$1 million READI investment to launch Sweet OC Arts Park

A planned arts and recreation park along the White River in Spencer will move closer to reality with a $1 million investment through the state’s READI 2.0 program.

The funding will support the first phase of the Sweet Owen County (OC) Arts Park, a project intended to transform an underused portion of Spencer’s riverfront into a destination combining public art, recreation, nature and economic development.

Plans for the first phase include an Arts Market Pavilion, an updated MyPath Trailhead, bird sculpture garden, a Follow the River-themed playscape and scenic overlooks of the White River.

“This project is about recognizing what has always made Owen County special: the river, our natural landscape, our artistic heritage and our people, and bringing those assets together in one place,” said Marce Johnson, CEO of the Owen County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation. “Sweet OC Arts Park will give residents a place to gather, give artists a place to create and give visitors another reason to experience Owen County.”

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Celebrating Owen County artists

The park’s design draws inspiration from three artists with strong Owen County connections: author James Alexander Thom and artists T.C. Steele and Ken Bucklew.

Thom, who was born in Owen County, is best known for historical novels including ”Follow the River.” His work and its connection to the region’s history inspired the planned ”Follow the River”-themed playscape.

Steele, one of Indiana’s best-known painters, frequently depicted the state’s landscapes and spent time painting in Owen County, including areas surrounding what later became McCormick’s Creek State Park.

Bucklew, an Owen County artist and naturalist, is known for detailed paintings of Indiana birds and wildlife. His work provides inspiration for the park’s planned bird sculpture garden and its emphasis on the area’s natural environment.

Together, the three provide themes that park planners hope will help tell the story of Owen County through its history, art and landscape.

Designing a park that can flood

The park’s riverfront location presents an unusual design challenge: periodic flooding from the White River.

Rather than attempting to isolate the park from the river, planners say the site is being designed with flooding in mind. The location and construction of structures, landscaping and other features are being considered based on their ability to withstand or recover from high water.

Native and flood-tolerant vegetation will be incorporated into the landscape, while structures and other site features will be positioned with periodic flooding in mind.

“Part of what makes this project so unique is that we are not pretending the river isn't going to flood,” Johnson said. “It is a riverfront. It is going to flood. Instead of designing around that reality, we are designing with it.”

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Connecting downtown to trails and parks

The project also seeks to strengthen connections between downtown Spencer, the White River, MyPath, and McCormick’s Creek State Park.

Improvements to the MyPath Trailhead at the park will serve as part of the developing trail network connecting Spencer with the state park and other recreational destinations.

“This project is an example of how we can build on the assets we share across the region: our trails, parks, waterways, arts and natural resources, to create experiences that benefit both residents and visitors,” said Kyle Hannon, director of MyPath and the Owen County Nonprofit Alliance.

The Arts Park is also envisioned as part of a broader network of arts and cultural destinations throughout the Indiana Uplands region.

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Creating opportunities for artists

Economic development is another component of the park plans, particularly through the proposed Arts Market Pavilion.

The pavilion is intended to provide a permanent venue where artists can exhibit and sell their work, lead workshops, and participate in markets and other events.

Programming developed through the Owen County Chamber of Commerce and EDC is expected to help local artists develop entrepreneurial skills and create opportunities to generate income from their work.

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Years of planning behind project

Although the READI 2.0 funding represents a major step toward construction, plans for developing Spencer’s riverfront have been discussed for more than a decade.

The Town of Spencer’s 2015-2019 Parks and Recreation Master Plan identified the riverfront property as a priority for future development.

During the past two years, the Owen County Chamber of Commerce and EDC worked with Taylor Siefker Williams Design Group to develop an architectural framework and artistic vision for the Sweet OC Arts Park.

A $10,000 grant from the Indiana Arts Commission helped establish the Sweet OC Arts Commission, a nonprofit organization governed by a board and involving local artists.

The Arts Commission has hosted community events, gathered public input and worked with the EDC on public meetings related to the park. Ideas contributed by residents and other participants have addressed public art, programming, native plants, and environmental features.

The project has developed into a public-private partnership involving the Town of Spencer, Owen County leaders, businesses, nonprofit organizations, artists, conservation and environmental organizations, and regional economic development partners.

In addition to the $1 million READI 2.0 investment, project partners are expected to contribute matching funds, expertise, volunteer labor and in-kind support.

Once developed, organizers envision Sweet OC Arts Park as both a community gathering place and a destination that encourages visitors to move between the riverfront, downtown Spencer, MyPath and other attractions throughout Owen County.