park adopt - a spotlight: nicole sipe

Choosing to adopt my little portion of the Monon Greenway was an easy decision. I use the trail every day—it has given me so much, in the form of a safe and beautiful way to get outside, get fresh air, get exercise and enjoy nature. It makes me happy! So, I wanted to make sure that the trail is as beautiful as it can be. That’s why I joined the Adopt-A-Park program, and that’s why I volunteer to pick up the litter that I see on “my” portion of the trail. We’re fortunate that the parks and greenspaces in Carmel are extremely well cared for in general, so I don’t usually have much litter to pick up. But maintenance crews can’t be everywhere at all times, so I’m happy to do my part as a resident and trail lover.

When I first became an Adopt-A-Park volunteer and the sign with my name on it went up, I took my kids over to see it. My youngest son said, “I didn’t know that regular people could adopt a park!” I think that kind of sums up the Adopt-A-Park experience. Yes, regular people can (and should) adopt a park and make a difference in their community. We tend to think that the upkeep of public spaces is someone else’s job. But we all enjoy these beautiful natural areas. It’s our collective responsibility to be stewards of the earth.

During the pandemic, Nicole Sipe was searching for a way to get outside and keep her mental health strong. She began walking the trails of Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation and found that it was a wonderful way to support her physical and mental health. When she decided to become more than a trail walker and adopt part of the trail to maintain herself— it was a wonderful way to stay involved and beautify the natural areas she was enjoying every day.

The Adopt-A-Park program has given back to me, too. Since joining almost a year ago, I’ve gotten outdoors a lot more. Knowing that I have a little piece of land to take care of and watch over and knowing that my name is on the sign is good motivation to get out of the house and make sure that the area is clean. Because my adopted area is part of the Monon Greenway, it has encouraged me to walk a lot more and I’ve gotten to know many other regulars on the trail. I’ve had many people also come up to me and thank me for picking up litter. If you want to feel like you’re a part of the community and making a difference in your community, the Adopt-A-Park program is a great way to do that.

—Nicole Sipe