Mary McCammon of Rolling Prairie made the half-hour trek to the Indiana Dunes State Park Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the park’s being named to one of the nation’s top 10 state parks by USA Today, but she didn’t come for herself — she came for her dad.
“I’m here to represent my father,” said McCammon of the late Andy Hafron who helped to build the Indiana Dunes State Park as a general laborer with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal program of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the 1930s.
“If my dad were here today, he would be thrilled because during the time that the CCC built this park, some people said that the money was wasted. But we have proven that this was one of the best things this country did and how he would have felt justified,” McCammon said.
McCammon was one of dozens who came to celebrate the honor and enjoy a slice of cake, sharing memories and stories with fellow community members before heading out on a hike or picnic.
“It’s very humbling to see the other parks on this list, like the Porcupine Mountains State Park, Custer State Park, and Letchworth State Park,” said Brandt Baughman, property manager. “It makes you swell with pride. We are extremely pleased,” he said.
With more than 6,000 state parks nationwide, naturalist Brad Bumgardner said he feels fortunate to have the Indiana Dunes State Park recognized.
“It’s a high honor and it shows the resources, facilities, and people that we have who have helped us over the years,” Bumgardner said.
Two of those key people, Charlotte and Herb Read, have dedicated their lives to environmental conservation, including establishing and maintaining the parks, and both attended Tuesday’s celebration.
“It’s well deserved,” said Charlotte Read who added, “But I just wish they’d follow through with policy so that it stays this way,” referencing the ongoing battle between preservationists and developers who eye the park’s pavilion for construction.
There were also those in attendance who came to support the park they enjoy all seasons of the year, including Dawn McLaughlin of Porter who said she likes to run the trails and sometimes brings her dog with her.
“I love this park. It changes every day and it’s just beautiful,” she said. “Even in the winter it’s pretty. I have never had a bad run out here. You can’t, with this beauty.”
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For Mesay Taylor, 7, and Mackenna Taylor, 8, of Portage, coming to enjoy a little cake and celebrate with their family was all about getting ready for another fantastic summer.
“I like the beach because I like to play in the water,” Mesay said, and Mackenna agreed, “Yeah, it’s fun to play in the sand and dig.”
The list
The top 10 winners in the category Best State Park are as follows:
Letchworth State Park – New York
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – Michigan
Watkins Glen State Park – New York
Ha Ha Tonka State Park – Missouri
Devil’s Lake State Park – Wisconsin
Fall Creek Falls State Park – Tennessee
Indiana Dunes State Park – Indiana
Assateague State Park – Maryland
Custer State Park – South Dakota
Hunting Island State Park – South Carolina
According to USA Today’s website, a panel of experts picked the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.