By Holly Kline
Fishers Parks and Recreation manages 14 municipal parks, organizes numerous special events and provides opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation and more. Now, with the honor of being selected as the 2014 recipient of the Indiana Park and Recreation Association’s Award of Excellence for the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, Fishers Parks and Recreation can add prestigious award winner to its list of accomplishments.
The IPRA’s 2014 Award of Excellence will be presented on Jan. 16 at the association’s annual awards banquet. The award honors the Fishers organization and the achievement of the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater.
“This was really a team effort that included individuals from almost every department within the town, as well our elected officials,” Fishers Town Manager Scott Fadness said.
“We are very happy for Fishers Parks and Recreation to be honored with this award,” stated Chris Owens, executive director of the Indiana Park and Recreation Association.
“They are a great example of the impact a small department can have on a large number of people and the venue itself provides wonderful opportunities for leisure time,” he said.
“Our amphitheater’s focus is on bringing the community together,” Fadness said. “We have tried very hard to make the vast majority of the programs free and appropriate for all ages.”
The Nickel Plate District Amphitheater has become a premier venue for a wide variety of events, and its downtown location makes it part of the center of a redeveloped downtown Fishers. These qualities helped make the amphitheater a candidate and eventual winner of the IPRA Award of Excellence.
“The potential reach of the facility and the redevelopment of Fishers were contributing factors to the selection of the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. Venues like this create an opportunity for meaningful time with family and friends in the community,” Owens said.
“We are honored to receive this award and look forward to an even better year at the Nickel Plate Amphitheater,” Fadness said.
Find the amphitheater’s schedule of events by checking out the Fishers Parks and Recreation’s Fun Guide publication or visiting www.fishers.in.us/parks.
