From CEO & Chair ,
This past year has been nothing short of transformative for the River Heritage Conservancy . With the unwavering support of our community , I ’ ve had the honor of leading a passionate team through milestones that are shaping the future of Origin Park and deepening its impact .
We ’ ve grown our leadership team , welcoming experts like a CFO and a Construction Manager / Owner ’ s Representative , alongside new full-time staff in development , membership , and park maintenance . These additions have boosted our operations and allowed us to engage more meaningfully with our community .
One of the year ’ s highlights was opening the Buttonbush Trailhead , now home to picnic tables and program spaces that invite guests to connect with nature . We also hosted 21 community events , reaching 750 participants , from children to civic leaders . These moments of connection inspire and energize our work .
On the environmental front , we tackled erosion near the Clark Cabin site and southern Origin Park , hosting a learning session with the Army Corps of Engineers and submitting a planning request for the FY 2025 Federal Budget . We also applied for two $ 20M EPA Federal Grants to enhance Buttonbush Woods and park access , with decisions expected early next year . Additionally , in partnership with the USDA , we completed the first year of a three-year invasive species management plan for Buttonbush Woods , advancing its ecological restoration .
Financially , we unlocked $ 15M from the $ 37.5M State Budget Appropriation and secured $ 1.4M in IEDC tax credits , laying the groundwork for lasting stability . With 80 % of the park ’ s 430 + acres under our control and construction underway on the Event Center , set to open in 2026 , Origin Park is on a path to becoming a vibrant community anchor .
Thank you for your support as we preserve natural spaces , foster connections , and build a legacy for generations to come .
Together , we are shaping something extraordinary .
Dennis Schnurbusch II , Chief Executive Officer ( CEO )
The journey began in 2014 when Indiana ' s Secretary of Commerce introduced the " Regional Cities Initiative ," a competition offering over $ 45 million to two multi-county regions statewide . The Ogle Foundation , along with One Southern Indiana , aimed to win this competition by refreshing the 20-year-old Ohio River Greenway Master Plan . Despite extensive community engagement and innovative project ideas like bridge landings and a cross-river gondola ride , the initiative failed when one county government voted it down .
In 2016 , the idea was revived without state funds , leading to the formation of the River Heritage Conservancy ( RHC ) with initial seed funding . RHC , led by business leaders and entrepreneurs , faced setbacks , including COVID-19 , but persevered . We hired an Executive Director , acquired 80 % of the 430 + acres needed , and engaged one of the top landscape design firm in the world to create its master plan .
The project gained momentum with the announcement of a new RDA competition , aligning perfectly with the transformative park vision , and a $ 37.5 million appropriation from the State of Indiana .
Now , with nearly a decade of effort , the park is set to revitalize the Ohio River shoreline , attracting millions of visitors annually . The park blends private sector principles of " safe , clean , and fun " with traditional park elements , promising an unparalleled adventurer experience .
Welcome to the future of parks — Origin Park
Kent Lanum , Board Chair , River Heritage Conservancy