Built in 1819, this historical site first served as a grist mill then as a state fish hatchery with 13 earthen ponds. Thanks to grant support and dedicated volunteers, Avoca has become Lawrence County’s first public park and will soon feature renovated walking trails, open green space, rentable shelters & event spaces, historic stone structures, picnic tables, and much more.
If you haven’t heard of the Avoca Park near Bedford, IN, you are not alone. But you will soon be hearing a lot more about this historic site and its beloved natural assets. Thanks to a small group of passionate and dedicated volunteers, this 40 acre decommissioned fish hatchery is Lawrence County’s first public park and will soon feature renovated walking trails, open green space, rentable shelters & event spaces, historic stone structures, picnic tables, and much more.
I recently visited Avoca to get a tour and update on the restoration and renovations currently underway. Located in Lawrence County’s Marshall Township, Avoca was first platted in 1819 by Dr. Winthrop Foote. Dr. Foote, credited with starting the limestone industry in Lawrence County, named the location for the River Avoca recorded in a Thomas Moore poem. Its first commercial use was made possible by a spring-fed turbine water-wheel grist mill fitted with three sets of buhr stones to grind wheat, corn, and chop feed. The Hammer brothers built a large, two-story colonial-style house that was also the general store in 1823.
The site was eventually purchased by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources in 1923 and turned into a fish hatchery with 13 earthen ponds to stock Indiana waters. The site was improved by the National Youth Administration from 1935 until 1942. This group built a number of structures, limestone walls, and trails enhanced with a stone entrance, steps to an overlook, and a bridge. The DNR decommissioned the hatchery in 2013 and later deeded it to the Marshall Township. In 2017-2018, a group of local Lawrence County leaders worked in collaboration with the IU Center for Rural Engagement and IU students to conduct studies and propose a long-term vision and management plan for this historic, cultural resource.
Thanks to their efforts and the work of countless volunteers, Regional Opportunity Initiatives awarded a Ready Communities grant to enhance the site for the future enjoyment of the surrounding community. This grant is funding renovations to the Hammer House, improvements to the walking trail with compact stone, mile markers and directional signage, and preparations for an auxiliary volunteer fire station on the property.
During my trip to Avoca, I met with Marshall Township Trustee Sam Bond, and was introduced to Tony Barrett, another active volunteer working on the historic site. They provided a wonderful tour of the fish hatchery, where most of the ponds have been drained and will be eventually filled to create a large green space. The majority of original structures, trails, and stonework still remain. We discussed potential uses for the structures that might help with long-term park sustainability. The Hammer House has great potential. However, it needs a bit of renovation. There is a wonderful two-story brick structure, built in 1924, that was used as office space by the DNR. The lower section will be converted into a garage for one of the Marshall Township Volunteer Fire Department vehicles. This will locate an emergency response vehicle very close to the major intersection of Indiana 37 and 54. The second story is a wonderful workspace just waiting for the right tenant.
Work is ongoing at Avoca Park, but it is open daily for visitors! This is a beautiful and serene place to take a walk, and the 1.2 mile loop trail is well maintained for a safe and easy stroll. Dogs are also welcome, provided they are on a leash. To learn more about Avoca and how you can support this project visit the Avoca Park and Recreation of Marshall Township group on Facebook.
Video courtesy of Kevin Hudson, Hudson’s Photography