Ohio River Vision Plan

Ohio River Vision

The Ohio River is one of the region’s greatest natural and economic assets. Communities across the country are investing in their waterfronts because quality of place drives economic vitality. The Ohio River Vision ensures the Evansville region is doing the same — thoughtfully, strategically, and together.

From Regional Vision to Real Progress

Since the Ohio River Vision and Strategic Plan was unveiled in May 2024, the Evansville region has moved from concept to coordinated design.

Spanning 50 miles of riverfront across Downtown Evansville, Downtown Mount Vernon, and Newburgh, the Vision reflects input from thousands of residents and regional stakeholders. It outlines a shared commitment to stronger river access, vibrant public spaces, economic growth, and long-term sustainability along the Ohio River corridor.

The planning and design work completed to date has been funded through the State of Indiana’s READI grant program — a competitive state investment focused on quality-of-place and economic development initiatives. This work is not funded through local tax increases. More information about READI can be found at indianareadi.com.

2025: Advancing the Work

In 2025, the focus shifted to detailed schematic design and implementation readiness.

The project reached the 50% Schematic Design milestone, refining priority areas such as Main Street Plaza and the future Mickey’s Kingdom space in Downtown Evansville. Technical experts across engineering, transportation, land use, cost estimating, and economic strategy are ensuring the plan is feasible, coordinated, and positioned for responsible phased implementation.

Regional coordination continues with the City of Evansville, Evansville Water and Sewer Utility, the Evansville Levee Authority, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and additional state and local partners to ensure infrastructure and regulatory alignment.

Regional progress continued in parallel:

• Mount Vernon: Public engagement efforts shaped the future of Sherburne Park, culminating in the selection of a final park design concept.
• Newburgh: A comprehensive parking study assessed current conditions and informed future riverfront planning decisions.

What’s Next

The Ohio River Vision is progressing toward full schematic design completion while strategic funding and phased implementation planning continue. This is a long-term, 20-year regional effort designed to be collaborative, financially responsible, and transformational.

The Plan was funded by the State of Indiana’s READI grant program, focused on increasing activation and investment in Indiana’s communities, economy, and exceptional quality of place resources, like the Ohio River. More information about READI can be found at indianareadi.com.