Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour Secures Option to Purchase 13 Acres for New City Park

An aerial image of the proposed urban park area including the water feature. Photo by Mike RhodesAn aerial image of the proposed urban park area including the water feature. Photo by Mike Rhodes

By City of Muncie Communications—

Muncie, IN- Mayor Dan Ridenour has taken action on his commitment to expand and improve Muncie city parks, by securing an agreement to purchase 13 acres along South Tillotson Avenue along Buck Creek. 

According to the Muncie City Parks 5-Year Park Plan, when comparing park systems according to acres, Muncie contains the 2nd lowest park acres. However, when Prairie Creek Park is included, Muncie’s parks department maintains the most park acreage among the 17 second class cities benchmarked. This new park will help position Muncie better in the rankings for park acres in the city, as well as the already excellent rating overall. 

“I love Muncie parks.  I see how they positively impact the lives of our citizens and patrons. I share a vision with other city leaders to have accessible, outdoor places to enjoy around the entire city,” said Ridenour.

The option will allow the city to purchase and develop yet another unique and special place for recreation and wellness and will connect to the county’s new trail system on the southside of Buck Creek near the new justice center. Plans depict green space, walking paths, pond fountain, ADA compliant fishing piers, restrooms, trees and parking. 

“The opportunity presented itself in early spring with plans that were drawn up by Decade LLC, that depict possible uses for the space,” said Ridenour. “I plan to work with neighborhoods and city council, to get ideas from them.  It’s important to envision a plan with options  when sitting down to discuss matters like this. This is a new space that has great potential.  It’s an important step in getting support and ultimately make decisions to secure a better future for our citizens and their parks.”

See US Architects Conceptual Drawing below.