Local and regional leaders in southwest Indiana broke ground 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; sport courts; event lawns; a lake feature; shelter house with party rooms; pavilions and more. Each element is designed to challenge children to discover and explore, fostering cognitive, social, physical and creative skills.
The park is centrally located one mile east of Interstate-69 and alongside the new Ohio Township Fire Station and Community Center, offering 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, which was part of Gov. Holcomb’s 2023 Next Level Agenda and secured additional funding awarded by 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 funding, 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; grow high-paying jobs; improve quality of place for healthier residents; build housing near employment clusters; and capitalize on the I-69 Ohio River Crossing to create new regional opportunities.
Learn more at IndianaREADI.com.
About IEDC
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) is charged with growing the State economy, driving economic development, and helping businesses launch, grow and locate in the state. Governed by a 14-member board chaired by Governor Eric J. Holcomb, the IEDC manages many initiatives, including performance-based tax credits, workforce training grants, innovation and entrepreneurship resources, public infrastructure assistance, and talent attraction and retention efforts. For more information about the IEDC, visit iedc.in.gov.
Media Contact:
Nathan Brown
IEDC
317.586.1096
nabrown1@iedc.in.gov
