July 6, 2021
A Town of Zionsville Publication
In This Issue • What’s new at Heritage Trail Park • Wayfinding draft design concept is unveiled • Spend a summer evening down on the farm
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July 6, 2021
What’s New at Heritage Trail Park
Heritage Trail Park Phase II is Underway The Parks Department has started construction on Heritage Trail Park Phase II to provide improvements and additional amenities at the park. Park improvements include expanded parking, a multipurpose pathway along CR 875 East, dog park drinking fountains, new sidewalks and an additional accessible playground for older children (ages 5 to 12). The department will also be installing a hoop house for future gardening programming. These improvements are part of the Zionsville Parks and Recreation Five-Year Master Plan. Improvements are expected to be complete in August of 2021. The Parks Department opened Heritage Trail Dog Park in February of 2021. The opening of the dog park, planned extension of the Big-4 Rail Trail to the north and increased development in western Zionsville are creating a need for additional parking and improvements at this location. “The new amenities will excite a larger audience and provide a destination for new and familiar visitors alike,” said Parks Superintendent Jarod Logsdon. “I’m particularly excited about the accessible playground for older children and the hoop house which will serve as a base for future garden programming. With the increased activity we are also expanding the parking capacity of the park to accommodate all our garden plot holders, Rail Trail visitors, dog park users and general park enthusiasts.”
July 6, 2021
What’s New at Heritage Trail Park
Heritage Trail Dog Park Spots are Opening Pup-tastic news! We have been monitoring Heritage Trail Dog Park usage and just in time for summer, more registration spots have opened up.
requirements can be found on the registration site. We will contact you as your name is selected.
We are currently only accepting applications from Zionsville residents. Residents interested in joining the dog park can fill out the registration form online at www. zionsville-in.gov/dogpark. More information on fees, health and safety and other
Help us keep the dog park safe, clean and fun. All dog owners are responsible for picking up waste and placing it in the proper receptacle.
K9 Mika Receives Donated Ballistic Vest Thank you to 501(c)(3) nonprofit K9InVest for raising funds and donating a ballistic protection vest to K9 Mika. Mika is the Zionsville Police Department’s 1.5-year-old Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd mix whose handler is Officer Josh Stutesman. Officer Stutesman said, “To all the people who donated to get this vest for Mika that may one day save her life, thank you. I would also like to thank K9InVest for getting this together and thank them for saving countless lives with their generosity.” We appreciate the protection to keep Mika safe while on the job!
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July 6, 2021
Zionsville Fire Department Inspector Volunteers for Hoosier Burn Camp Zionsville Fire Department Inspector Ron Lipps recently participated in the 23rd annual Hoosier Burn Camp at Camp Tecumseh. Hoosier Burn Camp provides a week of traditional and specialized camp programs for youth ages 8 to 18 who have survived serious burn injuries. On average, 65 to 75 kids attend Hoosier Burn Camp every year. Since 2002, Ron has volunteered his time as the camp’s photographer and videographer. Ron and his team post photos of the kids online for parents to see. They also create a special video for the end of the camp session. In 1975, Ron’s then three-year-old sister and grandmother were seriously burned in a house fire and in the hospital for several months. At the time, there wasn’t a place for his sister to go to feel supported with her injuries. That led Ron to Hoosier Burn Camp. “When I heard about Burn Camp, it was a natural interest for me to get involved,” Ron said. “I went with my sister for visitor’s day just to see it. I got invited the next year to take pictures and after that to return full time to take photos and video.” Hoosier Burn Camp is supported entirely by donations and fundraisers and there is no cost for the kids or their families. Summer camp is staffed heavily by fire and medical service volunteers. The camp provides a place for burn survivors to feel safe and supported in an environment where no one is made to feel different because of their physical injuries. “My sister went through a lot because of her burns including a loss of selfconfidence and dignity,” Ron said. “Participating in this camp is a way to give kids a better shot at personal acceptance and knowing that they have value.” To learn more about Hoosier Burn Camp visit http://hoosierburncamp.org. On Friday, July 9, proceeds from Polo at Sunset at the Hickory Hall Polo Club (7551 East 100 North, Whitestown) will benefit Hoosier Burn Camp. Visit www.indypolo. com for more information and to purchase tickets.
July 6, 2021
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Q&A with Rob Kern, MA, LMHC The Cabin
What are some of the benefits of adventure therapy?
220 S Elm Street Zionsville, IN 46077 www.thecabin.org
Adventure therapy presents a fresh and different take on mental health. Unlike traditional talk therapy, adventure therapy provides an opportunity to build mastery through challenges offered in nature. Navigating a trail with your therapist, catching a fish while fly fishing or traversing the creek in a kayak can be invigorating and serve as a medium for emotional expression. Being in nature is soothing and can help to lower guardedness in therapy.
Tell me about the services The Cabin offers.
We have four different locations – two Zionsville offices on Elm Street and Hawthorne Street, an office in Westfield and a new space in Zionsville on Pine Street called The Retreat which offers mental fitness and wellness programs. We provide professional counseling for individuals, couples and families experiencing issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, addictions, divorce recovery, infertility, bereavement and loss and selfharm. We provide traditional talk therapy as well as Adventure Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, EMDR, Gallup Strengths Coaching, Family Enneagram Sessions and Infertility Counseling.
How are your adventure therapy services evolving?
Our proximity to Lion’s Park is always providing new opportunities for evolving services. During the pandemic, we started offering adventure therapy groups for grade school students and we will be offering several groups this summer. We are excited about the opening of Overley-Worman Park and the possibility of adding mountain biking to our adventure therapy options.
How did you come to adventure therapy?
I joined The Cabin fresh out of graduate school in 2014. Executive Director Deidra T. Rausch, PhD, LMFT made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. I have always been interested in experiential, outdoor, adventurefocused perspectives on mental health. Traditionally, to be involved in therapy and the outdoors you would have to look at expensive outdoor retreats or residential treatment centers that are oftentimes far from Indiana. My dream was to integrate outpatient therapy with the outdoor environment. As the Adventure Therapy Coordinator, I work with our team to put together adventure therapy options. Additionally, I identify new programs, write curriculum, provide peer-to-peer training and develop and implement adventure therapy strategies.
In this COVID-19 world, what advice do you have for people to relieve stress?
Connection is core and fundamental to human nature. COVID-19 and 21st century life makes connection very difficult. It is a therapeutic act to be intentional when we go into nature and find connection. On your commute, look out the window and try to find one thing that looks beautiful. Or find something to connect to while on a walk, like feeling the leaves. Slow down, pause, smell the roses, listen to the creek, feel the sunshine, be contemplative. There is truly something restorative that happens when we have connection.
What can someone do if he or she is concerned about the expenses of therapy?
What can people expect from adventure therapy sessions?
The traditional adventure therapy session involves walking on trails or sidewalks with your counselor. We utilize many of Zionsville’s parks to do this. We also conduct kayaking sessions on Eagle Creek when the conditions allow for it. Our newest offering is fly fishing which is being done in conjunction with Kern Bros. Shoes (my parent’s business) who donated waders and Moving Water Outfitters who
donated fly fishing equipment. This program is also possible because of the Town of Zionsville’s rainbow trout stocking program which enables us to fly fish year-round.
The Cabin is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and relies on donations to the Samaritan Fund. The Samaritan Fund helps provide mental health care to individuals who otherwise would not be able to afford services. Thirty percent of those who seek care at The Cabin qualify for assistance through this fund. Since 2002, we have provided more than $1 million in assistance through the Samaritan Fund.
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July 6, 2021
The People Behind Zionsville’s Boards, Commissions and Councils The individuals who serve on the Town of Zionsville boards, commissions and committees play a vital role in town government. These individuals give their time and expertise for the benefit of the community. Meet two of our members.
Meet Cindy Madrick Member of the Plan Commission
Cindy was previously a member of the Redevelopment Commission (RDC). One of her favorite aspects of working on the RDC was the role the commission played in providing COVID-19 grant money for not-for-profits and for-profits businesses. In her new role on the Plan Commission she looks forward to continuing to learn about town government, to joining a group of dedicated people with varying opinions coming together for Zionsville’s future and to the results of the Zionsville Gateway Area plan. “I love that our Town has solicited input from every resident and business regarding the Zionsville Gateway Area and I look forward to playing a small role in discerning the ZGA project team’s study findings,” Cindy said. Cindy has lived in Zionsville for 30 years. Over the years she has been a member of SullivanMunce Cultural Center and on SUMU’s Board of Directors and a volunteer at the Zionsville Farmers’ Market. She and her family are long-time members of Azionaqua Swim Club. She is an Elder at her church serving on the Mission & Outreach Committee and is on the Executive Board and Program Chair of the Japan America Society of Indiana. She is the Vice President, Business Development for Cornerstone Environmental Health & Safety Inc. located in Bennett Business Park in Zionsville. Cindy and her husband David have four children. They enjoy spending time in Michigan on Walloon Lake on the family sailboat.
Meet Tom Casalini
Member of the Zionsville Architecture Review Committee and People of Zionsville for the Aesthetics of Zionsville Tom has served on the Zionsville Architecture Review Committee (ZARC) for 10 years and People of Zionsville for the Aesthetics of Zionsville (PZAZ) for five years. Tom said, “I enjoy serving on the ZARC because it directly impacts the Village Business District both aesthetically and economically. It makes it more visually appealing to the demographics of those who live, shop and dine in the village.” Tom opened Casalini Portraits in Zionsville 48 years ago. Professionally, Tom recently published his second book, “The Queerness Doesn’t Matter. A Journey With My Friends of Dorothy.” In addition to creating portraits for his clients, he promotes the book as an advocate for the LGBTQ community. He has five grandchildren that love visiting “Nonno” because there is so much for them to do – the parks, walking paths, ice cream, hanging out on the balcony. For Tom, the safety of the village is unique. “It’s great to sit on my balcony and see kids on their bikes, parents with their strollers, folks walking their dogs, couples walking into the village for dinner,” Tom said. In his free time, Tom enjoys spending time with family, cooking, playing golf, going to his granddaughter’s rodeos, traveling and hanging out with friends.
July 6, 2021
Your Input is Requested – Wayfinding Draft Design Concept We have been working closely with consultants to come up with a signage design concept that meets our desired aesthetic and is reflective of our town brand. Now we are excited to unveil the Wayfinding Master Plan virtual open house and draft signage design concept.
What is wayfinding?
Wayfinding is defined as a system of signs that provides navigational assistance to bicyclists, pedestrians and automobile users including information about destinations, travel distances and more. This coordinated signage program will encourage residents and visitors to go the distance and discover all the great amenities, shopping and dining experiences that Zionsville offers.
How we got here
Last year the Town of Zionsville launched the Wayfinding Master Plan to draw and direct residents and visitors passing through the area to explore amenities, attractions and businesses within the community. The wayfinding survey, which received nearly 1,000 responses, provided input to guide and assist the Town in creating a cohesive, user-friendly and creative signage system throughout Zionsville.
Sign design concept
Utilizing what was heard during the wayfinding survey that launched late last year, we are sharing the draft signage concept proposed for Zionsville. You are invited to visit the virtual open house and provide input before the plan is finalized. This virtual open house is organized around a combination of videos, graphics, text and questions. To participate and provide your input, visit www.gettingaroundzville.com/ open-house.
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July 6, 2021
Barns and Brews – A Summer Evening Down on the Farm
Join the Zionsville Parks and Recreation Department for a 21+ fundraising event for Maplelawn Farmstead. The next Barns and Brews takes place on Thursday, July 15. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and speakers start at 7 p.m. Take Flight Wildlife Education will present on the birds of prey found in agricultural areas and their life history (live raptors will be a part of the presentation). Ash & Elm Cider will be on site serving drinks. Tickets are $14.50/person and must be purchased in advance (bonus: the Parks Department is picking up the tab on your first drink). All proceeds support Maplelawn Farmstead. Attendees should bring their own lawn chair or blanket and park at Mulberry Fields Park. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.zionsville-in. gov/598/Special-Events.