Donation Creates Friendship Grove
![President Mitch Daniels joining others in planting a tree in the Friendship Grove in Pickett Park.](../../images/perspectives/Friendship-Grove-sq.jpg)
Boilermakers have an enhanced space to socialize thanks to a donation from members of the Lambda Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta class of 1975.
Friendship Grove, located in Pickett Park along West Stadium Drive, provides a shaded location for the Purdue community to enjoy the outdoors and enhance their well-being. The donation funded the planting of several trees, benches, a picnic table and two sets of concrete bags. Included in the tree grove is a mighty oak tree dedicated to Purdue President Mitch Daniels and his service to the University. Friendship Grove was dedicated during a ceremony on October 14.
![Mitch Daniels and Beth McCuskey laughing with others during the Friendship Grove dedication ceremony.](../../images/perspectives/Friendship-Grove-20221022-4.jpg)
The dedication of Friendship Grove reads, “This grove is dedicated to the enduring friendships formed during our years at Purdue University.”
“As the added trees grow, they will create a canopy over the running path to make it feel like you are running through Friendship Grove as well,” says Mike Warren, director of Purdue Recreation & Wellness.
Friendship Grove complements features of Pickett Park including sculptures, event space, an outdoor classroom and gathering area, fitness equipment and easy access to Purdue Recreation & Wellness’ playing fields. Pickett Park is available for reservation to groups and Purdue organizations.
Pickett Park is named for the late Dean Pickett, a student at Purdue who passed away in July 1969 in Yosemite Park when a ledge he was standing on gave way. His parents, Robert and Margaret Pickett, established the park in 1971 to memorialize their son and his love of the outdoors.