- 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 parks, protected areas, and recreation resources(Table 1). Trails 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 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 resources include Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area, sports and pool facilities, regional run/walk race events and recreation opportunities such as birding and hunting. There were several factors that facilitated the use of the resources, facilities, and programs in the counties. They include 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, including a need for more parks and trails, sports and recreation facilities, and bike infrastructure. Some of the park suggestions include Avoca Fish Hatchery, Williams Dam Campground, and quarry parks. The counties and IDNR are also looking for trail connections to downtowns, long-distance trails, and between parks. The perceived tourism opportunities that came 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 the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Counties involved
Brown, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange, Owen, Washington