Park Agency Member Spotlight: Noblesville Parks and Recreation
Written by: Courtnie Pettigrew Posted on: August 7, 2018 Blog: News & Updates
The Indiana Park and Recreation Association had the chance to discuss the Noblesville Parks and Recreation Department with its assistant director, Mike Hoffmeister. Please continue reading below to learn more about Noblesville Parks and Recreation!
What is your favorite memory at your park agency?
Park Director, Brandon Bennett, fondly remembers Deadheads camping out at Forest Park in the early 1990s. The campouts took place when the Grateful Dead played at Deer Creek, now known as Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center, in Noblesville.
How does your agency contribute to the community?
We strive to provide a great quality of life for the Noblesville community with cultural events, programs, partnerships through our park spaces. In 2017, over 70,000 participants enjoyed an event at a Noblesville park and we've continued to grow our programs and attendance this year so far.
What special events is your park agency known for?
We are known for our Summer Concerts Series, which has taken place for 25+ years and is Hamilton County's longest running concert series of its kind. The series includes nine concerts and brings local bands to the park where over 16,000 attendees enjoyed a show in 2017. Our newest park, Federal Hill Commons with a permanent amphitheater, has allowed us to create new programs and events, which have started to gain a following in the community. A few new popular events include two new concert series as well as Food Truck Fridays, which brings 5-7 local food trucks to the park on the 2nd and 4th Fridays during the summer months with 200-400 attendees.
What do you see for the future of your park agency? What are your goals?
We plan to develop and grow our events and programs over the next few years, along with expanding the number of parks to seven with the completion of the Finch Creek property on the east side of Noblesville. One of our goals is to eventually add an arts division to our department and incorporate more art into the parks.
Why do you choose to be a member of the Indiana Park and Recreation Association? How long have you been a member?
We have been members for over 5 years and believe in the professional and networking opportunities of IPRA. We appreciate the overall support the association can provide to agencies across the state.
How has your experience with IPRA benefited your park agency? What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your membership?
Our partnership with IPRA and having their office space located within a Noblesville Parks facility has been extremely beneficial. The professional development opportunities have allowed us to all grow and the opportunity to develop relationships with the IPRA staff, fellow agencies, and vendors has been amazing.
What would you like IPRA members to know about your agency? We would like to thank IPRA for all of their support! Noblesville has also been an agency that has provided three IPRA presidents as well as the other two-time IPRA president.
