The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) joined local leaders in Plainfield on November 6 to celebrate the opening of the Echo Hollow Nature Park boardwalk, marking a key milestone in the town’s larger regional nature park master plan.
This phase of development was supported by funding from READI 2.0, which is being used to advance the development of the 1,900-acre Echo Hollow Nature Park and other future initiatives in Hendricks County that combine outdoor spaces with commercial, industrial, and residential growth.
Governor Eric J. Holcomb initiated the READI program in 2021, which has since gained national recognition for its impact. READI 2.0, a key component of the governor’s 2023 Next Level Agenda and approved by the Indiana General Assembly, directs an additional $500 million to regions across the state.
This funding supports shovel-ready projects and programs that aim to enhance communities, foster talent retention, and improve the quality of life for Indiana residents in the short and long term. A total of 15 regions, representing all 92 Indiana counties, received allocations in April for READI 2.0 funding.
Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg emphasized the significance of the Echo Hollow Nature Park project, noting that it will not only create new recreational opportunities but will also contribute to economic growth and regional tourism.
“Thanks to collaborative initiatives supported by READI, Hoosiers can look forward to new opportunities to experience Indiana’s great outdoors and new assets that will improve quality of life now and for years to come,” he said.
The $52.7 million Echo Hollow Nature Park development, which includes a $2.8 million READI 2.0 contribution, spans over 1,900 acres in Guilford Township, south of Interstate 70.
The park is designed to preserve the area’s natural features, including wetlands, wildlife habitats, and hardwood forests while promoting biodiversity and protecting habitats for the federally protected Indiana Brown Bat.
Current amenities at the park include nature trails, picnic areas, a 5.5-acre pond, and 5.1 miles of accessible trails. The newly completed Lake Loop Boardwalk offers visitors a scenic and accessible route around Sodalis Lake.
Looking ahead, the park’s development will continue to unfold according to a long-term vision. This includes plans for miles of additional nature trails, a nature center, an RV park, and other recreational facilities such as a lodge, campground, overlooks, shelters, and modern restrooms.
These features are designed to match the standards of many state parks and to incorporate art installations into the park.
“Echo Hollow Nature Park represents a commitment to the future of Plainfield, blending natural beauty with a dynamic community vision that will enrich Central Indiana for generations,” said Town Council President Robin Brandgard in a press release.
“With READI 2.0 support, we’re enhancing the physical landscape and our capacity to attract residents, visitors, and businesses. This boardwalk is an important step in creating a premier recreational destination that respects our local environment while promoting growth and opportunity for all.”
The READI program has already awarded $487 million to 353 unique projects across Indiana through its first phase, resulting in $12.6 billion in investments.
With the additional $750 million in funding from READI 2.0, the program aims to accelerate community development investments across the state, expecting to leverage at least $3 billion in total investments. This funding will focus on projects that promote quality of life, community vibrancy, and economic development.
Plainfield is part of the Central Indiana READI region, which received $45 million in READI 2.0 funds. These funds will be used to promote the development of walkable communities and innovation districts that support talent attraction and offer access to arts, culture, and recreation.
