We Make Pawnee Better
From the Sullivan Street Pit to the Pawnee Commons, our department is dedicated to creating beautiful public spaces for all residents—whether you enjoy them or not.
Our Mission
The Pawnee Department of Parks and Recreation exists to serve the public by maintaining and improving the city's parks, recreational facilities, and community programs.
Whether we're organizing the Harvest Festival, cleaning up the river, or simply keeping the slides safe, our goal is to make Pawnee a place where people want to live.
We also maintain a strict "no raccoons in playground" policy. Enforcement is ongoing.
Programs & Events
From seasonal festivals to year-round recreational activities, there's always something happening in Pawnee's parks.
Harvest Festival
Pawnee's premier annual event featuring carnival rides, local vendors, and community celebration. Four days of fun, food, and friendship!
Concerts in the Park
Summer music series showcasing local talent including Mouse Rat, Scarecrow Boat, and other Pawnee favorites. Free admission for all residents.
Li'l Sebastian Memorial
Ongoing tribute to our beloved mini-horse. Visit the memorial garden and contribute to the Li'l Sebastian Foundation for Equine Excellence.
Youth Sports Leagues
Basketball, soccer, and youth softball programs for kids ages 5-16. Registration opens each spring and fall.
Community Garden Plots
Rent a plot at the Sunny Side Community Gardens. Perfect for growing your own vegetables, herbs, or decorative corn mazes.
Animal Control Services
Lost pet recovery, wildlife management, and responsible pet ownership programs. Please leash your dogs and secure your trash from raccoons.
Meet the Team
Dedicated public servants working tirelessly to make Pawnee a better place. Most of them, anyway.
Leslie Knope
Deputy Director / Councilwoman
Passionate public servant, waffle enthusiast, and tireless advocate for Pawnee. Leslie has spearheaded numerous initiatives including the Harvest Festival and the Park Renovation Project.
Ron Swanson
Director, Parks Department
A staunch libertarian and master woodworker, Ron believes government should be as small as possible. Despite this, he runs the department with surprising efficiency and a deep love for breakfast foods.
Tom Haverford
Administrator / Entrepreneur
Tom brings creativity and flair to the Parks Department. When not filing paperwork, he's pitching new business ventures from Entertainment 720 to Snakehole Lounge partnerships.
April Ludgate
Deputy Director (Former Intern)
April started as an intern and worked her way up through sheer apathy and hidden competence. She manages special events with her signature dry wit and unexpectedly caring touch.
Andy Dwyer
Shoeshiner / Children's Entertainer
Andy is the department's unofficial morale officer. From his shoeshine stand to his band Mouse Rat, Andy brings music and joy to City Hall—and occasionally breaks things.
Donna Meagle
Office Manager
Donna keeps the department running smoothly while managing her extensive real estate portfolio. Her Mercedes, Bentley, and Tesla are often seen at the finest establishments in Pawnee and beyond.
Li'l Sebastian
He was more than just a mini-horse. He was a Pawnee icon. From his first appearance at the Harvest Festival to his final farewell, Li'l Sebastian captured the hearts of our community.
The Li'l Sebastian Memorial at Pawnee Commons stands as a permanent tribute to his legacy. Visit the fountain, leave a carrot, and remember: he was 5,000 candles in the wind.
"I don't get it. He's a small horse. What's the big deal?"
— Ron Swanson, who definitely got it
Get in Touch
Have questions about park reservations, event permits, or recreational programs? Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
📍 Visit Us
Pawnee City Hall, 3rd Floor
100 Municipal Plaza
Pawnee, IN 55501
📞 Call Us
Main: (765) 555-0199
Events: (765) 555-0188
Fax: (765) 555-0198
✉️ Email Us
General: parks@townofpawnee.com
Events: events@townofpawnee.com
Reservations: reserve@townofpawnee.com