Lisa Knowles is an ambassador for giving back to your community. She’s involved in numerous community organizations and initiatives and believes there’s no better way to learn what’s happening locally than by getting involved.
“If there’s something that you’re interested in, feel passionately about, or have a problem with, then the easiest thing you can do is just show up,” explains Knowles. “There’s monthly City Council meetings, meet your City Councilor events, and more. The more that you show up, the more opportunities present themselves.”
Knowles has lived in Fishers for nine years, and calls the downtown Nickel Plate District home. When she moved to the area with her husband, who works for the Fishers Department of Public Works, she immediately sought opportunities to get involved in the community. She joined the City Government Academy, a program that gives a behind the scenes look at local government. Knowles also attended public meetings related to the development of the Nickel Plate District to stay up to date and make sure that her voice was heard.
Currently, Knowles serves as President of the Fishers Parks Foundation—a volunteer-run organization that raises funds to support projects in Fishers’ parks. She is also part of the City Government Academy Alumni Group.
“By volunteering locally you are able to experience an immediate effect on your community,” says Knowles. “It’s gratifying to be a part of things that directly impact my family and neighbors.”
As President of the Fishers Parks Foundation, Knowles worked on a fundraising campaign to build an Angel of Hope memorial at Heritage Park. The memorial will serve as a place for people of any faith to grieve, remember, heal, and find hope after losing a child of any age to illness, suicide, miscarriage, infant loss, or accident. The project was suggested by Fishers resident Holly Schwomeyer, and the Foundation broke ground on the memorial late last year.
Just like Knowles encourages residents to get involved with their local government, she also urges them to utilize local resources like the Fishers Parks Foundation.
“If you have a project that you’re passionate about, the Foundation can help to bring your project to life,” says Knowles.
What Knowles enjoys most about Fishers are the people, and more specifically, the different types of people who call our city home.
“It’s rare to meet someone who’s unkind,” she explains. “Our neighborhood is very multicultural, and there’s so much diversity in our city. I enjoy meeting new people and learning their customs.”
Q&A
NEIGHBORHOOD: Nickel Plate District
FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT: “My kid is obsessed with the donuts from Taylor’s Bakery. We usually follow this up with a trip to The Well for coffee. I also love the fish tacos at Four Day Ray.”
FAVORITE FISHERS PARK: “Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve. It’s feels like you’re getting out of the city, but it’s just down the road. We love the events like Smores’ Day and Heart Hike.”
FAVORITE LOCAL BUSINESS: “When the Fishers Arts Council sets up vendors in City Hall, like during Shop Fishers and Winter Wonderland. I like supporting local artisans and have bought everything from stained glass to postcards.”
FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A SATURDAY: “Walk over to get breakfast from the Fishers Farmers’ Market, then head to the library. Then, enjoy a concert or movie at the NPD AMP in the evening. There’s so much great free programming within walking distance.”