Origin Park

Origin Park: Live, work, play!

The Ohio River is a source of life for the Southern Indiana region—it is the origin of our communities and businesses, past and future. The mighty river and its beautiful surroundings are ours to steward, and a dynamic plan has emerged to transform 430 acres along the river into a world-class, urban park that will boost the economy, improve the environment, and raise the quality of life.

Origin Park will strengthen Southern Indiana as a welcoming place to live, work, and play.

It will connect and enrich the three surrounding communities, improving health, preserving the environment, and bringing in countless visitors to experience nature, adventure, and the hospitality of our region.

River Heritage Conservancy (the Conservancy) was created with a vision for a unique, self-sustaining urban park that would reclaim forgotten and abused land, protect its wetlands and wildlife, and transform it into a year-round destination for recreation and relaxation for thousands. A private nonprofit created in 2016, the Conservancy is committed to ethically develop this land along the Ohio River into purposeful, vibrant green space that honors the rich history of thousands of native people, the first European town in the Northwest Territory, and the launching point for Lewis and Clark’s westward expedition. That spirit of adventure remains a key focus for the park today.

The Why

Health and well-being: Equitable access to parks is key to improving health in high-need communities like those surrounding Origin Park.

Self-sustaining: The Event Center and Wild Water Adventure Park will bring in ongoing revenue to support the operations of the park.

Economic development: As many as 3,000 jobs will be created and millions in economic activity earned by boosting visitation to Southern Indiana. The strategic location of the park will attract and benefit not only residents but as many as 1.2 million visitors from nearby Cincinnati, Louisville, and Indianapolis.

Protection of water, land, and habitats: Restoring neglected land and water resources to useful life preserves it for generations to come.

Community and history: The park will foster community connections by preserving and honoring local history.

Join us!

The Campaign for Origin Park will make possible an iconic, world-class destination and more importantly, a dynamic model for urban parks worldwide. Investing in Origin Park will provide recreational, educational, and community-building opportunities unlike any other spot on the Ohio River. People will reconnect with nature, discover astounding stories, improve their health, and strengthen community ties—while our local economies thrive. The beauty and innovation of our one-of-a-kind park will be a beacon for our region and a treasure for future generations. The adventure has begun. Will you come along?