EVANSVILLE – Evansville residents will have a re-imagined Sunset Park if this crowdfunding campaign reaches its goal of raising $25,000 by July 16, 2023. If successful, the project led by the Old Evansville Historic Association, a 501c3 organization, in cooperation with the city of Evansville, will receive a matching grant as part of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s (IHCDA) CreatINg Places program.
“Sunset Park is a staple of the Evansville Riverfront, and its revitalization will increase access to recreation, promote healthy lifestyles and improve the overall quality of life in southwest Indiana,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “This project will bring immediate positive change for the community and a lasting impact for generations to come.”
Funds from this campaign will be used to create a natural playscape, flowering shrubs, perennials, and a pollinator bed for butterflies and birds. The Sunset Park Renewal will transition this urban park to benefit neighbors of all ages.
Funds already granted by the Welborn Foundation will provide for an ADA-compliant walking path around the perimeter of the Park.
“Through the collaborative partnership between the city of Evansville, the Welborn Foundation and downtown residents, a vision for Sunset Park has emerged that will transform the current vacant green lot to functional park space,” according to Steve Schaefer, Deputy Mayor and Parks Director. “The resident-driven proposal emphasizes use of natural elements such as trees, azalea beds, and limestone pieces and that the replacement of the old playground equipment with a new natural playscape will encourage outdoor activity.”
City Councillor Alex Burton fully supports the effort to reimagine Sunset Park. “Our community is blessed to be giving, caring, and nurturing with a vision of thriving, safe and welcoming neighborhoods,” said Burton. “This project is the perfect example of what community impact should look like everywhere, especially in the city of Evansville. As our community aspires to be for everyone, this project embodies inclusion and innovation. I am confident that Sunset Park will be an attraction for our neighbors and visitors alike who can enjoy what our downtown has to offer. This park is for everyone. It raises the bar and serves as a model for modern-day parks.’
Since the CreatINg Places program began in 2016, projects have raised more than $7.5 million in public funds and an additional $6.3 million in matching IHCDA funds. The program is available to projects located in Indiana communities. Non-profit entities (with 501c3 or 501c4 status) and local units of government are eligible to apply. Eligible projects must have a minimum total development cost of $10,000, where the recipient will receive $5,000 in IHCDA matching funds should it successfully raise $5,000 through Patronicity. IHCDA will provide matching grant funds of up to $50,000 per project.
This campaign is part of the CreatINg Livable Communities Partnership between AARP Indiana and IHCDA’s CreatINg Places. It is a pilot partnership that assists Indiana communities in funding place-based projects for aging in place. In addition to matching funds from IHCDA, this project is eligible for up to $5,000 in matching funds from AARP Indiana.
