Hamilton County Parks and Recreation

10/18/2026

📣📣 WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK!
Help shape the future of your parks! At Hamilton County Parks and Recreation, our mission is to serve the leisure and recreation needs of our community and enhance quality of life across the county. As we build our next 5-year Master Plan for 2027–2031, we want to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts in our Public Survey

Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JBFGDSY

10/16/2026

Congratulations to our very own Director, Chris Stice! 🎉
Chris has been elected a Fellow of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), one of the highest honors in the parks, recreation and conservation field. He was inducted at the Academy's awards dinner during the 2026 NRPA Conference in Philadelphia.

Induction to the Academy recognizes distinguished leaders whose careers have demonstrated exceptional service, visionary leadership, and lasting contributions in parks, recreation and conservation, and the outstanding service to the communities they serve.

We're proud to have Chris leading Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department! Join us in congratulating him! 👏

Learn more: https://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/2842

10/16/2026

In honor of Prevail’s 40th anniversary, Hamilton County Parks and Recreation dedicated a serviceberry tree at Cool Creek Park as a lasting symbol of growth, hope, and healing.

We are grateful for this meaningful tribute to the more than 70,000 survivors who have found support through Prevail over the past 40 years. Throughout October, the tree will wear a purple ribbon in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Swipe to see where you can visit the tree and take a moment to reflect in honor of survivors.💜

Click the link to read the full story: https://readthereporter.com/hcpr-dedicates-tree-to-prevail-in-honor-of-40th-anniversary/

10/16/2026

🍂 Fall is a great time to visit Potter’s Bridge Park! Cross the historic bridge, walk or bike the trails and enjoy the colors along the way. Launch a kayak from the boat launch, watch a sunrise, or settle in for a fall picnic.

What’s your favorite way to spend a fall day at Potter’s Bridge Park? Tell us below!

Follow along for more Autumn Adventures! Every week we’ll take you to a new HCPR park and show you everything it has to offer. 🍂

10/15/2026

We are disappointed to say that tonight’s Little Haunt on the Prairie has been canceled and will not be rescheduled. Given the rain and the risk of severe weather, we can’t hold the event safely tonight. Thank you for your understanding.

Already bought tickets? To request a refund, submit the form below by October 31. If we don’t receive a form from you, your registration fee will be kept as a donation to Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department. Thank you for supporting your parks! 💚

Stay safe and dry tonight!

Request Refund: https://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/FormCenter/Parks-and-Recreation-22/Paid-ProgramEvent-Cancellation-Form-107

10/14/2026

Daytime or nighttime, we’ve got you covered! Two chances to watch wildlife at the Cool Creek Nature Center!

Room with a View | October 19 | 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm | Cool Creek Nature Center
Enjoy a sweet treat and a warm cup of coffee at the Wildlife Viewing Area inside the nature center. A simple, peaceful way to connect with both people and the natural world. Registration not required.

After Hours Nature Viewing | October 22 | 6:30 pm - 8:15 pm | Cool Creek Nature Center
The nature center is closed, but wouldn’t it be interesting to see who comes to the feeders at night? Stop-in for a quick look to see if one of your favorite critters stops by for a snack! Registration is not required.

10/14/2026

Plants with a Haunted History Hike
Many of our plants have a history steeped in tragedy, whether through their historical uses, toxicity, or folklore. Learn the spooky stories of these plants with a naturalist who will focus primarily on historical events associated with native plants to increase our connection and appreciation of these species and to broaden our historical knowledge of botany.

October 17 at 6:00 pm
Cool Creek Nature Center

Register here! https://secure.rec1.com/IN/hamilton-county-in/catalog/index/3339e48cea7ce7ff961b6bba03bca204?filter=c2VhcmNoPWhhdW50ZWQlMjBoaXN0b3J5JTIwaGlrZQ==

10/13/2026

A big thank you to Community Health for lending a hand at Prather Park! They cleared the paths and tackled the honeysuckle, and the park looks better because of their effort. We appreciate everything you do for our parks and community!

10/12/2026

10/11/2026

Thank you to the Indiana Academy students who volunteered at Strawtown Koteewi Park! The students spent their time clearing invasive honeysuckle. We are so appreciative of all of their hard work and the positive impact they made for our park and community!