GOSPORT– Owen County residents will soon have new public restrooms, a testament to our community’s unity and progress, if this crowdfunding campaign reaches its goal of raising $30,000 by Oct. 27, 2024. If successful, the project led by the Owen County Community Foundation will receive a matching grant as part of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s (IHCDA) CreatINg Places program.
“Maintaining clean, accessible facilities is important to the health of Hoosiers, and we need citizens engaged in developing these visions for their cities and towns,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Adding public restrooms to the town hall building is an excellent example of how the CreatINg Places program can be leveraged on behalf of an entire community.”
These new restrooms will provide a much-needed amenity and enhance the overall experience of our public spaces. Funds from this campaign will be used to construct accessible restrooms between the Gosport Town Hall and the town picnic area, within walking distance of the public park and new basketball courts.
“We welcome all sponsors, contributions, and support to help see this project through, and we anticipate many more projects and improvements in the years to come as we work to make Gosport Town Park a quality space enjoyed by all,” said Craig Brighton, project manager for the campaign.
Since its beginning in 2016, the CreatINg Places program has been a game-changer for community projects. With over $11.1 million in public funds and an additional $9.3 million in matching IHCDA funds, the program has significantly boosted the development of Indiana communities. Non-profit entities and local government units are eligible to apply, and eligible projects can receive up to $50,000 in matching grant funds from IHCDA.
The campaign is part of the CreatINg Livable Communities Partnership between AARP Indiana and IHCDA’s CreatINg Places. This pilot partnership 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.
