While many were unable to meet during the quarantine of the pandemic, Maplelawn Farmstead provided a safe, socially distanced place for members of the Zionsville Community to still get together. The space has been a hotspot for service days for various nonprofit agencies, companies and schools.
“During the National FFA Convention here in Indianapolis, we have been one of the largest days of service sites,” President and board member Chris Garvey said. “They give the students time to do service. They sign up for that with their application [to the convention], and we have had anywhere from 80-100 students at anytime doing projects.”
Garvey said the working farm is also a favorite destination for school groups and corporate events with some of the new businesses in Whitestown. In fact, Boone REMC held a day of service at the property to help with the initial installation of electricity to the home.
The new Operation Round Up grant will provide the funding needed to electrify the main barn in the future. The grant was for $2,500 and will include funding for electrical wiring, lighting, switches and outlets.
Garvey said the organization would like to provide another location on the property for events at the main barn and another revenue stream for the not-for-profit.
The 1930s historical farm had its best year ever in 2019 before the pandemic hit with a record 4,000 visitors. Despite COVID, it was still able to host 650 visitors in 2020. Accoring to Garvey, the group is entering 2021 with numerous projects completed and a good fund reserve to make the farm fully operational for the community.
The site will continue to host the 6th Annual Harvest 50 Ride and Race in the fall, which boasts the largest concentration of gravel roads in the state.
