another successful year.
“Guests learn about the different parks we have and the amenities offered. There’s a short program and an award honoring someone who had done a lot for our community,” Cummings said.
Cummings enjoys supporting a mission she’s passionate about and one that her own family enjoys.
“I love being outdoors. There are so many cool amenities and spots in Hendricks County. It’s free and good for the entire family. You can escape from real life for an hour or two,” Cummings said. “Not every community has the resources we have here. Not everyone lives in a single-family home where they’ve got property, so it’s important we can offer these opportunities for everyone.”
The foundation can always use financial donations and volunteers for special events, but even more so, it serves as a connector within the community and parks in the county.
“People are welcome to contact me, and I can connect you with the right person,” Cummings said. “Another way you can support the parks is simply by using them. There are so many nice places to explore and amenities included.”
For more information, visit pfohc.org.
