FRENCH LICK, Ind. (October 2, 2026) – Accelerate Indiana Municipalities (Aim) has announced that the Town of Lagro is the recipient of a 2026 Aim Placemaking Award for its redevelopment of the Kerr Locks Memorial. The town was recognized during the Annual Awards Luncheon, presented by Baker Tilly, on Wednesday, September 30, at the 2026 Aim Ideas Summit in French Lick. Lagro earned the award in the under 3,000 population category.
The Kerr Locks Memorial expanded the Kerr Lock Historical Monument, one of the few remaining traces of the four canal-era locks that once operated near Lagro, into a place of remembrance for those who have served. The memorial features seven pillars honoring the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, firefighters, and police, along with the American flag and flags representing each entity. Its first phase includes 443 names, with room for many more to be added over time.
For a town of fewer than 400 people, pulling off a project with this many moving parts was no small feat. Lagro raised the matching funds through donations, a bike run, a plated dinner, and a booth at the local fair. R & D Metal Fabrication, a local business, produced the pillars, benches, and signs at a reduced price. The Park Board contributed funds. A Patronicity grant closed the gap. The community held a ribbon cutting on June 18, 2026, with local firefighters, police, veterans, elected officials, and residents present where a wounded combat veteran sang the National Anthem.
“The recipients of the Aim Community Placemaking Award are often communities that build lasting public spaces reflecting who they are and what they value,” said Aim CEO Matt Greller. “The Kerr Locks Memorial is a testament to what a small town can accomplish when residents, local businesses, and elected leaders share a common purpose. We are proud to present a Community Placemaking Award to the Town of Lagro for the dedication and craftsmanship behind this meaningful tribute.”
Learn more about the completed project here:
The Placemaking Award recognizes completed projects that demonstrate innovative approaches to addressing municipal challenges. These initiatives should showcase how planning, revitalization, or economic development efforts have improved the physical environment and enhanced the economic and social well-being of the community. Eligible projects must include a completed physical component within the past year. Awards are presented in multiple population categories based on nominations received.
In its 50th year, the Aim Annual Awards program, presented by Baker Tilly, recognizes communities and individuals in municipal government for excellence and outstanding achievement. A seven-member panel of judges selected this year’s winners from a competitive field of nominees from around the state.
Conference Facts:
2026 Aim Ideas Summit
September 29-October 1, 2026
French Lick Springs Resort | French Lick, Indiana
Attendance: 1,100 (pending final registration count)
Further information: www.aimindiana.org
Since the 1890s, Aim, formerly the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, has been an advocate for Indiana municipalities. Aim is the official voice of municipal government in Indiana, with more than 460 cities and towns as members. Our purpose is to foster, promote and advocate for the success of Hoosier municipalities as laboratories of innovation, hubs of talent and the engines driving our state’s economy.