About Us

Our Mission: ​The purpose of the Friends of Fort Harrison State Park is to collaborate closely with Fort Harrison State Park staff in order to: Support property staff in projects and events that preserve, manage and interpret both the natural and cultural heritage and recreational opportunities of Fort Harrison State Park.

​Board Members
​Our Board members are all volunteers who are elected at the annual meeting.
Officers
Dexter Lee, President
David Kings, Vice President
​Ashley Hanau, Treasurer
Open Position, Secretary
Directors:
Joy Fulk- Membership
Don McQuade- Special Events
Rachel Heck- Volunteer Coordinator
​Patty Batesole, Dog Park Liaison
Recent Projects and Accomplishments include:
  • Provided volunteers (and Smokey the Bear!) for the Lawrence Winterfest
  • Partnered with Storytelling Arts of Indiana and the Indianapolis Public Library to host three storytelling events
  • ​Continued planting, mulching, and maintaining park gardens at the Gate House, Shafter Road facilities, and Visitor Center - Thank you to Native Plants Unlimited and Prophetstown State Park for the plant donations!
  • Made seed bombs with visitors to the Children's Museum's Earth Day event
  • Added a new rain garden in a drainage area between the Tree Line Tail and the bird viewing area
  • Purchased and planted 15 trees for the Harrison Trace across from the sledding hill
  • Began new monthly planned work days - Maintenance Mondays, Tuesday Troops, and Second Saturdays - Many of these work days included major trash removal
  • Broke ground for a 2nd time at Bird Viewing Area - Hope to complete this project in 2022
  • Installed new drinking fountain for Shafter Road facility area
  • Supplied the flag pole for the new Charters of Freedom display at The Garrison
  • Partnered with Curran Architecture for 65 feet of trail armoring
  • Partnered with Salesforce to clean Fall Creek Trail
  • Provided funding for Project AWARE (forest therapy)
  • Supported the Soldiers Haunt, Pumpkin Painting, and Spooky Stories
  • Hosted the State-wide Friend's Meeting
  • Removed invasive garlic mustard ​​
For a list of current projects and events, see the "Events" tab.