Muncie asks for community input to update parks plan

By Abby Urban, IPR News | Published on in Arts and Culture, Community, Entertainment, Government, Local News
A poster board on an easel shows events that could be hosted in Muncie parks, including sports and community movie nights.
Feedback from the public meetings include asking attendees mark which amenities they want in Muncie parks. (Abby Urban / IPR News)

Most cities have a master plan for their parks and recreation amenities, updated every few years.  Muncie’s update is this year.  IPR’s Abby Urban reports on what the community says they want to be included.

  • Audio Transcript

    Muncie residents can attend public meetings and fill out an online survey to give feedback on the updated plan.

    The city has asked about most visited parks, as well as wanted amenities and activities. Special events, outdoor adventures, and more concerts and movies were just some of the things parks-goers wanted.

    Read More: Muncie will not lease Prairie Creek Reservoir long-term campsites in 2026

    Retired police officer Steve Watkins also wants the city to reevaluate safety.

    “[A] facility review of playgrounds and equipment,” he said,  “and updating facilities that they have been wanting to update but didn’t have the money to. Health and safety, I hate to say, that it needs to come first, but we got some needs that way.”

    Read More: Muncie artist commissioned to fill local parks with colorful murals

    Mayor Dan Ridenour says the community feedback is important.

    “It gives people the opportunity to have a say, so that we know where to invest those dollars,” he said. “Funding is always a key issue, but we spend about $2 million a year on parks and we know that it’s a great asset for our community.”

    Read More: State audit: Two Muncie parks employees took more than $20K

    Another public forum is scheduled for October 8 from 5-7 PM at Maring-Hunt Library.

    Abby Urban is a news fellow with Ball State Public Media’s Public Media Accelerator student fellowships.

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