The Town of Thorntown announced that Lion’s Park and its shelter house have officially been named as a part of the Thorntown parks System after a donation from the Thorntown Lions Club, which closed in December 2024 due to declining membership.
With the donation, the park will now be managed by the Thorntown Parks and Recreation Department to ensure that it continues to prosper as a community space in Thorntown.
The park is situated along the Big 4 Trail and offers a rich history for Thorntown and Boone County. The park’s northern end is home to a large BBQ pit, which will be overseen by the Knights of Pythias beginning in summer 2025. Lion’s Park will also serve as the new venue for the Holiday on Main event, which includes the annual Angel Tree project.
The Parks Department is seeking to build a year-round public restroom facility at Lion’s Park, and the park board is currently assessing the costs and exploring funding opportunities to make the addition a reality.
Lion’s Park is expected to become a central hub for events, such as the Festival of Turning Leaves, which will return during the last full weekend of September 2025. The event, sponsored by the Knights of Pythias, will feature a pancake breakfast, corn hole tournaments and BBQ pit activities to bring together residents and visitors for a weekend of tradition and festivities.
The Thorntown parks board also plans to include Lion’s Park in its annual Volunteer Day, which is held in the spring and fall as a means of ensuring the park remains as a vibrant space for everyone to enjoy.
According to the Parks Department, the park holds historical significance as well as it is believed that Abraham Lincoln once rode the rail through the land where the park stands.
The park will retain the Lion’s Park name as a tribute to the Lion’s Club legacy.
“As sad as we are to see the Lion’s Club dissolve, we’re excited to take on Lion’s Park as a town,” Thorntown Clerk Koren Gray said. “This park is a vital place for our community to come together and enjoy. It’s also an opportunity to welcome visitors and support local growth as our team looks to the future.”
The park’s shelter houses will remain free for public use, but reservations are required through email at shelterrental@thorntown.in.gov or by calling 765-436-2205.
