VINCENNES, Ind. – Kimmell Park has seen great changes in recent years, including a new playground that was funded through a community effort and a state grant.

Everyone is invited to celebrate the completion of the Vincennes University Community Playground with a ribbon cutting on Sept. 18 at 10 a.m. at Kimmell Park, 2014 Oliphant Dr.

The project was funded in part through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s CreatINg Places program. VU exceeded the $50,000 fundraising goal necessary to receive a matching grant through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority with the help of community partners who recognize how the region’s families and children will benefit from this outstanding play area.

The playground was made possible through contributions from Farbest Foods, Old National Bank, Burkhart Insurance Agency, First Vincennes Savings Bank, Ford Sawmills Inc., Futaba Indiana of America Corporation, German American Bank, and Knox County Community Foundation.

Located close to a shelter house and restrooms, the new playground features multiple play structures with slides and climbing pieces in addition to several swings, including expression swings.
KIMMELL PARK HISTORY

The 1930s development of Kimmell Park was funded in part by President Franklin Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration jobs program. Following the construction of an attractive shelter house and other park facilities, the city park attracted families from southwest Indiana and became a tourist attraction. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.

With the goal of revitalizing the park and capitalizing on the riverfront, the City of Vincennes, Vincennes Parks Board, and VU worked cooperatively in 2015, with all parties agreeing to transfer ownership of the 8.5-acre Kimmell Park and its 54-acre woodlands to its neighbor, VU, with covenants to ensure that the property remains a public park. VU pledged to lead efforts to make major improvements and enhance security using its VU Police Department. A grand opening and ribbon cutting was held on Aug. 29, 2017 to celebrate the completion of more than $3 million in park renovations.

KEY LOCATION

Kimmell Park is located between Oliphant Drive and the Wabash River, beginning at the intersection of St. Clair Street on the south and ending at the University’s baseball complex on the north. The park offers gorgeous and panoramic views of the river, and a riverfront walking and bicycle path connects it to downtown and the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park.

VINCENNES UNIVERSITY - Indiana’s First College

VU is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper, the Aviation Technology Center and American Sign Language program in Indianapolis, Early College Career and Technical Education Centers, and additional sites such as the Gene Haas Training and Education Center in Lebanon, the Logistics Training and Education Center in Plainfield, and the Gibson County Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics in Fort Branch. A leader in developing Early Colleges statewide, VU also offers instruction at military sites throughout the nation.

In addition to offering a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs, VU also offers bachelor’s degree programs in technology, homeland security, nursing, secondary education programs in mathematics and science, and special education/elementary education.

VU enrolls students from throughout Indiana, 35 other states, and 17 countries. Tuition and fees are the lowest among Indiana campuses with residence halls. VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Founded in 1801, VU is Indiana’s first college and is the only college in the nation founded by an individual who would later become President of the United States. William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President, founded VU while serving as governor of the Indiana Territory. More information is available at www.vinu.edu.

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Vincennes University Newsroom

MARCIA MARTINEZ, University Life Reporter & Sports Information Director
   812-888-4164 office, 314-599-1519 cell, VUNews@vinu.edu, mmartinez@vinu.edu
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY, Department of University Relations, www.vinu.edu/news/newsroom