The Department of Parks & Recreationd coordiinates and oversees the operation of  65 parks and 21 special facilities encompassing more than 2,300 acres of land in the City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County, Indiana.

Our mission is, "Creating quality of life opportunities by providing safe environments and affordable programs to enhance fun, fitness, and education for residents of all ages in our community."

The Administrative Offices are located in the basement of the C. K. Newsome Community Center. Shelter House Rentals and the purchase of seasonal golf passes may be obtained at the Administrative Offices. The Department of Parks & Recreation accepts cash, checks, Visa® & MasterCard® for purchases and shelter rentals.
Click here for a map of facilities

Shirley James Gateway Plaza

Workers installed six stainless steel and wire mesh structures at the Shirley James Gateway Plaza in the Mead Johnson Trailhead on December 15, 2009.  The Gateway Plaza is located along the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage south of the Lloyd Expressway. The sturctures depict six different forms of transportation. The Greenway Historic Committee researched and wrote the text for the history panels telling how transportation  made Evansville into a commercial center. The Gateway Plaza was designed by VPS Architects and RhodesWork, Ltd.  Workers are finishing the final touches - floor pavers, granite foundations and lights - but will be finished soon.  The Gateway Plaza was named in honor of Mrs. Shirley James, former Chair of the Greenway Advisory Board and for her dedication and efforts to make the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage a reality.  Below are a few photos of the installation of the structures; if you would like to see more, click on this link.





















Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage 

Two new projects were announced completed by Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel.  Phase 6 of the Industrial Corridor and the Marchand Bridge were opened to the public on October 21, 2009.  Phase 6 extends the Middle Levee Corridor from the Animal Control Center, west of First Avenue to the Kraztville Road Bridge.  The Marchand Bridge was the former Ohio Street Bridge and serves as an overlook on the Ohio River.  The completion of Phase 6 creates 4.7 miles of the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage.  
Click on this link for a map of the Greenway Passage.    















Mayor Weinzapfel announce two new projects are underway.  Phase 5 of the Industrial Corridor has been awarded and Phase 2 bids will be sought by INDOT in February 2010.  Both projects will be completed in 2010 and increase our total of trails to 6 miles.  Only 1/2 mile will need to be completed to connect the Riverfront Corridor with the Industrial Corrdior and the Middle Levee Corridor to have a continous trail of 6.5 miles long from Sunrise Park to the Heidelbach Canoe Launch.

     For a map of the Greenway please click on this link. 

  
   Department of Parks & Recreation
   100 E. Walnut Street, Lower Level 
   C. K. Newsome Community Center 
   Evansville, IN 47713-1999 
   812-435-6141
   812-435-6142 Fax
    email DPR