New Outdoor Classroom Honors Former IN First Lady

A new outdoor learning space is planned for Holliday Park in Indianapolis. The Susan Bayh Outdoor Classroom will honor the memory of former First Lady of Indiana Susan Bayh.

Set behind the existing nature center at Holliday Park on the city’s north side, the classroom will seat 50 and feature a learning lab, fireplace  and water element.

Former U.S. Senator and Indiana Governor Evan Bayh said he and wife used to take their boys to the park.

“So we thought it was appropriate to have a living memorial where her spirit can help, particularly the school children of Marion County,” Bayh said.

More than 27,000 students and families use Holliday Park’s environmental education programs every year.

Adam Barnes, Holliday Park Foundation Executive Director said the space will give children more time outside.

“So rather than spending half that time inside, we’ll really be able to immerse them in nature,” Barnes said.

Holliday Park  is one of three dedicated nature education centers in the Indy Parks system. 

Bayh said he hopes the classroom will be able to inspire visitors.

“You know in these troubled times when there’s just so much strife and acrimony in the world, she was just such a loving, positive giving person.

The project will be funded with private donations. The campaign has a goal of $125,000.

A group of friends initiated the idea for the education memorial to honor Bayh who passed away from cancer earlier this year.