“In Full Bloom: May We Belong — Where the Art of Place Meets Purpose.” This felt especially true during our recent Hamilton County Leadership Academy session, where we explored the theme Quality of Place—how belonging is nurtured through thoughtful spaces, shared stories, and the experiences that give Hamilton County its heart. As spring bloomed, so did our appreciation for the beauty of intentional community.
We kicked off the day with Karen Radcliff, President & CEO of Hamilton County Tourism. Karen invited us to see the county as more than a destination—as a collective experience. Through a lens of research-based development, her framework of people, place, planet, and prosperity reminded us that growth isn’t about numbers alone—it’s about creating space for culture, vibrancy, and connection. Likewise, Steve Sneath of Hamilton County Parks & Recreation emphasized how outdoor spaces invite us to live well—through play, nature, and everyday moments that bring people together. His message was simple: Live. Recreate. Enjoy.
From there, the thread of belonging only deepened as Bryan Glover of Roberts Settlement transported us to a sacred chapter in Hamilton County’s history. He shared the powerful story of a self-sustaining, free Black community founded by mixed-race families who built lives rooted in the pursuit of economic, educational, and religious aspirations with greater freedom and fewer racial barriers.. His reflections on the Black pioneer legacy reminded us that the quality of place isn’t just about what we build—it’s also about what we remember.
Lunch from 9th Street Bistro echoed the theme. Chef Samir and Rachel served up more than delicious food—they dished out a vision of what a restaurant can be. More than food, it reflected their philosophy of care—for people, staff, and community.
Refreshed and full, we stepped out for an afternoon art walk led by Sarah Buckner of Hamilton County Tourism. She invited us to rediscover our surroundings through the new Art Finder campaign, DOABLE and VIEWABLE art, which connects residents to more than 180 public art pieces across the county. This interactive, mobile-friendly tool allows users to encourage curiosity, pride, and appreciation for local creativity.
Aili McGill of Noblesville Creates then challenged us to think deeper about the role of intentional design. Art is not an afterthought—it’s a solution, one that integrates into both rural and urban life. She highlighted how creative infrastructure fuels economic development and contributes meaningfully to GDP. The return on investment in public art is not just financial—it’s cultural, communal, and deeply human.
Andrew Bradford of Conner Prairie underscored how immersive storytelling and creative placemaking form the backbone of a creative economy. From performance theater to hands-on exhibits, Conner Prairie is redefining how history is experienced. Their work is a testament to how art, interpretation, and innovation can generate tangible economic impact—and just as importantly, foster a lasting sense of identity and belonging.
Quality of Place is not a fixed destination—it’s a living conversation. It can be found in murals, trails, parks, and the stories we honor, the legacy we choose to preserve through care and connection. When a place feels like home, it nurtures more than comfort—it inspires people to invest, engage, and grow. Throughout the day, each conversation, stroll, and shared meal revealed that “quality of place” isn’t defined by geography alone, but by the spirit we bring to it.
May reminds us to begin again—with clarity, connection, and renewed momentum. As leaders in Hamilton County, we welcome this season of bloom as an opportunity to deepen our impact, strengthen our communities, and lead with heart.