Our Mission
To ensure the preservation and evolution of the public benefits of Garfield Park through enhanced funding, effective advocacy, and expanded stewardship.
Our History
Friends of Garfield Park, Inc (FOGP) was conceived by concerned business-minded individuals. With blessing from Indy Parks, FOGP incorporated on November 19, 1998, and quickly began developing a model to provide supplemental financial support for Garfield Park. For over twenty years, the Friends have invested nearly $3 million into park programs and projects.
FOGP Milestones
1998: FOGP established endowment with CICF
2005: Cultural Landscape and Renewal Plan published
2009: Installed the Bean Creek “Friends” Bridge
2013: Funded repairs to the Fountains
2014: Indy Parks asked FOGP to take over annual maintenance of the Fountains
2017: Supported a renovation of the MacAllister Center
2019: Created Blake’s Garden
2023: Grant monies received from Lilly Endowment, Inc. to renovate the Fountains
Who We Are
CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS
Lynda Burrello, President
Retired – Indy Parks, Garfield Park Manager
Jan Lesniak, Vice President
Retired Attorney
Joni Anderson, Secretary
Retired – Vice President & Senior Corporation Counsel
Cheryl Dillenback, Treasurer
Retired – Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Sarah Austin
Northwest Financial Services
Joseph Banfield
Kopec Electric
Micah Beachler
Bahl Solutions, LLC, VP Sales & Talent Acquisition
Mark Bowles
Retired – Thermo Fisher Scientific
Russ Clemens
Retired – Citizens Energy Group
Jennifer Holcomb
Marketer/Podcaster
John Hornberger
Retired Teacher
Katie Jacobsen
President, Tube Processing
Allie Kast
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
Jeff Mader
Principal/Owner, Mader Design
Alex MacAllister
Southern District Operations Manager, MacAllister Rentals
William Malone, Jr. Lincoln Heritage Funeral Advantage
Roxanne Whitley-Anderson
Operations Manager, Dayspring Center
Bob Willsey
President & Investment Advisor, Bison Creek Advisors, LLC
Eli Wire Masters Student
LIFE BOARD MEMBERS
Doug Hardwick
Retired – Horseshoe & 500 Gordon Pipers
Mark Van Auken
Easley Winery
Retired – The National Bank of Indianapolis
STAFF
Libby Hiple Executive Director
HONORARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Phil Bayt
Attorney, Ice Miller
Jeff Cardwell
President, Cardwell Do it Best
Mike Davis
Community Leader, Retired
Andy Hohlt
Neighborhood Leader
Greg Martz
President, GM Development
POSTHUMOUS LIFE BOARD MEMBERS
Betty Foley
Founding FOGP Member 1998-2015
Richard Hornberger
Founding FOGP Member 1989-2013
P.E MacAllister
MacAllister Machinery Co., Inc. 1999 -2019
George Seybert
Founding FOGP Member 1989-2017
Jim Simmons
Past Vice President 2010-2022