By Milt Grissom, IPA Board President
As the new President for IPA, I would like to share a little of my background with you.
I was honored to work for Indiana State Parks for six and a half years at Spring Mill, Pokagon and central office. My time was very rewarding and has had a lasting impact in my second career in commercial real estate. Yes, commercial real estate folks do care about wetlands, drainage, and invasive plants!
Let me say a few words about our outgoing President Tom Hohman. He served as President for 12 years with this organization that he helped “hatch” along with Ginger Murphy, who recently retired from Indiana State Parks. Tom’s passion for the outdoors and his practical approach to solving problems served him well in his over 30-year career with IDNR’s Division of Engineering. He serves on many boards focusing on conservation efforts, which has been helpful to IPA as it has grown. Tom is not done! He will remain on our board to focus on advocacy with the legislature and anyone who will listen. Thank you, Tom!
Indiana State Parks and Indiana’s Nature Preserves have been underfunded for a long time. We certainly hope Governor Braun’s administration will be advocates with the legislature for increased funding amounts for our best-in-the-nation state parks and nature preserves.
The IPA Trails for Tomorrow initiative will continue to be a focus for us. Hiking is the number one activity by visitors to a state park. Currently in Indiana State Parks there are 850 miles of trails and there are 1,150 structures located on those trails. It is estimated that 75% of the structures such as bridges need to be replaced. The benefits from hiking are many and we need the funding to bring our trails to a safe and enjoyable experience.
I have been fortunate enough to travel to several state and national parks across America. I have seen some wonderful places, and I can assure you Indiana has one of the best park systems in the country. The way you feel when you enter an Indiana State Park or Nature Preserve provides a calming influence and you immediately know you are in a peaceful place where you can set aside your day-to-day work and relax for awhile. It is critical that we continue to support the resources and people in these inspirational places and the recreational experiences they provide. I look forward to leading the Indiana Parks Alliance in that effort alongside all of you.