With one final pour of concrete, READI 1.0-funded upgrades at West Baden Springs Community Park in Orange County will be complete — just in time for spring when Indiana Uplanders are ready to shake off the frost from winter.
New multi-use trails, playground equipment, an ADA-accessible concession stand, lighting, accessible sidewalks, and flood mitigation measures are among the park’s newest enhancements. These park improvements were funded in part through a $247,000 Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) 1.0 grant awarded by the Indiana Uplands READI steering committee and Regional Opportunity Initiatives.
Orange County Economic Development Partnership Executive Director Skylar Whiteman said the atmosphere in the park has been re-energized.
“It has been so exciting to see the improvements made and the renewed energy at the West Baden Park,” she said. “The Town of West Baden has gone above and beyond and is continuing to add other new features, and the Citizens for Park Improvement Group has been pivotal in fundraising and celebrating every success. The park will continue to be a staple for Springs Valley youth for years to come.”
While the goal is to complete the park improvement project by the end of March, community members are already taking advantage of the finished components.
“Several members of the community have reached out to express how grateful they are for the improvements,” Whiteman said. “It’s been great to see the brand new pickleball courts full, the school being able to use the multipurpose trail for an elementary cross-country camp, and the warm weather has everyone excited for baseball season to get started.”
To see the improvements for yourself, use these Google Directions to the West Baden Springs Community Park, which is located on Ballard Street/N Habig Street.
About the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) 1.0 in the Indiana Uplands
In May 2021, Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) launched the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI 1.0), a transformational initiative with $500 million in state appropriations to promote strategic investments to make Indiana a magnet for talent and economic growth.
Through READI 1.0, regions worked collaboratively to create visions for the future, with programs, initiatives, and projects critical to retaining talent and attracting the workforce of tomorrow. Seventeen regions developed plans that outline strategies focused on improving the quality of place, quality of life, and quality of opportunity. The Indiana Uplands was awarded $30 million in READI 1.0 funds to activate strategies outlined in the “Region on the Rise” READI plan. Twenty-seven Indiana Uplands projects were awarded READI 1.0 funding. For more information on Indiana Uplands READI 1.0 projects, please visit: https://regionalopportunityinc.org/readi-projects/