A Letter from Our CEO
As we begin 2026, I am excited to share that this is a defining year for River Heritage Conservancy, the year we move from vision into activation.
For the past several years, we have been laying the groundwork for Origin Park: building partnerships, securing resources, completing environmental remediation, and planning thoughtfully for what this place could become. In 2026, that foundation becomes visible, tangible, and shared. This is the year the park truly begins to come alive.
Across Origin Park, plans are turning into places. Wildwater at Origin Park is advancing into site preparation and infrastructure planning, marking a critical step toward construction and opening this signature adventure destination to the community. The Vista is nearing completion and is already booking its first events, signaling its future as a vibrant gathering space for learning, celebration, and connection. We have also completed the cleanup of former brownfields and junkyards throughout the park, transforming previously neglected land into a clean, safe canvas for restoration, recreation, and public use.
This year is about activating both the landscape and the experience. The removal of low head dams at Blackiston Mill and Providence Dam on Silver Creek is creating safe, navigable waters and setting the stage for the future Blackiston Mill Launch and the Silver Creek Blueway. Views are opening, habitats are being restored, and long-standing physical and environmental barriers are being removed, supporting a healthier blueway environment.
Activation also means ensuring these places are cared for properly. In 2026, we will launch a strategic capital campaign, expand our donor and membership community, and deepen partnerships with local leaders to support stewardship efforts from shoreline stabilization and vegetation management to wayfinding, safety, and visitor experience improvements.
Most importantly, this is a year of activating our community. New programs, events, and partnerships will invite people into the park in meaningful ways to learn, volunteer, celebrate, and connect. Each experience strengthens the relationship between people and the Ohio River, building a shared sense of responsibility and pride in this extraordinary place.
Thanks to your support, River Heritage Conservancy enters 2026 with momentum, clarity, and optimism. Together, we are shifting from imagining what Origin Park can be to experiencing what it is becoming: a living landscape, a community gathering place, and a lasting investment in the health and vitality of our region.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Dennis Schnurbusch II Chief Executive Officer River Heritage Conservancy