Cheryl Hedrick is on the trail and making a difference
In 2019, Cheryl Hedrick found herself transitioning to a new stage of life: empty nester. With her two daughters away at college, she set out to find meaningful ways to fill her time. That’s when Hedrick crossed paths with Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR), literally.
“When your kids leave home, your schedule is no longer centered around their activities,” shares Hedrick. “You realize it’s time to relearn what you like to do and seek out opportunities have new experiences and grow.”
She enrolled in CCPR’s On the Trail to Fitness, a personal trainer-led recreation program combining hiking local trails with strength exercises. While she didn’t know it at the time, this set her on a path of self-discovery through recreation.
Cultivating Connection
After enrolling in On the Trail to Fitness, Hedrick discovered CCPR offered a variety of opportunities to explore her interests through recreation and volunteering. Over the last few years, she’s participated in nearly a dozen nature and wellness programs including Tai Chi and Indiana Master Naturalist.
“I’ve made so many friends over the last four years,” shares Hedrick. “CCPR helped me put myself out there in ways I haven’t done since high school. Participating in these programs opened my eyes to all the ways nature could impact my life and how I could impact nature.”
CCPR recreation program manager Alexa Waldrip shares that Hedrick’s experience is exactly the goal of recreation programs. “We strive to create spaces for the community to grow,” says Waldrip. “We want to offer opportunities that bring people joy whether that’s tied to meeting new people, exploring hobbies, or learning about the environment. We are lucky to witness the positive impact of recreation programming in our community every day.”
On the Trail and Beyond
On the Trail to Fitness participants have become a part of Hedrick’s community. The group walks year-round, often through the Woodland Garden in Central Park. Hedrick enjoys seeing the area throughout the different seasons and was str
uck by the idea of helping restore the area with native plants. When she shared the idea with the rest of the group, everyone jumped at the opportunity to collectively give back.
CCPR’s Adopt-A-Park program was the perfect fit. This is a long-term volunteer experience where individuals or groups share in the responsibility of maintaining a specific area of a park or trail.
“I’ve really gotten into the native plant scene,” says Hedrick. “The nature programs I’ve participated in with Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation have inspired me. So much so that my friends from On the Trail to Fitness and
I decided to adopt the Woodland Garden in Central Park.”
Hedrick spearheaded the Adopt-A-Park effort, finding that to be yet another avenue to spend time with others and apply her new knowledge and skills relating to native plants.
“I feel like I’m providing something back to the world,” Hedrick explains. “I want to help steward the environment for generations to come. It has been an amazing journey to learn, volunteer and connect through the opportunities Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation offers. I look forward to what else I’ll discover.”
For more information about how to become an Adopt-A-Park volunteer or to learn more about general volunteer opportunities, visit: carmelclayparks.com/volunteer.
“Our Adopt-a-Park program is unique because volunteers get to take ownership of a public space,” explains CCPR parks and natural resources director, Michael Allen. “It’s a special thing to be able to lend a hand in creating positive experiences for others in the community.”
Written By: Emma Laux
Emma is the Marketing & Communications Manager for Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation. She’s a storyteller and lover of words. Emma has written the creative for numerous marketing publications and campaigns.
