FRENCH LICK, Ind. (October 27, 2025) – Accelerate Indiana Municipalities (Aim) has announced that the Town of Prince’s Lakes is the recipient of a 2025 Aim Placemaking Award for its major community enhancement project. The town was honored during the Annual Awards Luncheon, presented by Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors, on Wednesday, October 22, at the 2025 Aim Ideas Summit in French Lick. Prince’s Lakes received the award in the under 2,500 population category.
Earlier this year, Prince’s Lakes unveiled an ambitious placemaking initiative that included a new dog park, community gardens, and a wilderness trail. The project began with the Lee family’s desire to honor a loved one while expanding the town’s green space. Volunteers and civic groups brought the project to life – Future Farmers of America students built ADA-accessible garden beds, Center Grove students constructed picnic tables, and volunteers installed fencing and agility ramps.
The result is a welcoming, interconnected space where residents can gather, recreate, and grow. The gardens now provide fresh produce for local food pantries, the dog park offers a gathering space for families and pets, and the trail links the amenities to the town’s natural landscape.
Aim CEO Matt Greller complimented Prince’s Lakes on its efforts, noting, “In municipal government it is common to maximize the use of each dollar. However, sometimes the way a community does so needs to be recognized. That’s the case with Prince’s Lakes multi-faceted placemaking project. When small towns rally the community, big things happen, and I’m thrilled for the recognition Prince’s Lakes is receiving.”
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 49th year, the Aim Annual Awards program, presented by Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors LLC, recognizes communities and individuals in municipal government for excellence and outstanding achievement. A seven-member panel of qualified judges selected this year’s winners from a competitive field of nominees from around the state.
Conference Facts:
2025 Aim Ideas Summit
October 21-23, 2025
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.