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Last updated on Wednesday, January 6, 2016
(UNDATED) - Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann announced the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) and Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) awarded seven communities funding for quality of place initiatives through the Place Based Investment Fund (PBIF).
The Town of Brownstown, City of Decatur, Town of Middlebury, City of New Castle, Town of New Haven, Owen County and Vigo County will each receive grant funds ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 to enhance local parks, public venues, walking trails and other quality of place projects.
"PBIF encourages local partners to collaborate with one another on ways to create a quality of place where Hoosiers want to live, work and raise a family," said Lt. Governor Ellspermann, who oversees both IOTD and OCRA. "I commend each community for taking the initiative to enhance their existing assets and build upon Indiana's tourism destinations that will provide our hometowns with increasing economic prosperity and quality of life."
The PBIF program, now in its fourth year, is a $500,000 competitive matching grant program administered as a partnership between IOTD and OCRA that supports community and economic development projects across the state. Initiatives that promote quality of life, improve tourism experiences and develop multi-purpose gathering places are specifically targeted for the grant program.
Performance-based quality of place initiatives that maximize investment and collaboration by local governments, economic development organizations, convention and visitor bureaus, Indiana Main Street organizations, public or private schools and community foundations are the intended recipients of these grants. The aim of the program is to provide funding opportunities for unique projects and programs that seek to create jobs and further establish a diverse local, regional and state economy.
This Year's Seven PBIF Recipients:
Town of Brownstown: Brownstown Heritage Park
The Town of Brownstown will develop a new park and outdoor pavilion in the heart of their downtown. The project will include an open-air performance stage with an enclosed kitchenette, storage area and other amenities. Activities at the facility will include outdoor reading sessions, educational programs, musicales, dramatic performances, outdoor movies, farmer's markets, community festivals, and 5k races. The development is a partnership with the Town of Brownstown, Brownstown/Ewing Main Street, and Brownstone Electric Supply Company, Inc.
City of Decatur: Pennsy Depot Project
The City of Decatur will work with local partners to restore the former train depot and utilize the space for community events. Activities sponsored at the depot will bring new tourism to the area as well as train enthusiasts. The project is a partnership with the City of Decatur, Pennsy Depot Restoration Committee, and Adams County Community Foundation.
Town of Middlebury: Ridge Run Trail
The Town of Middlebury will work with area partners to create a multiuse pedestrian trail system that will connect the Pumpkinville Nature Trail to the Indiana University Health Goshen Medical Clinic, the Greencroft Middlebury Retirement Community, the Essenhaus Campus and the Middlebury school campuses. The project is a partnership with the Town of Middlebury Parks and Recreation Board and Park Department, Community Foundation of Elkhart County, and Friends of Middlebury Parks Inc.
City of New Castle: Robert Indiana Art Walk
The City of New Castle will revitalize the downtown area by installing an art walk with a replica of Robert Indiana's famous LOVE sculpture at the forefront of the trail. The path will also include various art and education components, rain gardens, youth sculptures, art pads, and other enhancements for the community to enjoy. The project is a partnership with the City of Newcastle, New Castle Main Street, Henry County Convention and Visitors Bureau, New Castle Henry County Economic Development Corporation, Art Association of Henry County, and the New Castle Career Center.
Town of New Haven: Schnelker Veteran's Park Band Shell
The Town of New Haven will construct a bandshell in Schnelker Park, the most utilized park in the community to build upon existing structures. The addition will allow for more art shows, theatrical performances, concerts, dance groups, farmer's markets, movies, and theater camps. The project is a partnership with the Town of New Haven, New Haven-Adams Township Parks and Recreation Department, New Haven Community Foundation, and the New Haven Chamber of Commerce.
Owen County: MYPath Trail System
Owen County will work with local partners to develop permanent trails in surrounding areas that will connect McCormick's Creek State Park to the YMCA and the Spencer Downtown area. The beginning of the walkway, located at Cooper Commons, will include a new picnic shelter, concrete pad, bicycle rack, and increased lighting. The project is a partnership with Owen County, Owen County Community Foundation, Owen County Soil and Water Conservation District, Town of Spencer, and Sweet Owen Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Vigo County: Griffin Bike Park
Vigo County is developing a premiere 300-acre bike park in Terre Haute, Indiana, which is designed to engage local youth, young adults and families in a sport that promotes healthy and active lifestyles. The tourism destination will be a national caliber riding area that will include the following: 16-mile trail with technical features, jumps, and more; 5-acre trail with a 1 mile kid's loop; 7-acre terrain park with a dirt jump park; and a "Seal Team Water Training Park" with a lake jump and a water skills trail. The project was named in honor of Sgt. Dale Griffin with the US Army, who grew up in Terre Haute. Dale gave his life on October 27, 2009 while serving in Afghanistan. The development is a partnership between Vigo County Board of Commissioners, Terre Haute Convention and Visitors Bureau, Vigo County Redevelopment Commission, and Friends of Griffin Bike Park.
Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann oversees the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD). Mark Newman serves as the agency's executive director. IOTD is dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality of Indiana through leadership and resource support to the Indiana travel industry. The tourism and hospitality industry is the sixth largest industry in the state (excluding government), is directly responsible for 144,200 jobs, generates over $2.25 billion in tax receipts and contributes $10.7 billion in revenue to Indiana businesses. For additional information on IOTD, visit www.visitindianatourism.com.
The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) works with local, state and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance to aid communities in shaping and achieving their vision for economic development. For additional information on OCRA and its programs, visit www.in.gov/ocra.
For information on the Place Based Investment Fund (PBIF), visit www.in.gov/ocra/pbif.
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