RV association recognized nationally for volunteering at two Indiana State Parks

America's State Parksand the National Association for State Park Directors (NASPD) awarded their 2024 President's Award to the RV Industry Association's (RVIA) Emerging Leaders Coalition for their volunteer efforts at Potato Creek and Chain O'Lakes state parks, where more than 700 volunteers contributed over 2,000 hours of service.

The group, which includes individuals from more than 40 RV-related companies and is coordinated by RVIA Emerging Leaders Coalition co-chairs Michilah Grimes of Lippert Components, Inc. and Mike Gaeddert of Forest River, provided materials, equipment, and several hundred volunteers for two one-day events at Indiana State Parks in 2022 and 2024.

"Their efforts resulted in the completion of multiple projects that would have taken months for our park staff to complete," said Terry Coleman, director of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of State Parks. "They are highly deserving of this recognition."

At Potato Creek, near North Liberty, RVIA volunteers planned, completed design work, and provided materials, equipment, and physical labor to build a new walking bridge and a new outdoor interpretive program area. More than 400 volunteers contributed over 1,000 hours of service. More about the project and its impacts is at rvia.org/news-insights/potato-creek-restoration-project-deemed-amazing.

At Chain O'Lakes, near Albion, the group sent more than 300 volunteers who contributed more than 900 hours of service. They replaced flooring in the family cabins, constructed a firewood storage enclosure, built and stained 40 park benches, power washed and cleaned rental kayaks, stained fences, painted comfort stations and bridges, and more. More about the projects and their impacts is at rvia.org/news-insights/industry-park-volunteer-event-makes-impact.

"It's incredibly inspiring to see everyone coming together to make a difference at our local parks," said Grimes, Lippert's social impact strategist, corporate partnerships. "This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering generosity and dedication of our industry volunteers and sponsors. Their contributions have truly brought these projects to life in the most impactful way. Being recognized on a national level is a humbling honor, and we are deeply grateful for everyone who made this journey possible."

Coleman accepted the award on behalf of RVIA at the NASPD conference. On Oct. 17, the Division of State Parks presented the award to coalition leaders at Potato Creek.

To view more DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.