PLAINFIELD – The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) joined local and regional leaders in Plainfield to cut the ribbon on the Echo Hollow Nature Park boardwalk, a key milestone in the town’s comprehensive regional nature park masterplan. READI 2.0 funds were allocated to support the boardwalk. They will be leveraged for future phases of development of the 1,900-plus-acre district that will combine outdoor, commercial, industrial, and residential development in Hendricks County.
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 2.0, which was part of the governor’s 2023 Next Level Agenda and approved by the Indiana General Assembly, allocates another $500 million to regions across the state to accelerate shovel-ready projects and programs that are expected to transform Indiana communities, attract talent, and improve quality of life for Hoosiers in the short and long term. READI 2.0 funding allocations were awarded to 15 regions representing all 92 Indiana counties in April.
“Central Indiana’s investment in bringing to life the expansive Echo Hollow Nature Park will create new quality of place amenities while supporting continued economic, community development and regional tourism growth,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg. “Thanks to collaborative initiatives supported by READI, Hoosiers can look forward to new opportunities to experience Indiana’s great outdoors and new assets that will improve quality of life now and for years to come.”
Echo Hollow Nature Park is a $52.7 million development (including a $2.8 million READI 2.0 allocation) nestled south of Interstate 70 in Guilford Township. It will transform more than 1,928 acres into a comprehensive, world-class public nature park to spur outdoor recreation, tourism, and economic development. The park will highlight and preserve the area’s natural features, including wetlands, wildlife habitats, and expansive mature hardwood forests while promoting biodiversity and the preservation of habitats for the federally protected Indiana Brown Bat.
Echo Hollow Nature Park features nature trails, picnic areas, a 5.5-acre pond, and 5.1 miles of accessible trails. The addition of the Lake Loop Boardwalk project, which officials cut the ribbon on today, completed a scenic and accessible loop around Sodalis Lake. With the support of READI 2.0, the development will continue with a long-term vision that features miles of nature trails, a nature center, an RV park, and diverse recreational park amenities, such as a lodge, campground, overlooks, shelters, and modern restrooms on par with many state parks, as well as an art installation.
“Echo Hollow Nature Park represents a commitment to the future of Plainfield, blending natural beauty with a dynamic community vision that will enrich Central Indiana for generations,” said Town Council President Robin Brandgard. “With READI 2.0 support, we’re enhancing the physical landscape and our capacity to attract residents, visitors, and businesses. This boardwalk is important in creating a premier recreational destination that respects our local environment while promoting growth and opportunity for all.”
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, which secured additional funding awarded by the Lilly Endowment Inc., 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 funding, yielding at least $3 billion invested to increase the vibrancy and prosperity of Hoosier communities.
Plainfield is part of the central Indiana READI region – led by Central Indiana Regional Development Authority – awarded $45 million in READI 2.0 matching funds to accelerate quality of place, quality of life and quality of opportunity initiatives across nine counties. The region is focused on promoting the development of walkable and connected living, innovation, and recreational districts that serve as magnets for talent attraction and innovation and provide links to arts, culture, and recreation.
Learn more at IndianaREADI.com.
