- Phone:
- (812) 855-7083
- Email:
- sawolter@indiana.edu
- Department:
- Office of the Vice Provost for Research
- Campus:
- IU Bloomington
Health, Resilience, Quality of Place, Sustaining Hoosier Communities: Indiana Uplands Park, Recreation, and Protected Land Inventory and Opportunity Mapping
Project abstract
The Indiana Uplands has some significant park, protected area, andrecreation resources(Table 1). Trails that were frequently mentioned in the focus groups include the B-Line, Knobstone, Milwaukee, and Tecumseh trails, as well as the trails in the Hoosier National Forest and in Brown County State Park. State parks, state forests, the Hoosier National Forest and nature preserves were also frequently mentioned as popular destinations. Other regionally significant resourcesinclude Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area, sports and pool facilities, regional run/walk race events, and recreation opportunities such as birding and hunting. There wereseveral factors that facilitated the use of the resources, facilities, and programs in the counties. They include the low cost, safety, health and wellness, natural beauty, recreation and sports opportunities, and variety and quality of opportunities. Some future needs for parks, public lands, trails, facilities, and programs were identified in the focus groups includinga need formore parks and trails, sports and recreation facilities, and bike infrastructure.Some of the park suggestionsincludeAvoca Fish Hatchery, Williams Dam Campground, and quarry parks. The counties and IDNR are also looking for trail connections todowntowns, long-distance trails, andbetween parks.Theperceived tourism opportunities thatcame from the focus groups include festivals and events, food and agritourism, natural features and outdoor recreation, the development of entertainment facilities, and tourism amenity development.
Campus partners
- School of Public Health
Community partners
- Local chambers, convention and visitor bureaus, conservation groups, schools, businesses, the US Forest Service, and Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Counties involved
Brown, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange, Owen, Washington