$50,000 Grant Awarded to Westfield
The Friends of Hamilton County Parks, Inc. announced the Active People Healthy Hamilton County initiative.
FHCPI is proud to join the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a nationwide initiative aiming to increase physical activity for 27 million people by 2027. This initiative is rooted in inclusion and health equity, making physical activity a universal social norm regardless of age, race, income, socio-economic status, disability status, and geographic location.
FHCPI challenged each Hamilton County municipality and township to propose a project aligned with the APHCC criteria and the FHCPI mission: to create recreational amenities and/or “active access” to parks and green spaces that would encourage residents to get moving and enjoy their local parks and/or recreational amenities. The Cities of Westfield, Noblesville, and Carmel all supported the initiative with proclamations or resolutions in 2025.
April Williams, Executive Director of FHCPI, has announced the City of Westfield as the recipient of the $50,000 grant. “This is our first year launching the initiative and we received two outstanding proposals. Both projects could have achieved our goal of contributing to a new active amenity for Hamilton County residents and visitors. Though the decision was not easy we are excited to partner with Westfield to create a safer, more walkable, and bike-able intersection in the Park Street District. We are also honored that they have chosen our logo as part of their Decorative Crosswalk Program installation. This project serves as an excellent reminder to all Hamilton County communities of FHCPI’s dedication to promoting active living,” said Williams.
“We are grateful for the support from Friends of Hamilton County Parks for our new decorative crosswalk initiative. We know that this will improve pedestrian safety and brighten up the area, which is seeing tremendous growth,” stated Westfield Mayor Scott Willis.
FHCPI works to advocate for parks and recreational resources throughout Hamilton County, bridging funding gaps, and giving citizens and organizations a voice in park-related issues. The APHCC initiative was made possible by sponsors supporting FHCPI’s On Par for Parks Golf Outing, taking place at The Sagamore Golf Club this year on September 22. Sponsors can sign up to be a part by visiting ON PAR FOR PARKS. Partners have made the APHCC Grant possible, which aims to generate momentum across the county and encourage communities to value the parks and recreational resources available to them.
A formal $50,000 check presentation will take place at the site of the new crosswalk installation in the Park Street District at Park and Poplar Street on May 9th, 2025. The presentation is scheduled with FHCPI representatives and Mayor Willis in attendance. A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned later in the year upon completion of the installation.
To join our mission and stay updated on the APHCC Project, visit: Friends of Hamilton County Parks