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Quality of Place: Pathways to Progress Grants
Investing in Public Spaces That Strengthen Our Communities
Since 2021, the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana has invested $700,000 in public spaces across Clark and Floyd counties through our Quality of Place: Pathways to Progress Grants Program.
Designed to help residents – particularly those in underserved, rural, and low-income communities – access safe, high-quality parks and greenspaces, this initiative has transformed neighborhoods, catalyzed public-private partnerships, and brought tens of thousands of people into revitalized community spaces.
We launched this program with a clear purpose: to address barriers to park access, safety concerns, underutilized public areas, and a lack of inclusive infrastructure. With six impactful projects funded and more than $2.3 million in additional funds leveraged, we are now taking time to reflect on the remarkable progress of this grant program and explore where we go from here.
A Region Transformed: By the Numbers
The Pathways to Progress program has supported solutions ranging from inclusive playgrounds and modernized parks to vital sidewalk infrastructure and waterfront access points. These projects go beyond amenities – they spark local pride, foster economic growth, and build inclusive, connected communities for all generations.
Our Impact at a Glance:
Borden Community Park Accessible Playground and Picnic Area
Borden, IN | CFSI Investment: $150,000 | Estimated Users: 10,000
A new ADA-compliant playground and sensory walk transformed Borden Community Park into a welcoming space for children of all abilities – including 189 special needs students from local schools. Today, the Borden community hosts festivals that draw up to 15,000 annual visitors – gatherings that strengthen community bonds and bring new life to the nearby playground.
Charlestown Greenway Park Glow-Up
Charlestown, IN | CFSI Investment: $150,000 | Estimated Users: 8,000
The City of Charlestown’s “Greenway Park Glow-Up” project replaced an aging park with brand new inclusive play equipment, solar lighting, and safety upgrades. This project sparked wider improvements – including the creation of a new local Disability Advisory Council, nearby business investments, and easier access for nearby low-income residents.
Jeffersonville Library Pocket Park
Jeffersonville, IN | CFSI Investment: $80,000 | Estimated Users: 5,000
An overlooked area outside the library became a train-themed pocket park that now hosts playdates, supervised visits, and daily family outings. Since opening, child library card signups have tripled, proving that playful, safe spaces can drive early learning and community engagement.
Kevin Hammersmith Memorial Park Inclusive Playground
Floyd County, IN | CFSI Investment: $70,000 | Estimated Users: 10,000
This state-of-the-art inclusive playground is now a national model, welcoming children of all abilities – and their parents. One father shared it was the first playground he could experience with his child. Its ripple effect? Inspiring accessibility upgrades at schools and parks across the region – and CFSI was proud to play a role in this large, overarching community project.
River Heritage Conservancy: Croghan Launch at Origin Park
Clarksville, IN | CFSI Investment: $100,000 | Estimated Users: 1,000
The Croghan Launch became the first public amenity in Origin Park, opening up Silver Creek for paddling, fishing, and picnics. Our grant, along with the support of many others, helped Origin Park launch the paddle access point as part of a broader collaborative effort, helping to lay the groundwork for a $250 million park transformation – one that’s boosting outdoor tourism and fueling regional economic momentum.
Town of Georgetown SR 64 Sidewalk Project (In Progress)
Georgetown, IN | CFSI Investment: $150,000
Currently under construction, this project will provide safe, dedicated walkways in a community where pedestrians once walked along railway tracks. Once completed, the sidewalk will connect 13 businesses, multiple neighborhoods, a community park, and a youth sports complex – improving livability and safety for generations to come.
Beyond Infrastructure: Community Ripple Effects
Our Pathways to Progress investments have not only enhanced public spaces – they have:
- Increased Physical Activity for thousands of residents
- Strengthened Community Connections through inclusive and intergenerational gathering spaces
- Boosted Economic Development by attracting tourism, inspiring business investments, and revitalizing blighted areas
- Advanced Accessibility with ADA-compliant features and safe pedestrian infrastructure
- Supported Lifelong Learning through projects like the Jeffersonville Library Pocket Park
- Inspired Long-Term Planning with new city policies and further placemaking investments
What We’re Learning
As we take this pause to reflect, we’re proud of the success and momentum created – but we’re also listening. Through grantee feedback, we’ve learned how to improve application clarity, broaden outreach, and strengthen support for community programming and engagement that brings these improved spaces to life.
While the future of the Quality of Place program is still taking shape, this moment offers a valuable opportunity to pause and celebrate all that’s been accomplished. Over the past five years, we’ve seen firsthand how strategic investments in shared spaces can spark connection, pride, and momentum across our region. We’re taking time to reflect on these successes – and to listen – so that what comes next can be even more impactful.
More information about the future of this program will be shared soon. For now, we remain committed to strengthening the places that bring people together and to building communities where everyone belongs.
