Friends of Indian Lake Peninsula

Overview

Friends of Indian Lake Peninsula is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Hendersonville, Tennessee. The organization was established in February 2018 by concerned citizens aiming to preserve the natural beauty of their city through land conservation and the development of greenspaces and parks.

Mission and Activities

Their mission focuses on the preservation, protection, and stewardship of green spaces for use as passive parks within Hendersonville. One of their key initiatives involved acquiring land on the Indian Lake Peninsula. Specifically, they targeted the preservation of Batey Farm, a property consisting of two tracts of land: the "Farm" and the "Hill." The City of Hendersonville purchased the lower 35-acre farm, while the Friends of Indian Lake Peninsula acquired the upper 38-acre hill area with donated funds.

Notable Achievements

• Land Acquisition: Successfully purchased the 38-acre hill portion of Batey Farm to maintain it as open-space parkland.
• Community Engagement: Conducted community surveys and meetings to gather feedback for the development of a park master plan.
• Master Plan Development: Collaborated with professionals to create a master plan that includes input from various stakeholders, which was approved by the Hendersonville Parks Board.
• Tax-Exempt Status: Achieved local property tax exemption and federal tax-exempt status, allowing for more efficient fundraising efforts.

Impact and Goals

The organization's efforts aim to provide a natural environment with public access, ensuring that future generations can enjoy these preserved spaces. Through ongoing fundraising and grant applications, they strive to make minimal improvements to the acquired land while maintaining its natural state.

Recognition

Friends of Indian Lake Peninsula has been tax-exempt since September 2018. Their dedication to green space conservation aligns with broader community interests in preserving environmental assets for recreational and conservation purposes.