Founded Sept. 15, 2009, at Noblesville, IN Vol. XV, No. 42
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Opinions
The views of the columnists in Current in Noblesville are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.
Residents raise concerns over tree removal
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
The Noblesville Common Council heard from several residents during its June 25 meeting about tree removal that has taken place in the Oakmont neighborhood in Noblesville.
CITY NEWS
Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen has previously stated the removal of more than 100 trees is to improve sidewalks in the area. At the meeting, he said the conversations surrounding the tree removal have been difficult, and the city has tried to listen to residents.
Tree removal in the neighborhood began June 24. Courtney Kulp of 17946 Forreston Oak Dr. said it is a “tragedy” to have lost as many trees as the city already has.
“It was only after collective outrage that the number of trees was reduced once and then again. So, trees are suddenly getting saved because we’re putting pressure on you guys,” Kulp said.
According to Noblesville Urban Forester John Easley, the current number of trees planned to be removed is 133, down from the original total of 166.
“Originally, we were including unapproved species that will get too large and cause uplifting in the sidewalk panels so
high the panels have to be redone,” Easley said. “That makes the trees unstable, so they tend to fall over. That’s why the 133 have to come out. But there are some smaller trees that aren’t really impacting the sidewalks yet, but they will. So, we took those off the list.”
Several residents have expressed concerns via social media and continued to do so at the meeting.
Noblesville resident Myra Ping, who has lived downtown for nearly three years, said she appreciates the mayor’s comments and explanations on why trees benefit the city but wonders if city officials are making “all possible efforts to retain big trees.”
“I believe that if a tree is diseased, it should be removed, and I understand and see the problems caused by tree roots resulting in uneven sidewalks,” Ping said. “But even in the past two days, I have found two articles about methods that other cities are using to solve their tree and sidewalk issues that don’t include removing the trees.”
Resident Jeff McCarty, who has lived in Noblesville for nine years, said he moved to the city for its charm.
“Cities around the world, all over the United States, have figured out ways to save our trees,” McCarty said. “If you cut down our mature trees, it will dramatically
change the charm of our city.”
Wesley Rodermund lives on Hardin Oak Drive in Noblesville and said her street looks like a “war zone.”
“There’s not a person (on my street) that doesn’t feel physically violated by this,” Rodermund said. “They have come into our home and ripped out the beauty of our street, and they’re going to continue to do it all over our neighborhood.”
Erin Brattain, a resident of Oakmont in Noblesville who works for Noblesville schools, has lived in the city since 1992. She is also upset about the tree removal “as a taxpayer.”
“We feel the communication has been very poor to the residents about this project and the timeline,” Brattain said. “Things continue to change as we progress, and again, things haven’t been transparent.”
Brattain said she does not trust that the city has heard and discussed all the residents’ concerns and looked into all options.
Lisa Taylor, who has lived on Hardin Oak Drive for 25 years, said she looked forward to moving to Noblesville because it was established and had “beautiful trees.”
“I’m assuming this is going to happen to other neighborhoods, but there’s got to be a way you can do this without destroying everything that’s beautiful about our neighborhood,” Taylor said.
Fourth of July festivities set for Noblesville
news@currentnoblesville.com
Fireworks, a parade, live music and other festivities will once again be part of the Noblesville Fireworks Festival, a free July 4 event.
FESTIVAL
The Noblesville Fourth of July parade, festival and fireworks display is the longest continuously running celebration in central Indiana and has been an annual tradition in Noblesville since 1997, according to Robert Herrington, press secretary for the City of Noblesville.
“The Fourth of July is always a special day for my family, and so many families throughout Noblesville, and our festivities have become a summer staple that brings our community together,” Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen stated. “In addition to the festivities, we also take this opportunity to express our gratitude to those who have served and continue to serve our country, safeguarding our freedoms.”
The day will begin at 4 p.m. with the
Kids in America will perform at the festival from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Photo courtesy of Robert Herrington)
annual Fourth of July parade through downtown Noblesville, sponsored by Gaylor Electric.
The Fireworks Festival, sponsored by IDI Composites International, will take place at Forest Park, 701 Cicero Rd., from 6 to 10 p.m. The event will include traditional park amenities plus festival attractions including inflatables, balloon twisters and face painters in the Kids Zone.
The Teen Zone will also have age-appro-
priate inflatables, a Spyder bungee jump and a rock wall. Other attractions include the return of a zip line, inflatable corn maze and two-person gyroscope.
Kids in America will perform ’80s music on the Pacers Sports & Entertainment Main Stage from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The festivities will culminate with the annual fireworks show at 10 p.m.
VIP table groups can bring in their own food and drinks and participate in a table-decorating contest. Tables seat eight people for $160. Herrington said funds received through the VIP section accommodations help defray the costs of hosting the community event.
Public parking will not be available at the park.
The Noblesville Fireworks Festival will have free shuttle routes throughout and after the event to assist guests in getting to Forest Park from designated off-site parking lots. For more, visit NoblesvilleFireworksFestival.com.
Volunteers build fences for stable
By Jessica Todd jessica@currentnoblesville.com
Volunteers visited Koteewi Stable and Trails, managed by Ben’s Ranch Foundation in Noblesville, June 22 to help build fences.
FESTIVAL
Brose McVey, Ben’s Ranch founder and executive director, said the foundation’s management of the stables creates a platform for teens to work, learn and grow by caring for the horses and facility. They also learn about the business aspects of running a stable.
The all-day event served as a boot camp for teens struggling with mental health issues. According to McVey, Ben’s Ranch Foundation Boot Camps are half-day volunteer opportunities in which a small group of teen participants work on a project at a farm or stable, supervised by adult staff and volunteers.
“We had a motivational, inspiring turnout,” McVey said. “There were a lot of neat people that had never been around the facility or worked with us face to face. We had people volunteering from as far as Fort
Wayne. So, it was just an exciting day.”
McVey said Ben’s Ranch took over management of Koteewi Stable and Trails in December 2023. The Hamilton County Parks Department granted it 17 acres of pasture, and the organization decided to make the fence building a project for teens.
Volunteers brought tools and equipment, and Sunbelt Tool Rental and McAllister Machinery donated equipment.
Volunteers are still needed to finish installing fencing at the stable. For more, visit koteewitrails.org.
Two Boot Camps are scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon July 13 and Aug. 3 for teens ages 14 to 18. For more, visit bensranch.org.
Volunteers build a fence at Koteewi Stable and Trails. (Photo courtesy of Brose McVey)
Mayors talk balancing collaboration, competition
By Ann Marie Shambaugh and Adanna Mbanu news@youarecurrent.com
The four mayors of Hamilton County’s largest cities participated in a panel discussion June 18 as part of the Hamilton County Leadership Academy’s Leadership Summit at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in Noblesville.
HCLA
Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam, Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness and Westfield Mayor Scott Willis answered questions about regionalism and collaboration from Terry Anker, dean of the HCLA Class of 2014.
COLLABORATION, COMPETITION
Anker asked the mayors how they balance collaboration and competition with neighboring communities as they make decisions for their own city.
Jensen said he considers other regions — such as the Denver, Colo., or Nashville, Tenn., areas — as competitors more than other municipalities in Hamilton County.
“Indiana is known for its Hoosier humility,” he said. “We need to chuck that Hoosier humility and decide if we want to be a global competitor. We have to be going forward. We have to tell our story. We have to tell our metrics and we have to push each other to get those metrics better.”
Fadness said Hamilton County municipalities often look for ways to work together, but even when they are in competition it can benefit the region as a whole.
“The relationships among cities in Hamilton County have matured to a point now where we understand that there are seasons where we will compete,” Fadness said. “When a company comes to Hamilton County and is looking around, every one of us is going to put our best foot forward. That’s what we’re supposed to do. But you know what? If I don’t win and (Noblesville) wins it or (Carmel) or (Westfield), that’s great. It’s good for the collective.”
INSPIRED INNOVATION
Another question focused on how innovation plays into shaping Hamilton County communities.
Finkam said Carmel has long been a leader in innovative thinking, citing the city’s transformation of most of its signaled intersections into roundabouts.
She said innovation is sparked by lis-
tening to the stories and experiences of a variety of residents and stakeholders.
“I’m trying to bring people from our community into projects and committees to make them richer and different, because I think we all get stuck in one particular mindset,” she said. “And I think when we talk about diversity, part of this is diversity of thought and making sure really we’re growing our minds on what is possible, even if it takes change, to get it done.”
Willis said Westfield and other local leaders have been inspired by several innovations in Carmel, such as limiting suburban sprawl and building walkable communities.
“Carmel set that standard and I think every single city here is taking pieces of that and transforming it into something that’s unique for their community,” Willis said. “We’re following that walkability component to attract future generations.”
BEST ADVICE
Anker ended the session by asking the mayors about the best leadership advice they have received.
Fadness said he’s learned to embrace humility.
“You’re never as good or as bad as what they say in the headlines in the newspaper. I think that’s really, really important,” Fadness said. “And then, I try to be engaged in whatever I’m doing at the moment.”
Jensen said the best advice he’s been given is to “hire really smart people and then trust them.”
“My team (members) are 10 times smarter than I am and I trust them. I also ask them to push back on me at times,” Jensen said. “When you walk out the door, I’m going to go fall on the sword for it. But if there’s something that I’m going to step on and you don’t tell me, then that’s on you. So, hire smart people and trust them to do the work.”
From left, moderator Terry Anker, Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, Westfield Mayor Scott Willis and Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)
Upgrades coming to 146th, Hazel Dell intersection
By Conrad Otto conrad@currentnoblesville.com
Upgrades are coming soon to the intersection of 146th Street and Hazel Dell Parkway, and on June 20 the Hamilton County Highway Department held a public meeting to share details about the project and gather feedback from the community. The intersection, deemed in at least two studies to be one of the most dangerous
ROADWAYS
in the area, is set to be transformed from a signalized intersection to a safer and more efficient design.
“What we are anticipating is having a roundabout below and then a bridge over the Hazel Dell roundabout that would carry 146th Street,” said Matt Lee, HCHD bridge program engineer. “One of the main goals is to improve safety and to improve the intersection level of service. Basically, we’re just trying to make everything work better.”
HCHD and civil engineering firm Butler, Fairman & Seufert are collaborating on the project. Lee said many of the project plans are still in the preliminary stages.
“We like to have public information meetings so that we can allow nearby landowners affected to come see what the impacts of the project are,” Lee said. “The goal of the meeting is to share where we are at with the project, give people an update on what our schedule looks like and what the remainder of the design portion
of the project looks like before we get into construction.”
The county began planning for the $37 million project in 2020. Construction is set to be complete in the winter of 2028. Chris Kellum, who attended the meeting, lives off 146th Street. Although he is uncertain how the project will directly impact him, he is pleased with the amount of thought and work being put into the plan. For more, visit hamiltoncounty.in.gov.
NOBLESVILLE VETERANS PRESENTED QUILT OF VALOR
Five Star Senior Residences of Noblesville residents Ernest Batman, left, and Robert Mann, both received a Quilt of Valor on flag day, June 14. The two men, 97, are World War II veterans. The nonprofit Quilts of Valor Foundation presents quilts to living veterans to thank them for their service. Batman worked in education and Mann was a dentist, who used the GI bill to go to dental school.
(Photo by Adam Seif)
DISPATCHES
Dedication ceremony — Join the fire service community at 7 p.m. July 10 for the unveiling and dedication of the Hamilton County Fallen Firefighters Memorial along the White River, west of the Judicial Center at 1 Hamilton County Square in Noblesville. The memorial is the culmination of years of work and commitment to memorialize five members who lost their lives in the line of duty. In addition, a permanent memorial of the victims of Sept. 11, 2001, will be dedicated to the survivors and community.
Back to School BASH — This year’s Noblesville Schools Back to School BASH will celebrate its 10th anniversary. The event welcomes thousands of families to enjoy sports, food, music, games and community exhibitors in celebration of the new school year. The event will be from 5 to 8 p.m. July 26 at Beaver Stadium at Noblesville High School.
Hamilton County court text program — Hamilton County Courts have joined a pilot program spearheaded by the Indiana Supreme Court’s Office of Court Technology to enhance communication and reduce failures to appear in court. Interested residents can update their cell phone numbers with the Clerk’s office, 1 Hamilton County Square Suite 106 in Noblesville.
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PAGEANTRY AND PHILANTHROPY
Noblesville resident named Mrs. United USA 2024
By Jessica Todd jessica@youarecurrent.com
With less than three weeks to prepare for the National United USA Pageant, Noblesville resident Jessica Hopper never imagined she would take home the title.
So, Hopper, 31, was stunned when she was crowned Mrs. United USA 2024 at the event held June 10 to 14 in Daytona Beach, Fla. She was also named the interview, swimsuit and runway winner and voted as the national Miss Congeniality. She will represent the U.S. at the international pageant next year.
“The United USA pageant said that they (didn’t) have somebody to represent Indiana and asked me if I would be willing to compete,” Hopper said. “I had less than (three) weeks to prepare for the pageant, whereas most of the other delegates had 6 to 10 months. There was not a lot of prep. It was more of going off of my experience.”
Hopper was named Mrs. Ireland World in 2023 and Miss Ireland Supra in 2021. Aside from competing, she is a pageant coach and owns a business, Miss Jessica Marie, where she trains girls of all ages in pageantry. She said she had to quickly pull from everything she has learned over the years to feel prepared to compete.
“I know it all happened really quick, but it was a title that, for me, was at the top of my list,” Hopper said. “I was thinking it was going to be 2025 when I would compete there, and they convinced me I could do it in two and a half weeks. So it was a lot, and I wasn’t really expecting it.”
Hopper said she appreciates that the National United USA Pageant places a major focus on each competitor’s platform, personal brand or message, known as the competitors “Legacy in the Making.”
“Before I entered pageantry, my world revolved around social work,” Hopper said. “I came from an abusive childhood and background. I was sent to a girls home at some point in my life, so that’s always been the area that I wanted to get back (into) professionally and philanthropically.”
Hopper is founder and president of SAFE Homes, which focuses on child abuse prevention.
“My brand (SAFE Homes) was a really big reason why I gravitated to the United USA pageant, because they had everything that was traditional with beauty pageants, but our social media was considered, and a large portion was our legacy in the making, where we had to do videos showcasing what we’ve been doing and something that we were passionate about outside of pageantry, which resonated very much with me,” Hopper said. “That’s been my purpose since before I had even thought about pageants being an option for me.”
Hopper said her legacy means more to her than any title.
“As soon as I won, we immediately had interviews and podcasts,” Hopper said. “Rather than the questions being like, how do you stay fit because I won the swimsuit cat-
resident
egory, it was, what is your legacy going to be? What are you going to do for these children throughout this next year? What are your actual goals? Which meant a lot more to me as a title holder.”
Cindy Christi, who won the title of Mrs. Elite United Universe Feb. 26, said she has watched Hopper’s pageant journey for five years and is eager to watch her take the national title to new heights. United USA is the official preliminary competition to advance to the United Universe pageant.
“(Jessica) is passionate about her legacy platform and it is a perfect match and outstanding system committed to helping women and girls discover and build their legacies,” Christi said.
Before her involvement in pageants, Hopper graduated from college with psychology and interpersonal relations degrees and minored in family science and dance performance.
“I started pageantry when I was 24, so I was late to the game,” Hopper said. “I started after I graduated school. Someone had suggested that I’d be really good at pageantry. I didn’t really listen to it until after I graduated college, as that was my main focus.”
As a national title holder, Hopper will represent the U.S. for a year. A date for the international pageant has not yet been determined.
“Right now, it’ll be a lot of traveling,” Hopper said. “I still do modeling and runway work. So, New York and Paris Fashion Week are in the works. It will be nice taking the crown with me and representing the pageant at the same time as what I’m doing outside. I’ll be traveling to several
states and also helping out with their pageants to get girls involved.”
To keep up with Hopper’s journey, follow her Instagram at instagram.com/missjessicahopper.
WORKING TO PREVENT CHILD ABUSE
Jessica Hopper’s organization, SAFE Homes, works to prevent child abuse.
“We work with organizations such as Hands of Hope, which is local to the Indianapolis area,” Hopper said. “I worked as a social worker for years previously, but more so, we work on social campaigns by speaking to political leaders and explaining the importance of child abuse prevention.”
SAFE stands for stability, allocation, family and education, Hopper said.
“Indiana used to be one of the worst states for child welfare laws,” Hopper said. “That has changed quite a bit in the last five to seven years due to the work of Child Protective Services and also social work, which is phenomenal for us. Understanding what family actually means to these children, whether we’re reuniting a family that already exists and helping them through that, or recreating a family as well, is awesome.”
ON THE COVER: Jessica Hopper winning the title of Mrs. United USA 2024. (Photo courtesy of Jessica Hopper)
Noblesville
Jessica Hopper, center, being crowned Mrs. United USA 2024. (Photo courtesy of Jessica Hopper)
Prioritizing city safety
Commentary by Mayor Chris Jensen
The City of Noblesville is proud to be named a Tree City USA for 34 consecutive years.
TREE REMOVAL
One of the requirements to maintain status as a Tree City is to spend at least $2 per capita each year on urban forestry efforts. Noblesville has consistently invested well above that threshold because we value trees and the benefits that they provide our community.
Last year, the city, in a strong commitment to our tree canopy, partnered with SMC Corp. on a tree-planting matching grant to offer trees to HOAs, businesses and nonprofits. We have secured more than $200,000 in federal and state grants to support tree planting and management in the city.
Unfortunately, we have inherited a legacy of issues resulting from poor decision-making regarding tree selection and planting. The issue of municipal tree management is complex. In cases where the wrong trees are selected in the wrong places, they can create several expen-
sive issues that require city funding that should otherwise be used for the betterment of the city.
The city’s urban forester, who has nearly 40 years of experience, and the engineering department work closely together to evaluate the health of a tree and its impact on our infrastructure. Our city representatives have been working diligently to improve processes related to new construction to halt the planting of inappropriate trees in the right of way.
When the wrong tree is planted in a space where it cannot thrive, it results in overgrowth of roots, which impacts our city sidewalks.
When our team performs evaluations, we consider and, where appropriate, take measures to level sidewalks so that we can make tree removal a last-resort necessity.
Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen can be reached at cjensen@ noblesville.in.gov or call/text 317-509-3134.
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Bird is the word at new museum
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Visitors looking for a respite after dropping cash at the new Terre Haute Casino Resort can visit the Larry Bird Museum in the Terre Haute Convention Center.
Capital Improvement Board Museum co-chair Terri Conley said Bird insisted on the museum admission being free. The museum’s kickoff was celebrated with Bird’s return for a public ceremony May 30.
The museum is small at 2,720 square feet but packed with Bird’s memorabilia from Springs Valley High School, Indiana State University and the Boston Celtics. There are several interactive exhibits. Visitors can shoot free throws, as well.
Bird put Terre Haute on the national basketball map by leading Indiana State to the 1979 NCAA championship game before losing to Magic Johnson-led Michigan State. Bird’s Celtics and Johnson’s Los Angeles Lakers continued the rivalry in the NBA and the two eventually became good friends. An exhibit with Johnson is featured in the museum.
Johnson signed a jersey in 1993 with the inscription “To Larry Bird, ‘The Greatest Basketball Player Ever.’ But more important, a friend forever.”
Bird concluded his career by playing on the 1992 Dream Team, which cruised to the Olympic gold medal. Ten days later, Bird announced his retirement after 13 seasons because of back problems. Bird, nicknamed “Larry Legend,” helped the Celtics capture NBA titles in 1981, ’84 and ’86. He was named to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998. As a head coach, Bird led the Indiana Pacers to the NBA Finals in 2000, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers.
There also is an exhibit featuring Bird’s stint as Pacers coach and executive.
The exhibits include Bird’s legendary status as a trash talker.
Bird said he always is a bit amazed when he sees so many young people wearing his No. 33 jersey.
“I think that’s what social media is all about — thank God they didn’t have that when I was playing,” he said, adding that “Terre Haute has followed my career. You don’t make these journeys alone. Terre Haute always had my back.”
Bird said he doesn’t need any more recognition from the home of his alma mater.
“I got a little street named after me,
I got a statue out there and now a museum here,” Bird said. “Thank you, Terre Haute, but I think that’s enough for a while. You have no idea how much I respect the city and the people in it.”
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Reservations are required.
For more, visit larrybirdmuseum.com.
‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” runs through July 7 at the Indianapolis venue. For more, visit beefandboards.com.
SERPENTINE FIRE
Serpentine Five, a Earth, Wind & Fire tribute act, will join the Carmel Symphony Orchestra at 8:30 p.m. July 3 at Coxhall Gardens in Carmel. A patriotic tribute of George M. Cohan featuring Actors Theatre of Indiana performers will start at 8 p.m. For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.
FEINSTEIN’S CABARET
“Indy Nights with Ryan Ahlwardt & Friends” is set for July 5 and “Chrome Horse, the Bob Dylan Tribute” July 6 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.
‘THE LONE STAR LOVE POTION’
Red Barn Summer Theatre presents “The Lone Star Love Potion” through July 7 at the Frankfort venue. For more, visit redbarntheatre.net.
THIRD EYE BLIND
The Summer Gods tour featuring Third Eye Blind and special guest Yellowcard will perform 6:30 p.m. July 6 at Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville. For more, visit livenation.com.
‘ANNE OF GREEN GABLES’
The Carmel Community Players’ Rising Star Production of “Anne of Green Gables” runs through July 7 at The Cat, 254 Veterans Way, Carmel. For more visit carmelplayers.org.
DISPATCH
Tickets for Floyd Nation on sale — Floyd Nation, a Pink Floyd tribute band, will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The band previously performed at the Palladium in February 2023. The Floyd Nation VIP soundcheck experience includes a preshow performance along with a full light show beginning at 4:30 p.m. plus access to early merchandise sales and a meet-and-greet by the merchandise table. VIP add-on pricing is $25. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.
One of Larry Bird’s NBA All-Star jerseys and trophies are on display. (Photos by Mark Ambrogi)
An exhibit shows Bird’s love for his hometown of French Lick.
Palladium gets new sound, lighting system
By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com
Center for the Performing Arts President/ CEO Jeff McDermott knew the Palladium needed upgrades to its sound system.
IMPROVEMENTS
“We always knew we needed a sound system specifically designed for it,” McDermott said. “We also knew our lighting and sound system was aging. Like technology — I tell people if you had a 14- or 15-year-old iPhone or Android, you would be way out of date with it.”
McDermott said there was a need to upgrade to attract more top artists, plus it was getting to the point where it was hard to find parts for speakers and lighting at the Palladium.
“It was pretty much state-of-the-art in 2009 and 2010 when ordered and installed,” he said of the Palladium, which opened in 2011. “Time changes that, so we’re very excited to get two new systems that will make a big difference to our patrons.”
McDermott said the Palladium initially was envisioned as more of a classical concert hall.
“It was certainly made for that, but didn’t exclude it from being an opera or country hall, or a hall that could be used for a wide variety of art forms,” McDermott said. “What we found was the speakers were fine for their time and they did a nice job for a lot of years. When it was time to change, it really made sense to go with something more universal. We know we had specific artists that asked what our sound system is and they had certain requirements we couldn’t meet. There have been opportunities we have not been able
A side view of the Palladium’s new PA system. (Photo courtesy of Center for the Performing Arts)
to fulfill because the sound system, the PA system, wasn’t the appropriate system. I think this will eliminate that altogether.”
One example is Ringo Starr & His AllStarr Band determined the previous sound system wasn’t suitable for their show.
“It’s one thing to have a hall that is acoustically perfect, but the PA system has to complement it,” McDermott said.
The cost for the new sound and lighting systems is approximately $1.5 million, paid from the city’s 2021 tax increment financing bond issue.
The Center’s staff, with the aid of the Carmel Redevelopment Commission, which oversees capital improvements on the campus, solicited three bids for the design and installation of the system. The winning proposal came from two Greenfield-based companies, Force.Tech and Mid-America Sound. Their design was based on an acoustic analysis conducted by Haverstick Designs, a Carmel company. The design added microphone testing throughout the room and the use of LiDAR technology to create a three-dimensional digital model of the interior surfaces.
Installation of key components took place in June.
FREE EVENT COOL CREEK CAMPFIRES
Feeling strapped for cash but still want to have some fun? Each week, Current helps you find things to do without breaking the bank. Here’s what’s on tap this week:
Cool Creek Park at 2000 E. 151st St. in Carmel will hold a free campfire on the north side of the park from 7 to 8 p.m. July 3 and on several other dates throughout the summer. Campfires will include songs, nature presentations and marshmallow roasting. Preregistration isn’t required.
OTHER FREE AREA ACTIVITIES
WALKING CLUB: Moms meet monthly to hike Noblesville Strawtown Koteewi Park trails. For more, visit hamiltoncounty.in.gov/296/Parks-and-Recreation.
MOVIE: Hamilton East Public Library presents a free screening of Trolls Band Together, 1 to 3 p.m. July 6 at its Fishers branch, 5 Municipal Dr. Register at hepl. libnet.info/event/10186437.
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Cool stroll through Cool Creek
By Marney Simon marney@youarecurrent.com
It only takes a short walk through Cool Creek Park on 151st Street to understand why it’s one of the most popular recreation destinations in Hamilton County.
Cool Creek Park’s interior natural surface trails measure 2 miles, but connections allow trail users to customize their hikes by distance and difficulty level. Portions of the trails are uneven with some grade changes and trip hazards that may make it difficult for inexperienced hikers.
Hiking along the shaded interior is a perfect way to get out of the sun and heat, but make sure to bring bug spray and check for ticks after each hike. Long pants are recommended to avoid bugs and poison ivy, which grows along the side of the trail.
Don’t know how to identify poison ivy? Remember this trick — three leaves come off a single stem, with the side leaves resembling mittens while the front leaf is symmetrical. Other plentiful plants along the trail and creek include milkweed, primrose and false sunflowers.
The 90-acre park opened in 1990 and is operated by Hamilton County. In addition to trails, park amenities include athletic fields, a music pavilion, a nature center, shelters, picnic tables, a playground and restrooms. Along the creek there are multiple benches and swings.
The park is open year round from dawn until dusk. Learn more about Cool Creek Park at www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov under the Community/Parks & Rec tab.
Cool Creek Park has 2 miles of natural surface trails. (Photo by Marney Simon)
