A river walk, zipline, boating: What would you like to be offered at Whitewater Gorge Park?
RICHMOND, Ind. — What do you want to see happen along the Whitewater River?
That's exactly what Richmond Parks and Recreation wants to know. The department is conducting a public workshop Thursday to hear what residents envision for the Whitewater Gorge Park.
The open house-style workshop will be 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday at the Starr Gennett Building, 101 S. First St. Residents are invited to stop by anytime during that period to visit five stations and provide their feedback.
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“The importance of community input and having a community-driven process will enhance our progress in the Gorge and make a destination everyone can enjoy," said Denise Retz, the city's parks superintendent, in a news release. "Thank you in advance for playing a vital role in determining the plan.”
The Whitewater Gorge Activation Plan will identify the best ways to preserve and utilize the 100-acre Whitewater Gorge Park that stretches along the Whitewater River from Test to Waterfall roads. It encompasses the Starr Gennett area and Wayne County Veterans Memorial Park, which recently added an A-6E Intruder jet to its displays.
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The goal is to preserve and protect the park and create recreational opportunities that allow visitors to explore the historical, geological and natural assets of the area, according to the release. Possible uses include a river walk, ziplining and boating.
The Whitewater Gorge Connector Trail was completed last year to create a continuous trail from Test Road past Muncie. This year, Weir Dam will be removed, an act that improves safety and the river's flow.
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During December, the city's Board of Public Works and Safety approved contracting with Taylor Siefker Williams Design Group to develop the Whitewater Gorge Activation Plan, which is part of the parks Master Plan.
The project is also under consideration by the eight-county East Central Indiana Regional Partnership for funding through the Indiana Economic Development Corporation's Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative. The regional group was awarded $15 million from the state's American Rescue Plan Act money.
This article originally appeared on Richmond Palladium-Item: Richmond Parks and Reaction: What do you want along Whitewater River?
