[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 3, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E592-E593]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF HAMILTON COUNTY PARKS

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                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2017

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department on the occasion of 
their 50th Anniversary. For the last half century, the Hamilton County 
Parks and Recreation Department has enriched our community. Their 
greatly successful mission to provide high-quality parks and 
facilities, to be a leader in natural resource education and services, 
and as an excellent resource for our community and its citizens has 
made Hamilton County one of the best places to live in Indiana and in 
the United States. Thank you to the Staff and the Hamilton County 
Commissioners who have served with distinction and have carried out the 
mission of the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department. The 
people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District are forever grateful 
for the contributions to our Hoosier community, and it is my distinct 
privilege to honor the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department 
today.
  Founded in 1967, Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department 
ordinance was established on March 11, 1967. The ordinance was filed 
May 1, 1967 in the office of Auditor John Randall. The inaugural board 
of directors were appointed for a two-year term beginning in 1968. 
Board meetings were held at the Commissioner's Court in The Hamilton 
County Court House, located in Noblesville. The founding Board members 
included: Henry Burgher as President, Jerry Barr as Secretary, Floyd 
Overdorf as a Member, and Paul Wheeler as a Member. Thanks to the 
foresight of the inaugural Board members, for the last 50 years we have 
had an excellent park system that has enriched the lives of our 
residents here in Hamilton County and all those who have visited.
  The Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department created its first 
park in 1970 after acquiring Potter's Bridge in Noblesville. Today the 
Parks Department oversees eleven parks: Bray Family Homestead Park, 
Cool Creek Park and Nature Center, Coxhall Gardens, Geist Park, 
Lafayette Trace Park, Morse Park & Beach, Potter's Bridge Park, River 
Road Park, Riverwood Canoe Landing, Rookery Preserve, and Strawtown 
Koteewi Park. Each park has a unique experience to offer, and has 
brought fun and joy to the citizens and families of Hamilton County and 
to all those who visit. Nature trails, bird watching, water sports, 
natural history, archery, and many other great activities make our 
Parks in Hamilton County world class. In addition to the thousands of 
acres of land to oversee, the Parks Department also offers workshops, 
school programs, and facilities.

[[Page E593]]

  On behalf of the citizens of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District, 
I would like to congratulate the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation 
Department on the celebration of its 50th Anniversary. I am proud that 
our Hoosier state is home to an exemplary department such as this one. 
I wish the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department all the best 
as it embarks on its next 50 years of excellence in Indiana.

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