NEWBURGH– Local and regional leaders in southwest Indiana broke ground today on Ohio Township Park, a 20-acre visionary park and green space in Warrick County that will be brought to life with funding from the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI).
Governor Eric J. Holcomb established the now $1.25 billion READI program in 2021, and it has since been nationally recognized for its success. READI 1.0 was established with an initial $500 million in partnership with the Indiana General Assembly and is bringing vibrancy to regions across the state to accelerate shovel-ready projects and programs that will transform Hoosier communities, attract talent, and improve quality of life.
“Indiana’s READI program continues to accelerate new community destinations, bringing to life new assets and outdoor activities for residents and families,” said Gov. Holcomb. “This Ohio Township Park envisions 20 acres of green space with opportunities to gather, play, and learn, creating a greater sense of community culture and vibrancy for Warrick County and the surrounding southwest Indiana region.”
In southwest Indiana, the $15 million Ohio Township Park project (including a $3 million READI 1.0 allocation) will create a 20-acre community destination for residents along Libbert and Vann roads in Warrick County. The park, which is centrally located alongside the new Ohio Township Fire Station and Community Center, will feature a modern playground; a splash pad and slide; outdoor fitness stations; running, walking, and biking trails; yard games; sports courts; event lawns; a lake feature; shelter house with party rooms; pavilions and more. Each element challenges children to discover and explore, fostering cognitive, social, physical, and creative skills.
The park is centrally located one mile east of Interstate 69 alongside the new Ohio Township Fire Station and Community Center. It offers easy access to the community and surrounding region as well as connections to the Warrick Wellness trail, shopping, restaurants, hotels, and workplaces. Park amenities are expected to start opening in late spring 2025.
“This park will be a vibrant community asset, offering diverse activities for all ages and promoting healthy lifestyles,” said Chad Bennett, Ohio Township trustee. “It’s a place where families can create memories, and our community can come together.”
READI 1.0 has awarded $487 million to 353 unique projects and programs across the state, yielding $12.6 billion invested (26:1 investment leverage ratio) in quality of life, quality of place, and quality of opportunity initiatives. READI 2.0, part of Gov. Holcomb’s 2023 Next Level Agenda and secured additional funding from the Lilly Endowment, is allocating another $750 million to accelerate community development investments statewide. This funding is expected to attract a minimum 4:1 match of local public and private financing, yielding at least $3 billion invested to increase the vibrancy and prosperity of Hoosier communities.
Warrick County is part of the READI Southwest Indiana region – led by the Southwest Indiana RDA – that was awarded $95 million in READI 1.0 and READI 2.0 matching funds to support quality of life, quality of place, and quality of opportunity projects across Gibson, Posey, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties. The region’s READI investments, including Ohio Township Park, are designed to foster population growth and upward mobility by connecting the region’s riverfront with inspiring public amenities, attractions, and housing; growing high-paying jobs; improving the quality of place for healthier residents; building housing near employment clusters; and capitalize on the I-69 Ohio River Crossing to create new regional opportunities.
Learn more at IndianaREADI.com.
