Connersville Five-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan

Connersville Five-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan

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Connersville, IN

Five-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan

HWC partnered with Connersville’s Parks and Recreation Department, the City of Connersville, and the Fayette County Community Foundation to develop a Five-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The planning process emphasized community engagement to ensure that future priorities reflected residents’ needs and aspirations while identifying key facility improvements and programming opportunities. The resulting Plan provides a framework for prioritizing projects, guiding investments, and strengthening eligibility for future grant funding.

The Master Plan includes a comprehensive inventory and analysis of the existing parks system, a strategic action plan, a vision plan for Roberts Park, and a trails master plan. Together, these components establish a clear roadmap for the next five years, enabling Connersville Parks and Recreation to strategically pursue funding opportunities, prioritize capital and operational investments, and foster community-driven conversations about the future of the parks system.

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    Shelbyville Five-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan

    Shelbyville Five-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan

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    Shelbyville, IN

    Five-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan

    HWC partnered with Shelbyville’s Parks and Recreation Department to develop a Five-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan per the IDNR’s plan requirements. The development of this master plan was based on community input along with State and national metrics. Public engagement included public surveys, steering committee meetings, public presentations, and open houses. The information gathered from the public informed the Master Plan’s framework, recommendations for programming and priority projects for the next five years.

    The Master Plan includes an extensive inventory and analysis of Shelbyville’s park and trail system, a comprehensive set of goals and objectives, a concept plan for Morrison Park, and an action plan for the entire park system. The Plan will help inform the City of Shelbyville on how to prioritize capital and operational investment, pursue potential funding, and promote a community-driven parks system.

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      Indianapolis Washington Park

      Indianapolis Washington Park

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      Indianapolis, IN

      Washington Park

      Washington Park represents the transformation of a long-envisioned community amenity into a vibrant destination for recreation, play, and neighborhood pride. HWC first began design work on the park in 2017, developing a vision that evolved over time as new funding opportunities emerged.

      Originally conceived as a splash pad, the project expanded through the support of a Lilly Endowment grant to include a playground, shade structures, restroom facility, and trail connectivity. Located in an underserved Indianapolis neighborhood, the park provides an inviting space for children and families while fostering community pride and outdoor engagement.

      After years of planning, design, and collaboration, Washington Park officially opened in August 2025, marking a major milestone for the community. As a unique piece of Indianapolis history, the park occupies land that was once home to the original Indianapolis Zoo, adding another layer of significance to this revitalized public space.

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        North Vernon Quarry Park

        North Vernon Quarry Park

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        North Vernon, IN

        Quarry Park

        Since 2021, HWC has worked closely with the City of North Vernon to redevelop a historic limestone quarry into a regional destination park. Through a multi-year master planning process, HWC has worked with environmental and geotechnical engineers, City officials, and recreation partners to evaluate slopes, soils, utilities, viewsheds, and existing infrastructure and identify opportunities for adaptive reuse. Although numerous recreational concepts were explored, including adventure courses, canopy walks, mountain biking, water recreation, camping, BMX, disc golf, and paintball, the City ultimately prioritized an RV campground, more than seven miles of trails, strategic overlooks and trailheads, a dog park, and a destination playground.

        In 2025, HWC provided schematic design for a design build delivery method, which North Vernon has begun to implement. Phase 1 of the final plan was completed in 2025 for the Quarry Overlook and included access and parking to the top of the main basin, shelters, a small event lawn, and trails. Phase 2 of the plan is currently under construction to include the Quarry Park playground and campground.

        The project represents a significant transformation of North Vernon’s former industrial landscape and is anticipated to become an extraordinary community and regional asset by 2027.

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          Connersville Roberts Park

          Connersville Roberts Park

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          Connersville, IN

          Roberts Park

          HWC is partnering with GM Development on a Citywide parks and trails initiative in Connersville, Indiana, delivered through a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) project delivery model. The effort includes improvements to Roberts Park and the development of multiple community trail connections designed to enhance recreation, accessibility, and connectivity throughout the City.

          As part of the project team, HWC is providing topographic surveying, schematic design, construction documentation, and construction administration services for seven individual projects. Key improvements include the Roberts Park Inclusive Playground and Loop Trail, along with five additional trail segments that will expand the community’s network of recreational amenities.

          The projects originated from recommendations identified in the Five-Year Parks and Recreation Plan previously completed by HWC for the City of Connersville and the Fayette Community Foundation. Together, these investments support the community’s long-term vision for expanded outdoor recreation, improved walkability, and enhanced quality of life. Construction is anticipated to be completed in late 2027.

          A centerpiece of the initiative is the Roberts Park Inclusive Playground, a one-acre destination playground designed for visitors of all ages and abilities. The playground features a signature 20’-tall play tower and a diverse range of play experiences, including climbing, swinging, spinning, and interactive elements that encourage exploration, social interaction, and inclusive play. The design creates a vibrant regional destination that promotes active recreation while providing equitable play opportunities for the entire community.

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