Wayne County has an awesome collection of green space for our communities to enjoy, especially considering it’s size! From Hayes Arboretum to Cope Environmental Center in Centerville and all the parks in between, it would be hard to not find a place to hang out with family and friends in nature.
Hayes Arboretum
Since 1915, Hayes Arboretum has been a vision to preserve and protect the old growth Beech-Maple Forest and later be a site for environmental education. In the beginning, Stanley Hayes began purchasing tracts of land that have now become one of the most popular green spaces in the County. Other tree families have been added over the years adding to the variety seen today when you visit this amazing natural site.
Along with programs to engage young and old, visiting the center at Hayes you can relax while watching varieties of birds who come for a snack at the viewing window while you rock in the chairs provided. Or for the more adventurous hikers there are trails to enjoy that wind through trees, wildflowers and gardens throughout the arboretum. The arboretum has also been a popular spot for outdoor weddings.
For a full account of upcoming events, you can visit their website here.
Photo credit: Cope Environmental Center One of the many ponds enjoyed by students at Cope
Cope Environmental Center
In 1992, Jim and Helen Cope had a dream to turn their family farm into a center to educate the community about the environment and how to live a life off of the grid more sustainably. Both educators, the property was used as a site for many field trips. You will find on any given day young children in groups, some wearing waders and carrying nets in and near the different ponds in Cope, all enjoying the great outdoors.
You may also encounter wildlife photographers capturing some of the many varieties of birds and other animals who live at Cope, while on a hike through the center. When the ponds are active you may be able to spot some of the frogs and turtles who bask in the sun. There are educational experiences for all ages, offered in the new education center on the Cope property. To see upcoming events at Cope Environmental Center, you can click here.
Richmond Rose Garden, Glen Miller Park
Parks In Wayne County
The Richmond Parks Department proudly supports 19 different parks areas which are maintained regularly with continued improvement to sites with on-going projects. In recent years a new Pickle Ball court has been added to the Clear Creek Park on the west side of Richmond which also offers picnic space and ball diamonds for different sports groups and a playground. Clear Creek has been the home of horseshoe courts, active since the 1970’s, with a summer league which starts in May each year and meets on Thursday evenings.
A beautiful public rose garden is a destination spot for many visitors to the area and is part of the Glen Miller Park system. Glen Miller Park was first opened in 1885 by Colonel Glen Miller who was attracted to the space by the natural springs. Many residents have gotten spring water there over the years. Glen Miller also boasts a large pond with ducks and fish, the largest playground in Richmond, and currently showcases local art. The playground has added a new water park for children to enjoy in the hot summer months. An outdoor stage, on Roosevelt Hill, has been the site where many events take place throughout the year including the annual 4th of July fireworks and live outdoor concerts. You can find events for the Richmond Parks Department here.
Other parks in Richmond IN include Mary Scott Park, home to a new community garden space as well as a cabin that can be rented year round for events.
Creitz Park in Cambridge City is another enjoyable green space for picnics and other events as well as a place for local sports. One of the major attractions to the area is the annual Christmas light show. Cars can drive through the park each winter season during the holidays for a small donation.
With so many options in Wayne County IN, we hope you enjoy some green space on a regular basis with your families and friends. We’d love for you to share pictures with us! Feel free to post a picture on our Facebook page under this article!
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