The Fishers AgriPark is a 33-acre urban farm that pays tribute to the city’s agricultural roots. It aims to inspire and educate the next generation of agriculturists, engineers, scientists and agronomists through hands-on experiences and community engagement.
It’s conveniently located for HSE students, being only seven minutes away from the school on Florida Road. The park has become a popular spot in Fishers, seeing 700 to 800 guests on some days and many volunteers.
After a winter closure for renovations, the AgriPark reopened May 1 with major updates, including a transition to year-round operations.
“This should be the AgriPark’s busiest season yet,” said Adam Wagner, agriculture coordinator.
One of the park’s standout new features is a nature playground, which has already drawn hundreds of visitors since reopening.
“We’ve also added new features to our water table area and updated a couple of things in our sensory garden,” Wagner said. “We’re always trying to add something new.”
Construction on a new building at the front of the park is nearly complete.
“We’re excited to finally offer restrooms and running water to guests after six years,” Wagner said. “It also gives us classroom space for our summer camps and second-grade curriculum.”
Every second-grade student in Hamilton Southeastern Schools visits the AgriPark three times during the school year.
“Teaching people early where their food comes from and how to grow and care for plants is very important to sustaining our food supply,” Wagner said.
HSE sophomore Ashlin Patterson, who raises cattle and chickens with her family, shared her enthusiasm for the park.
“I love the AgriPark because it shows the community how their food is produced and what farmers do for them,” she said.
Wagner also emphasized the importance of agricultural education.
“The education piece is my favorite part of my job,” he said. “Educating people on where their food comes from and teaching them about agriculture is awesome.”
With many people unaware of where their food comes from, the AgriPark provides a connection between local agriculture and the community.
Beyond education, the park supports the local farming community. The new playground was built with locally sourced black locust wood, and the front building will soon house a country store.
“Local farmers can provide meats, cheeses, eggs, milk and more for purchase,” Wagner said. “It’s important that we help the local agriculture community.”
Wagner encourages people to get involved at the AgriPark by visiting or taking advantage of the volunteer opportunities on the Fishers Parks website.
“Volunteers are what keep the AgriPark in operation,” Wagner said. “It also offers hands-on experience in agriculture, building work ethic and honoring our agricultural roots.”
“I love the AgriPark, and I’m super excited to see all of the new features now that the construction has finished,” Patterson said.
