An aerial view of a winding river surrounded by trees with fall foliage, with some trees still green and others yellow or brown.

GETTING TO WORK

Developing The White River Greenway

The White River Greenway was identified in the County’s Master Plan as a “Proposed Visionary Trail” recognized by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). This future trail would stretch across Madison County from east to west and connect with existing trails along the White River.

In 2024, county leadership approved $4 million in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) Funds to begin planning the development of the Greenway. A feasibility study, conducted by Burgess & Niple, was approved in August of 2026. This study outlined recommendation for building two anchor parks for this phase of the project. The sites were also identified, evaluated and approved by the parks board.

Project Timeline

Eastern Anchor Park

The project site for the White River Greenway Eastern Anchor Park is approximately 47 acres, located off of W. 8th St. near Layton Rd. Beautiful trees and natural walking paths along the White River make this vast open space an ideal location for creating new opportunities for our community to explore nature.

Aerial view of a landscape design plan featuring wooded areas, open fields, a water body, and residential buildings, with paths and roads.

  • The Eastern Anchor Park will be located off of 8th St. at N 400 E. The site offers 45 acres of trees, natural walking paths, and direct access to the White River.

    • River Overlooks

    • Canoe/Kayak Launch

    • Looped Walking Trails

    • Natural Play Area

    • Open Lawn/Picnic Areas

    • Interpretive Signage (historical and archeological landmarks)

    • Natural Preservation and Mitigation Areas

Park rendering

Existing Photos of Eastern Anchor Park Site

A peaceful river flowing through a wooded area, with trees displaying fall foliage, under a partly cloudy blue sky.
A wooded trail with trees on both sides and fallen leaves covering the ground.
Existing photos of Eastern Anchor Park Site
A wooded area with tall trees, green leaves, dry grass, a small creek to the left, and a partly cloudy sky overhead.
Empty field with patches of green growth, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage and a partly cloudy sky with large scattered clouds.

IDNR Perkinsville Public Access Site

The IDNR’s Perkinsville Public Access Site, located along CR 280 North is the 2nd location for the White River Greenway’s Anchor Park. Through a partnership with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, park design will focus on making improvements to the existing property.

A digital landscape plan for a parking lot and driveway overlaying a satellite image of a natural area and water body.

  • This anchor park will be located at the existing IDNR Perkinsville Public Access Site at 9509 W 280 N.

    • Improved entrance with signage

    • Expanded and paved parking area

    • Bio-retention area for natural stormwater management

Park rendering

Existing Photos of IDNR Perkinsville Public Access Site

A large wooden sign at Perkinsville public access site with yellow lettering, indicating it is managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish & Wildlife. Below it are smaller signs and notices about regulations, safety warni
A white SUV parked near a small concrete ramp with metal handrails leading to a body of water, surrounded by tall green trees.
Three black pickup trucks parked on the side of a gravel road at a wooded area under a clear blue sky.
A gravel pathway leading to a body of water, with leafless trees on either side and overcast sky overhead.
A peaceful river scene with trees on both sides, sunlight reflecting off the water, and a clear sky with clouds.
Multiple hands placed on a tree trunk in a forest setting, looking upward towards the branches and leaves.

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITIES

Thriving Communities Program

Madison County has been selected to participate in the 2023 Thriving Communities Program. The program funds Capacity Builders to provide technical assistance, planning, and capacity building to support communities in building the tools, skills, and resources to successfully develop and implement transformative community projects.

More information will become available as this program moves forward. You can learn more about this program here.

Project Questions? Let’s Connect.

If you have any questions about our current projects, please fill out this brief contact form. We will follow up with you directly to answer any questions you have.