Transforming Brownfields into a Regional Destination: The Rise of Origin Park

In Southern Indiana, the River Heritage Conservancy (RHC) is transforming more than 400 acres of degraded land into Origin Park, a major nature and recreation destination along the Ohio River in Clarksville, Indiana. CEO Dennis Schnurbusch says the property—once home to junkyards, brownfields, and landfills—has required years of acquisition, cleanup, and restoration. With about 80% of the needed land secured, early projects include removing invasive plants, restoring streams, and constructing The Vista, a 14,000-square-foot events center set to open next spring. Plans also feature a whitewater facility designed by the U.S. National Whitewater Center and an adventure park with zip lines and climbing.

The park is expected to draw 1 to 1.5 million visitors each year, serving as both a community amenity and a regional economic driver. Jim Epperson of SoIN Tourism notes that while its trails and natural areas would already make Origin Park an appealing attraction, the addition of whitewater rafting and other major amenities could make it a signature destination. The park also aims to honor the land’s long history—from its geological formation during glacial periods to its role in Indigenous life, early European settlement, and notable events such as the Lewis and Clark expedition, Prohibition-era activities, and historic duels.

As reported by Aprile Rickert, the project also faces challenges, including ongoing litigation over the removal of the Providence Mill Dam on Silver Creek, which borders the park. The RHC supports removing the dam for safety and ecological reasons as part of a planned “blueway,” while the City of New Albany has fought the effort in court. Although the conservancy does not own Silver Creek, Schnurbusch says its goal is to restore the waterway to a more natural state, similar to its role in removing the Blackiston Mill Dam elsewhere on the creek.