The generosity of Friends of the Park members funds the accomplishment of goals in the county’s five-year outdoor recreation master plan.

Members in 2023, we truly thank you for your support! It increased local quality of life through opportunities outdoor recreation provides. In 2024, member dues and gifts will:

• Complete the plan for a 400-acre park on the south shore of Glenn Flint Lake.
• Move and begin restoration work on the Pennsylvania Railroad Freight Depot that will become a People Pathways trailhead, nature center and bike rental station on the new segment of People Pathways that will be constructed along Veterans Memorial Highway beginning in late summer.
• Purchase abandoned railroad property to connect segments of People Pathways that will eventually complete the trail through Putnam County – last year, nearly 1.5 miles of additional railbed was purchased.
• Complete Phase I of the project adding new and needed signage on People Pathways, from Hendricks County west to where the trail crosses Indianapolis Road.
• Fund a take-home magnifying glass for every second-grader from all four school districts during their spring fieldtrip to the DePauw Nature Park, led by Putnam Parks & Pathways.
• Help fund “Nature Play Days,” a nationwide program for youth, celebrated in June with a week-long, extensive series of events developed by Putnam Parks & Pathways’ education committee.
• Sponsor the weekly bike ride series offered to cyclists of all ages by the Putnam County Cycling Club in late spring through mid-fall, the twice-monthly birdwatching series offered year-round by the Big Walnut Bird Club, and the Monthly Nature Hike series, also offered year-round, by Putnam Parks & Pathways.
• Help fund both “Celebrate 4,” the county’s Independence Day celebration, and the “Winter Wonderland Lights Festival,” the month-long December holiday tradition, in Robe-Ann Park.
• Help underwrite three June events – a national slingshot tournament in Jaycee Park; a first-time ultramarathon in the DePauw Nature Park; and “Pedal Putnam,” a one-day series of bike rides designed for all bike-riders from families to competitive racers…and the 2024 Mural Fest, which will add five new murals to the growing Putnam County public art collection this September.

In a county of nearly 40,000 residents, this year’s Friends of the Park 300-member goal is a little embarrassing. Regardless of where you live, individuals can join in 2024 for $35. Families can join for $60. The best part: Your gift, of any amount over and above your membership, will be doubled through a $1-for-$1 match, up to a total of $50,000, offered again this year by the Putnam County Visitors Center.

Become a Friends of the Park member. Click below and join now to support the development of outdoor recreation venues, events and programs in Putnam County. And experience what your generosity creates by enjoying what you make possible! This website includes an events section, and a volunteer section, making it easy to regularly get outdoors AND get involved. Thank you for being part of the team. We look forward to seeing you!