HomeMy Public PortalAboutPARK BOARD DEPARTMENT INFORMATION GATHERING
PARK BOARD/DEPARTMENT
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HISTORY
Greencastle began in 1823 when Ephraim Dukes deeded 70 acres to establish
a county seat. Greencastle became a village which was controlled by the
county. In 1861 the citizens voted in favor of a city government. The earliest
industries were based on the local resources but more diverse industry came to
Greencastle in the 1860s with the completion of 3 railroad lines that connected
Greencastle with other cities in Indiana. Also in 1837 the city became the
location for Indiana Asbury University which later became DePauw University.
Since the 1800s Greencastle has experienced steady growth with the addition
of new industries and businesses and of course an increase in population.
The Greencastle Park System currently consists of one 28 acre park. Robe
Ann Park originated in 1928 when John and Anna Robe donated a parcel of land to
the city. The Robes' wanted the land to be used as a playground and recreational
area for the citizens and particularly for the children of Greencastle. In
1934 the city along with its citizens began the planning and development of
Robe Ann Park. The first major recreational facility added to the park was a
' softball diamond built by the High School Athletic Assoc. in 1936. The diamond
was sold to the city 10 years later. A full-time park board was also established
by the city that same year. Robe Ann Park continued to develop over the years
with the addition of playground equipment, basketball and tennis courts and an
olympic-sized pool and wading pool.
The Park Board's efforts in the last 5 years has centered around Robe Ann
Park and its upkeep and maintenance. On a yearly basis the Board has maintained
the existing playground equipment and replaced equipment as needed. Also
donated to the park during the past 5 years were 2 wooden adventure play-
structures. Major remodling was also performed on the Robe Ann Park restrooms.
The Board has been expanding its horizons with new recreational programs such
as the SPARK (Summer Program of Awareness and Recreation for Kids) program
begun in 1986. 1989 is the first year that the board will hire a recreation
director with the hope of providing a more varied Parks and Recreation Department.
Also on the Park Board's agenda is the upgrading of Robe Ann Park's softball
field. The lighting will be improved, the bleachers will be repaired and a
fence will be erected around the outfield. This project is being undertaken
in cooperation with the men's softball league and the church league. A large
donation from Happico Industries has played a major role in financing this
project.
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Park Department
The Greencastle Park and Recreation Department has the responsibility of providing
,recreational programming to it's residents and also maintain park sites and facilities in the
community. the park system is comprised of 2 parks with a city pool. The Department
also maintains the Boulevards on Northwood Boulevard and on Sherwood Dr. and
Highfall St. In total approximately 45 acres are managed and maintained by the
Department.
The Greencastle Parks and Recreation Department has been fortunate not to have a
vandalism or serious problems in its parks and facilities in the last few years, except for a
few isolated incidents. To help control any future problems, the establishment of park
rules ordinance would be desired.
The present Parks and Recreation Department is made up of the following
personnel:
Full-time:
(1) Park and Recreation Director
Part-time:
(2) Maintenance workers (mid March - mid November)
(1) Recreation Director (May - August)
(1) Pool Manager (May - September)
(2) Assistant Pool Manager (May - September)
(20) Lifeguards (May - September)
(6) Concession Stand workers (May - September)
During the master plan process, a review and evaluation of the Greencastle Parks
and Recreation Department's administrative procedures and organizational structure was
conducted. Several suggestions and recommendations have been proposed. These
include:
• Develop an outline for recreational programming
• Develop a maintenance checklist for park sites and facilities
• Revise the organizational chart of the Department to meet current demands and
users
• Establish ordinance for park rules
• Computerization of Park Administrative tasks
Computers can help to improve service, decrease costs, and maximize staff
efficiency. Some good advantages may include:
• Improved accuracy
• Improve registration processing
• Enhanced customer service
• Demographic information
• Financial accounting capabilities
Organizational Chart
1989 to 1993 Master Plan
ELECTORATE
MAYOR CITY COUNCIL
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY
FIRE POLICE / PARK & REC SEWAGE STREET'
DEPART DEPART DEPARTME, DEPART DEPART'
RECREATION PARK SUPERINTENDENT POOL MANAGER
DIRECTOR
PARK LABOR POOL LABOR;
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DEPARTMENT FINANCES
The Park Board's finances are broken down into 2 separate budgets. First
is the Robe Ann Park Budge which covers:
1. Personal Services: salaries, employee benefits
2. Supplies: operating, general and repair and maintenance
3. Capital Outlays: improvement, machinary and equipment
4. Other Services and Charges: professional services, insurance, utility
services and repairs and maintenance
The 1989 Robe Ann Park Budget has increased 30% from 1988. Currently the city
of Greencastle spends 5.3% of its budget on Robe Ann Park.
The second budget is the Pool Budget which is kept separate because 47.8%
of the budget comes from money that the pool directly generates through user
fees. The Pool Budget covers:
1. Personal Services
2. Supplies
3. Capital Outlays
4. Other services and Charges
Currently the Park Board operates using 4 sources of revenue:
1. General Revenue Funds: 98.5% of the Robe Ann Park budget comes from these
funds. 53% of the Pool Budget comes from the general revenue fund.
2. Funds from Shelter Rentals: Approximately 1.5% of the Robe Ann Park Budget
3. Pool Fees: Approximately 47% of the Pool Budget comes from the public's
user fees of the pool.
4. Donations: Donations made to the department in the past have included
donations of land, supplies, equipment and financial assistance. The Robe
Ann Park land was originally donated to the city. Equipment donations have
included 2 large wooden adventure play structures which have been erected
in the past 5 years. Current financial assistance has aided both the SPARKS
program and the renovation of the softball field. Donations of supplies
have included gifts of trees and shrubbery and supplies for the restrooms.
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ROBE ANN PARK BUDGET
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1985 1987 1988 1989
Superintendent 9,457 9,957 10,454 10,977.59
Extra Help 4,556 4,020 0 2,912
Recreation Director 0 0 0 3,000
Clothing Allowance 200 250 250 250
PERF 709 780 780 750
Health Insurance 1,700 1 ,700 1,700 1,800
Unemployment 285 100 100 100
Social Security 709 750 750 825
General Office Supplies 1 ,000 2,000 3,000 2,500
Gasoline 600 500 1,000 1,000
Oil 75 75 200 200
Diesel Fuel 0 0 500 500
( ge Supplies 400 100 500 500
Equipment Repair 1 , 150 3,000 2,000 1,800
Professional Services 0 0 0 2,000
Insurance 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500
Telephone 600 600 600 600
Electric Current 5,000 5,000 5,000 4,000
Water and Sewage 0 0 0 250
Repairs and Maintenance 1,000 2,000 5,000 2,500
Rent 1 1 1 1
Capital Improvements 3, 100 26,500 2,000 24,653
New Playground Equipment and
machinery 0 13,000 6,000 5,000
33,043 70,813 42,336 68,619
/'*N
**The 1986 budget is currently unavailable.
GREENCASTLE POOL BUDGET
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1985 1987 1988 1989
Manager Wage 3,000 3,000 3,000
Employee Wages 11 ,000 10,000 10,000 12,000
Asst. Manager Wage 2,000 2,000 2,000
Social Security 800 400 375 380
Unemployment 330 100 100 100
Office Supplies 100 100
Operating Supplies 3,900 3,050 3,000
Repair & Maintenance Supplies 6,000 750 1 ,300 300
General Supplies 2,500 500 600
Water & Sewage 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,500
Sales Tax 400 400 400 500
Repairs & Maintenance 1 ,750 3,500 3,500 18,500
Capital Outlays 2,200 1,600 8,000
24,780 28,250 27,907 50,980
**The 1986 budget is currently unavailable.
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DEPARTMENT SERVICES
The Greencastle City Park Department provides several services for the
community at Robe Ann Park. Currently at the park there are 4 areas with
playground equipment for children of all ages, basketball courts, volley ball
courts, tennis courts, a softball field, and an olympic-sized pool and a wading
pool. The pools are open every day all summer long and are available for
evening parties 6 nights a week for a nominal fee. The pool is also used by
the American Red Cross for swimming lessons. The pool is the park's most
popular attraction during the summer. The softball field is utilized by both
the men's softball league and the church league. Both leagues have contributed
to the current renovation of the softball field which includes new lighting,
a fence and repair of the bleachers. The park also provides 4 sheltered picnic
areas which are heavily used. They are also rented out to the public for
parties, family reunions etc. . . The park is the location for the yearly Fourth
of July celebration and for the weekly farmer's market (during harvest season).
Programs provided by the department have been limited to the SPARKS program.
For 1989 however the department has hired a summer recreation director who will
econcentrate on expanding the number of programs offered to the public.
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GOALS
The following goals have been formulated to serve as guidelines in providing
public park and recreation opportunities:
1 . Recreational facilities should be located throughout the city which are
easily accessible to all city residents.
2. Public recreation sites in the city should provide a variety of outdoor
recreational facilities which can be enjoyed by the entire family and all
age groups.
3. Private investment groups and developers should receive cooperation and
encouragement from the Park and Recreation Board in efforts to develop
tasteful and high quality recreation facilities.
4. Public agencies affecting public recreation should coordinate available
facilities and resources. This includes the Park Board, School Corporation,
and various other government agencies.
5. Recreation facili.tes should be maintained to equal or exceed the minimum
standars acceptable for contemporary recreation areas.
6. Additional acreage of outdoor recreational facilities should be acquired
to meet the growing needs of the community.
7. The Park and Rec. Board should provide long-range planning for the location,
financing, and maintenance of public recreation areas in the city.
8. Provide public recreation programs for all ages.
9. The Park and Rec. Board should engage in efforts to provide information
to the public regarding their plans and goals in order to insure maximum
support for such plans and goals.
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GROWTH TRENDS
In the past five years there has been an increase in support and interest
in the Greencastle Park Department. From 1985 to 1989 there was a 48% increase
in the Park Board budget. The city recognizes that the Park Department is
important to the community and is supportive of the Park Board's attempts to
enhance its facilities and programs. Even though the financial assistance may
be curtailed due to budget constraints there is great enthusiasm for the Park
Board's plans for the future. Facilities in the last few years have also
grown along with the services offered.
Greencastle's projected population figure for 1995 is 12,400 (projection
by the Greencastle city engineer). This is a 68% increase from the 1980
census figure of 8,403. The Park Department must contine to grow with the
city. With a larger population to serve the park system should expand to
fill the need. In the next five years the Park Board expects to add onto the
recreation programs already in place and to be able to enlarge the existing
facility and to better serve the community by adding new parks. The park and
pool budgets should also continue to grow to be able to maintain the facilities
�-� and programs.
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INFORMATION GATHERING
Parks and Recreation Facilities and Programs
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NARRATIVE
The city of Greencastle currently owns two parks and recreation facilities.
They are Robe-Ann Park and the Jaycees Park.
Robe Ann Park
Robe Ann Park contains a wide variety of facilities with great potential.
However, over the past several years the park has suffered from neglect. All
facilities at the park are in need in maintenance. Also such items as streets,
sidewalks and curbs are in need of repair. All needs have begun to be met
through the efforts of the Park Board, volunteers, and very enthusiastic support
from city government.
A maintenance inventory was completed on the park in the Fall of 1988 and
work is continuing to bring the park into excellent condition. Civic Organization
donations along with budgeted funds are being used for park beautification and
facility improvement projects. A park "wish book" has been developed to facilitate
further donations to the park. Maintaining Robe Ann Park has become a priority.
A major project for the Park Board in the next one to two years will be to
totally refurbish the 30 year old swimming pool located at the park.
Park activity programming at the park has been minimal. Since the park's
inception a custodial management style has basically been in place. Any programming
occurring has been developed by special interest groups in the city, i.e. , Men's
Slowpitch Softball League, Church Leagues and the Red Cross Learn to Swim program.
The Park Board and County Extension Youth Agent have co-sponsored a summer
recreation program for youth over the last three years and this program will
be run solely by the Park Department this year.
The Park Board with strong support from the city administration, is initiating
a plan to develop a well-rounded park program to serve the city. Hiring a
summer recreation director for the 1989 summer season is a first step in this
process. Eventually the Park Board hopes that this position will become a
full-time year-round position.
Maintenance at Robe Ann Park as previously mentioned, is receiving top
priority this year (1989) and will continue as a strong priority in order to
reverse years of neglect. Currently, maintenance is the responsibility of the
department's only full-time employee along with a part-time seasonal employee
�,.1 in the summer. Maintenance on the park is completed on an as needed basis.
A regular maintenance schedule is not in use as of 1989.
For years the city Park Department has functioned without a clear
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philosophy or definition of what its role in providing recreation to the
city is or should be. As the park was neglected, so was the Park Department
in its purpose to meet the recreational needs of the city. The Department
lacked a vision for the future for recreation in Greencastle. Instead, it
focused its sole attention on acting as custodian of Robe Ann Park. This
situation is due to how the Department is set up (1 full-time employee) and
a lack of funds from the city in the past. There have been little resources
available to develop the department and its role into a city Park and Recreation
Department. Park and Recreation Department policies and other administrative
tools necessary for a vibrant, functioning department are not in place at
this time. Past park plans have been completed with good ideas, but there was
little follow-up done to the plans reality.
However, the current Park Board is beginning to address these issues with
strong support from the city's progressive minded administration. This plan
will serve as the foundation for improving and modernizing the city's Park and
Recreation Department.
The city's only swimming pool is located at Robe Ann Park. It is 30 years
old and it requires constant and expensive maintenance to keep it operating.
/'*, Support facilities at the pool (the locker rooms, pool deck area and filtration
system) are becoming dilapidated and in need of extensive repair. Results from
the park survey and the fact that this pool is the only one available economically
to the public show that this pool is very popular as a recreation activity to
the city of Greencastle. Replacement or renovation of this pool is a major
necessity in order to adequately continue to meet the aquatic recreational
needs of Greencastle with a facility that is safe and of high quality.
Jaycees Park
Jaycees Park was developed for the city by the Jaycees organization and
then leased back to the Jaycees. Currently, the Jaycees maintain the park and
have built the meeting facility there. The Park's main purpose is outdoor
recreation (hiking, fishing, nature study etc. . . ). Further development of the
park is under the control of the Jaycees.
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CITY SCHOOL SYSTEM
There are three elementary schools in the city and each has an adequate
to large sized open area and playground area. These three outdoor areas
are used only for school purposes now, but are accessible to the public. No
structured programming occurs at the sites.
Playground equipment at all three sites is in need of maintenance. Cement
slabs underneath various pieces of equipment at all three sites need to be
removed and safety surfaces installed . The grounds themselves are in need
of landscaping to increase their attractiveness and usability.
Facilities at the middle school and high school are in excellent shape and
consist of sports facilities and one shelter house in an on-grounds wooded
area. Some open areas at the middle school are still being developed as practice
areas. Facilities are used mainly be school programs. Various community
aquatic programs have been offered at the school swimming pool.
DEPAUW UNIVERSITY
,/"\ DePauw University is located within the city and has extensive sports
facilities. An indoor facility contains a metric/yd. capability swimming
pool, a multi-use gym, practice courts, dance room, 2 weight rooms and
classrooms. Outdoor facilities consist of sports/practice fields and a
campus square area with a small pond. Use of these facilities by the public
requires a one hundred dollar annual membership fee. During the summer,
week-long youth sports camps are offered at an average cost of one hundred
and fifty dollars per week. A university astronomy observatory offers
programs open to the public for free at various times of the year.
BIG WALNUT SPORTS PARK, INC.
This is a nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to develop an
eighty acre sports park for the county. Land has already been acquired and land
grading has begun. The organization has an ambitious five year plan which
includes facilities for Little League Baseball, Girl's Softball, Babe Ruth
League, Adult Softball, soccer and football fields, and a BMX track. Other
proposed facilities include shuffleboard and horseshoe courts, exercise/jogging
trail, picnic/playground areas and a community building. Follow-through on
these plans is contingent on money coming in from donations and gifts. At this
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time one field will be completed by summer 1989. All other park facilities are
still in the planning/fundraising stage. This facility if completed would meet
the sports needs of the county. However, it will be five years before this
facility is scheduled to be completed. A major drawback to this facility will
be its distance from town (3 miles) and the route to the park is through a
conjested business section of the city and along a busy highway(#240). This
situation will make it dangerous for city yough to get to the park unless
transported by car. With the increase in single parent families, and families
with both parents working this could be a serious problem.
PUTNAM COUNTY YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE
Currently, this program has no facility of its own but plays its matches
at a local field just outside of Greencastle in Limedale. This coming spring
season they will also play at local school fields. There is a spring and fall
league season each year. The leagus is sponsored by the Putnam County Youth
Soccer Association. There will be soccer fields for this league at the pro-
posed Big Walnut Creek Sports Park. This park will become operational over
the next five years, soccer fields will be built in the later stages of this
period.
GREENCASTLE YOUTH BASEBALL LEAGUE
This program has its own diamond located on property of the National Guard
at the armory. The field is owned by the National Guard. Youth baseball
fields are also planned for Big Walnut Creek Sports Park. These fields will
not be operational for three to five years.
BABE RUTH BASEBALL LEAGUE OF GREENCASTLE
This league is for boys ages 12-14. This league will have a field in the
Big Walnut Sports Park.
GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE
This is a county-wide league. There are levels of play in the league:
instructional, junior league and senior league.
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n YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE
This league is in the northern half of Putnam County, including
Greencastle. The games are played on the Greencastle High School football field
and the North Putnam High School football field.
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GREENCASTLE PARK AND RECREATION INVENTORY
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Publicly Owned Facilities
1. Robe Ann Park
Township: Greencastle, Section 21
Control: Municipal
Classification: Park and General Recreation
Service Area: City
Size: 28 acres
Activities: Playground Areas 5
Swimming Facility 1
Pool Square Feet 4,600
Pool Deck Square Feet 6,500
Softball Diamond 1 (lighted)
Horseshoe Courts 2
Volleyball Courts 2
Picnic Shelters 4
Band Shell 1
Tennis Courts 5
Historic Buildings 2
2. Jaycees Park
Township: Greencastle
Control: Municipal, but currently leased to Jaycees Organization
Classification: Natural Area
Service Area: County
Size: 28 acres
Activities: small lake
Club Building
Wooded Area with trails
Shelter House
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School Recreation Facilities
1. Jones Elementary
Township: Greencastle, Section 16
Control: Public School System
Classification: Play Area
Service Area: Neighborhood
Size: 5 acres
Activities: Apparatus Area 1 acre
Open Play Area .5 acre
Open Space Acres 1
Basketball Goals 6 (not lighted)
Softball Diamonds I (not lighted)
2. Northeast Elementary
Township: Greencastle, Section 16
Control: Public School System
Classification: Play Area
Service Area: Neighborhood
Size: 12 acres
Activities: Apparatus Area 1 .5 acres
Open Play Area 1 .5 acres
Open Space Area 5 acres
Basketball Goals 4 (not lighted)
Softball Fields 2 (not lighted)
3. Ridpath Elementary
Township: Greencastle, Section 21
Control: Public School System
Classification: Play Area
Service Area: Neighborhood
Size: 5 acres
Activities: Apparatus Area .5 acre
Open Play Area 1 acre
Open Space Area 1 acre
Basketball Goals 2 (not lighted)
Softball Fields 2 (not lighted)
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4. Greencastle Middle School
/'1 Township: Greencastle, Section 22
Control: Public School System
Classification: General Recreation
Service Area: City
Size:
Activities: Volleyball Courts 2 (indoor)
Basketball Courts 2
Football Fields 1 (not lighted)
Open Space
Craft Room 1
5. Greencastle High School
Township: Greencastle, Section 22
Control : Public School System
Classification: General Recreation
Service Area: City
Size: 10 acres
Activities: Baseball Fields 1 (lighted)
Football Fields 1 (lighted)
Softball Fields 1 (lighted)
Tennis Courts 6
Open Areas
Swimming Pool 1
Gymnasium 1
400 m. Track 1
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Semi-Public Facilities
1. Greencastle Little League
Township: Greencastle, Section 16
Control: City Little League Association
Classification: Play Area
Service Area: City
Size: 2 acres
Activities: Open Play Area .5 acre
Baseball Diamond 1 (not lighted)
2. Putnam County 411 Grounds
Township: Greencastle, Section 16
Control : County
Classification: General Recreation
Service Area: County
Size: 12 acres
Activities: Open Space Area 10 acres
3. Big Walnut Sports Park Inc.
Township: Greencastle
Control: Private Nonprofit Organization
Classification: Specialized - Sports, and general recreation
Service Area: County
Size: 80 acres
Activities Ready for 1989 Seasons: Girls Softball
Soccer Field
Activities in Funding/Planning/Construction Phase:
4 Lighted Little League Fields
1 Unlighted Babe Ruth Field
2 Lighted Adult Softball Fields
1 Full size Football Field
1 BMX Bicycle Track
Shuffle Board Courts
Horseshoe Courts
Jogging Trail
Heart Exercise Trail
Multi-purpose Community Building
Picnic and Playground Areas
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4. Putnam County Youth Soccer League
Township: Greencastle
Control: Putnam County Youth Soccer Association
Classification: Specialized - sports
Service Area: County
Size: N.A.
Activities: County-wide Soccer league
5. Greencastle Youth Baseball League
Township: Greencastle
Control: Field owned by the National Guard
Classification: Specialized - sports
Service Area: County
Size: N.A.
Activities: 1 baseball diamond for league games
6. Babe Ruth Baseball League of Greencastle
Township: Greencastle
Control: Nonprofit organization
Classification: Specialized - sports
Service Area: County
Size: N.A.
Activities: league for boys ages 12-14
7. Girls Softball League
Township: Greencastle
Control: Putnam County Girls Softball League
Classification: Specialized - Sports
Service Area: County
Size: Moving to Big Walnut Sports Park Inc. Summer 1989
Activities: Countywide Girls Softball League
8. Youth Football League
Township: Norhtern Half of Putnam County
,--.� Control: Putnam County Youth Football League
Classification: Specialized - sports
Service Area: Northern Half of County
Size: N.A.
Activities: Elementary school age football league
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CITY OF GREENCASTLE
GREENCASTLE ::,.
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'—. 1 . Robe Ann Park 6. Greencastle Middle School
2. Jaycees Park 7. Greencastle high School
3. Jones Elementary 8. Putnam County 4H Grounds
4. Northeast Elementary 9. DePauw University
S. Ridpath Elementary 10. Big Walnut Creek Sports Park
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Regional Recreation Sites
State Parks
McCormicks Creek
Shades
Turkey Run
State Reservoir
Cagles Mill
Cecil M. Harden
State Recreation Areas
Lieber State
Cataract
Raccoon
State Forests
Owen-Putnam
Indianapolis
Indianapolis Zoo
Eagle Creek Park Nature Preserve
Major Harris Velodrome
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