Premiere of documentary on history of State Parks

Indiana DNR Release:

"Indiana State Parks: Treasures in Your Own Backyard,” a new documentary, tells the story of the staff, visitors, challenges and natural and cultural resources of Indiana State Parks since their beginning in 1916.

This production premieres Sunday, Aug. 30, at 7:30 p.m. on WTIU, Public Television from Indiana University. It is a companion to the new Ken Burns documentary on the national parks system, scheduled to air on PBS stations nationally this fall, and is one of the first events in preparation for the Indiana State Parks Centennial Celebration in 2016.

WTIU developed the show in high definition in partnership with the DNR Division of State Parks and Reservoirs. WTIU will also air the 60-minute program Sept. 3, at 8 p.m. and Sept. 5, at 10:30 a.m.

“This piece provides a great overview of how Indiana State Parks started through the vision of Col. Richard Lieber, and how they’ve changed over the course of nearly a century,” said Dan Bortner, director of Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs. “We’re excited to see this one-of-a-kind documentary made available to Hoosiers.”

WTIU producer/director Ron Prickel spent hundreds of hours visiting state parks, talking with staff and combing through historic photos and film. Composer Nathanael Pangrazio wrote the original score to accompany videography featuring several state parks in four seasons. Ronald Keaton narrated. A preview is at http://www.indianapublicmedia.org/stateparks.

Several other Indiana PBS stations are scheduled to air the program this fall as shown below (watch local listings for potential changes):
- WVUT, Vincennes: Sept. 5, at 5 p.m.
- WIPB, Muncie: Sept. 10, 9 p.m.
- WNIN, Evansville: Sept. 10, 9 p.m.; Sept. 12, 10 p.m.; Sept. 13, 3 p.m.; Sept. 27, 11 p.m.; and Sept. 29, 1 p.m.
- WFYI, Indianapolis: Sept. 14, 10 p.m.; Sept. 16, 4 p.m.; and Sept. 17, 8 p.m.
- WNIT, South Bend: Sept. 23 at 10 p.m.; Sept. 27, at 7 p.m.
- WFWA, Fort Wayne: September date TBA near Ken Burns' National Parks special
- WYIN: Merrillville: October date to be announced

The DVD will be available for purchase from WTIU Oct. 4. The DVD or Blu-Ray, including an additional hour of bonus video footage and music soundtrack, will be available as a membership premium for viewers joining WTIU. The DVD, Blu-Ray, and soundtrack will be sold at state park gift shops at a future date.

For further information on the documentary, see:
www.indianapublicmedia.org/stateparks.

For an overview of the unique natural features, cultural history and stories that make each Indiana state park and reservoir a unique place to visit, download the booklet “Discovering a Sense of Place: A Guide for Teachers, Students and Families” at http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/sp-TeacherBooklet08Web.pdf

For more information about Indiana State Parks Centennial Celebration, contact Ginger Murphy, assistant director for stewardship with the Division of State Parks and Reservoirs, at (317) 232-4143 or gmurphy@dnr.IN.gov.