Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
LEAVENWORTH – A plan to transform a bare strip of land in Leavenworth into a community park that would benefit residents and visitors is taking root in the Crawford County town.
The community is raising funds to develop Leavenworth River Park, a long strip of land along the Ohio Scenic Byway.
On Wednesday, the Breeden Library Foundation launched a crowdfunding campaign on Patronicity to raise $40,000 that, if successful, will be matched by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s CreatINg Places program. The campaign has until March 15 to reach its goal. The campaign has already raised $12,320.
Plans call for creating a walking path wide enough for wheelchairs and strollers, building a shelter house, playground and gazebo that will double as a bandstand.
The land for Leavenworth River Park is in front of the Breeden Memorial Library and Stephenson’s General Store.
Tina Brison, Breeden library director, said she and general store owners Judy and Anthony Gallina often discussed the land’s potential for development.
“We sit here every spring and fall and watch the Jeep groups, motorcycles and thousands of cars go by because of the Ohio River Scenic byway,” Brison said. “This is something that can boost our town and the local economy.”
“It’s going to enhance this whole area of town and will be inviting for anyone,” said Judy Gallini. “The potential is just incredible.”
Last year the town, which owns the land, granted Brison and the Stephensons the OK to pursue the project.
Brison said the community is excited for the park. Last September, when plans for the park were announced, the public was invited to sponsor benches and new trees that will include plaques with the donor’s name.
“The response was amazing,” Brison said.
The town of Leavenworth may be small — population around 250 — but it swells with visitors in spring and fall for its beautiful views of the Ohio River.
“Leavenworth is a beautiful little town right on the river and people are amazingly friendly. We have people who come here just to get an ice cream at Stephenson’s and visit the library,” Brison said. “With River Park, we want to give people another reason to visit, stay a while and maybe even move here.”
“The addition of this park to Leavenworth will increase access to recreation, promote healthy lifestyles and improve the overall quality of life in the community,” said Jake Sipe, IHCDA Executive Director. “This project will bring immediate positive change to the area and make a lasting impact for years to come.”
Since the program began, CreatINg Places has worked with 314 projects across the state. Those efforts have crowdfunded $12.2 million and been matched with $10.3 million.