Vincennes officials presented a new five-year plan for the city’s parks to the Vincennes Parks Board on Wednesday.

The plan focuses on improving outdoor spaces, accessibility, and staffing. Mayor Joe Yochum says it provides a clear roadmap for upgrades.

“We’ve really invested a lot in our parks, and we plan to invest even more,” Yochum said. “With this, there’s a focus on the trail system. I’d like to see all of our parks connected through trails, or some may not take it as a trail—it could be sidewalks, maybe decorative sidewalks—that you follow.”

Key priorities include upgrading outdated equipment, making parks ADA-compliant, and hiring additional staff, including a program director.

Community Coordinator Jamie Dugan noted the plan is the result of collaboration among several agencies and is based on nearly 450 survey responses collected last summer. She said the effort began two years ago when the city transitioned park superintendents, and her attendance at an Indiana Parks conference underscored the need for a plan that meets Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) standards.

“I kept hearing the same theme over and over, saying you have to have a comprehensive five-year plan that meets DNR requirements in order to apply for DNR dollars, Next Level Trails, additional grants, federal and state grants, and even foundations like to see that you have a plan in place and you’re working towards it,” Dugan explained.

The initiative includes $300,000 in initial funding, with $100,000 coming from a grant provided by the Community Foundation. Officials also plan to increase the parks budget in the coming years.

Residents are encouraged to get involved by joining the restructured “Friends of Vincennes Parks and Trails” group. For more information, contact the Mayor’s office.