Four Southern Indiana projects to receive $250,000 from Tourism Capital Development Fund
Southern Indiana (February 10, 2025) – SoIN Tourism’s board of managers recently approved a commitment to invest a total of $1 million in support of four emerging and existing community projects in Clark and Floyd counties in Southern Indiana. The funds are derived from the Tourism Capital Development Fund (TCDF) which is aimed at supporting various community-related projects.
“Those receiving awards demonstrated an alignment with our goal of building up Southern Indiana as a visitor destination,” said SoIN Tourism Executive Director Jim Epperson. “Each of these projects improves SoIN’s quality of life and will help turn visitors into future residents.”
SoIN Tourism committed to investing $250,000 in each of the four projects. Funding for the projects will be initially covered by a municipal bond paid off by SoIN Tourism over time. The selected projects are:
Town of Borden Historic Bank Building Repurpose – Radius Indiana / Town of Borden
Adaptive reuse of a historic bank building in Borden, Indiana, to serve as a trailhead for outdoor enthusiasts and community members, enhancing quality of life in Clark and Floyd counties.
- Create a trailhead along the Monon South Trail that will serve as a gateway to nearby recreational areas, offering a comfortable and convenient space for individuals to rest, refresh, and work.
- Preserve the building’s historic character while providing modern amenities that support residents and visitors.
- Renovate the facility to include public restrooms, air conditioning, a water bottle refill station, Wi-Fi and a co-working area.
Charlestown Family Activities Park Expansion – City of Charlestown
The City of Charlestown will use funds to pay down a bond on work conducted during Phase 1 of the Family Activities Park expansion. This allows for the acceleration of the second phase of the project, which expands the park to further serve the community and draw visitors.
- Phase 1 of the expansion focused on developing The Depot, a new teen-centered hangout space featuring a stage, coffee/smoothie bar, sports and game options. The Depot opened to the public in Spring 2024, offering concerts, movie nights, professional wrestling and more.
- Phase 2 will welcome sports opportunities, including a sand volleyball court for leagues and tournaments and mini soccer fields for regional friendlies and competitions. It will also expand restroom facilities to support increased use and visitation.
The Central Green: A Community & Cultural Destination – Cornerstone Group / Town of Clarksville
Creation of a versatile public space in south Clarksville that will serve as a hub for cultural and social activities, fostering both tourism and local engagement.
The space will offer a year-round calendar of events, enhancing the local quality of life and providing a destination for tourists seeking unique cultural experiences. This project includes the construction of:
- a multi-purpose stage for live music performances
- a venue for festivals and events
- an open space for community markets such as farmers markets
Falls of the Ohio State Park Outdoor Education Pavilion – Falls of the Ohio Foundation / Town of Clarksville
Support construction of the park’s soon-to-be built Outdoor Education Pavilion, which will help serve the hundreds of thousands of people who visit the park each year, including local, school, scout and tourist groups. The pavilion aligns with three of SoIN Tourism’s priority categories:
- Small Meetings/Conferences – The pavilion will provide the space and technology for groups to schedule meetings and small events overlooking one of the region’s most impressive views.
- Riverfront/Outdoor Recreation/Adventure Travel – The pavilion will help elevate the riverfront and provide new marketing materials to help attract outdoor enthusiasts.
- Arts, Heritage, and Cultural Entertainment/Festivals – The pavilion will encourage groups and events to use the river landscape for art programs and special events, including the Foundation’s annual Rock the Rocks concert, member events and arts and educational programs which tell the story of the community’s past and its unique cultural heritage.
The TCDF program has been in place since 1984 when the Indiana General Assembly enacted an innkeeper’s tax to support marketing Clark and Floyd counties to visitors. The tax included 1% earmarked for capital projects that help to attract visitors. That percentage increased to 1.5% in 2019. Since its inception, the program has awarded nearly $9.5 million to projects in Clark and Floyd counties.
To interview a SoIN Tourism representative about the TCDF, please contact Communications Manager Anna Rosales-Crone at Anna@GoSoIN.com or 812-282-6692.
SoIN Tourism is the official destination marketing organization for Clark and Floyd counties in Southern Indiana, just north of Louisville, Ky. Offering authentic experiences in the Kentuckiana region, SoIN includes historic downtowns in Jeffersonville and New Albany, Clarksville’s retail corridor, as well as the communities of Charlestown, Floyds Knobs, Henryville, Memphis, New Washington, Sellersburg and Starlight. Visitors who would like more information can visit the destination’s website, GoSoIN.com.
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