New Dog, Mountain Bike Park Could Bear Lauren Hill's Name

A group is holding meetings to plan the proposed Lauren Hill Memorial Park.

A proposed new park could be named in honor of the late Lauren Hill. Mount St. Joseph University photo.

(Greendale, Ind.) - A group is working to establish a new dog park in memory of Lauren Hill near Hidden Valley and Greendale.

Lauren Hill was 19 when she died of brain cancer in 2015. However, the Lawrenceburg High School graduate persevered through the disease in order to achieve her dream of playing college basketball at nearby Mount St. Joseph University just months before her death. Her efforts helped to inspire people to make more than $2.2 million in donations to The Cure Starts Now Foundation for finding a cure for pediatric brain cancer.

A group called Friends of Lauren Hill has announced plans to establish a dog park and mountain biking park on Georgetown Road. The parcel of land is currently owned by the City of Greendale, which has agreed to lease it to the park group pending certain approvals.

The new area would be called Lauren Hill Memorial Park.

"Lauren inspired us to 'NEVER GIVE UP' during her battle with DIPG brain cancer. The vision of this park is to bring area communities together and convey the message of never giving up on life and on hope!" according to the Friends of Lauren Hill announcement.

All are welcomed to contribute to or volunteer with the park project. Two meetings are scheduled for this month:

• Thursday, February 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Hidden Valley POA Office, 19303 Schmarr Drive.
• Wednesday, February 27 at 7:00 p.m. in the Ewbank Room at the Lawrenceburg Public Library, 150 Mary Street.