Indy Parks Recognized for Innovation and Professionalism

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) recently announced Indy Parks won three statewide awards during the association’s annual state conference.
Indy Parks received recognition for Outstanding Parks Professional, Innovative Program, and Excellence in Landscape Design.
IPRA is a membership based organization that exists for the benefit of over 900 park and recreation professionals in the state of Indiana including Indy Parks.
Joenne Pope, Senior Manager of Community Programs, won the Outstanding Parks Professional award. Pope’s leadership extends to free meal programs, day camps, after-school programming, and more.
Camp Waterpalooza, a creative Indy Parks day camp, received the Innovative Program award. The camp offers a fun-filled week of swimming-themed activities and games for youth ages 6-14. Campers receive swim lessons, and campers ages 11-14 can participate in the Junior Lifeguarding Program (after passing a certain level in their swim lessons). Camp Waterpalooza youth also enjoy water polo, Wibit races, and other traditional camp activities.
IPRA named Blake’s Garden as its Excellence in Landscape Design recipient. Named after the late Blake Bowell, son of Friends of Garfield Park’s executive director, Blake’s Garden is a renovation of the existing children’s garden at Garfield Park, designed by the Mader Group.
For more information about Indy Parks, visit parks.indy.gov or call (317) 327-PARK.