Through its Tourism Capital Development Fund (TCDF), SoIN Tourism is investing $975,000 in four Southern Indiana projects designed to enhance visitor experiences and the quality of life for residents.
“The four projects chosen for investment will create new reasons for visitors to plan a trip to SoIN while improving the places our neighbors enjoy every day,” said SoIN Tourism Executive Director Jim Epperson. “We're grateful to the organizations and community leaders who are bringing these projects to life, and we look forward to seeing how the projects expand our destination offerings for both visitors and residents.”
The selected projects are:
The South Monon IU Southeast Gateway – $250,000
Indiana University Southeast (IU Southeast) is developing a primary trailhead and two access points to the South Monon Freedom Trail, expanding outdoor recreation opportunities and connecting visitors and residents to Southern Indiana’s natural and cultural attractions. The project will establish the campus as a southern gateway to the Monon South Trail, which, once completed, will extend north to Mitchell, Indiana. The project will encourage regional exploration and increased spending at local businesses.
Jeffersonville High School Natatorium Parking – $250,000
Greater Clark County Schools is developing a $42 million regional natatorium and sports complex, positioning Southern Indiana as a destination for competitive swimming and multi-sport tournaments while attracting visitors and increasing spending at local businesses. The state-of-the-art facility will feature an Olympic-sized competition pool with spectator seating, warm-up and instructional pools, and amenities to accommodate large-scale events. A new dedicated entrance and proposed 251-space parking lot will improve accessibility and event logistics for the natatorium, adjacent award-winning USTA Tennis Center and nearby school athletic facilities. Designed for year-round use, the complex will also expand opportunities for community swim lessons, fitness programs and youth recreation.
Sam Peden Community Park Performance Venue – $225,000
Floyd County is revitalizing the Kiwanis Lake shoreline at Sam Peden Community Park, transforming the area into a regional destination for outdoor concerts, festivals, artisan markets and community events while attracting visitors and supporting local businesses. The two-phase project will begin with renovations to the Lakeside Pavilion, including accessibility improvements and an outdoor performance area with seating for 1,000 guests. The second phase will develop a five-acre lakeside promenade with a larger performance stage, lawn seating for more than 3,000 guests, shaded walkways and space for more than 40 vendors. The improvements will expand the park’s capacity to host large-scale and simultaneous events while showcasing the area’s scenic lake and natural surroundings.
Silver Street Park Turf Fields – $250,000
The City of New Albany is installing high-quality synthetic turf fields at Silver Street Park, expanding year-round recreational opportunities and increasing the park’s capacity to host regional sports competitions, tournaments and community events. Replacing the existing natural grass fields with durable, all-weather playing surfaces will improve accessibility for youth sports, schools and local athletic organizations while reducing long-term maintenance costs. The improvements will also create opportunities for university partnerships, including the potential to host Indiana University Southeast Division III soccer matches, further positioning Silver Street Park as a regional sports destination.
About the Tourism Capital Development Fund
The TCDF program has been in place since 1984 when the Indiana General Assembly increased the innkeepers tax rate by 1% with the new funds earmarked for capital projects to help attract visitors. The rate that generates capital funds was increased to 1.5% in 2019. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $10.4 million to projects in Clark and Floyd counties.
The TCDF provides a unique opportunity for Clark and Floyd county municipalities to partner with SoIN Tourism. Once selected to receive funding, a sponsoring municipality issues a bond for the approved amount. Floyd County will be issuing the bond for these four projects. The bond is paid off by future innkeepers tax funds (charged to visitors staying at Clark and Floyd county hotels), so it is not a tax burden for Floyd or Clark county taxpayers.
To interview a SoIN Tourism representative about the TCDF or to be connected with our partners, please contact Senior Communications Manager Anna Rosales-Crone at Anna@GoSoIN.com or 812-282-6692.
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Additional Statements
Joe Glover, Vice Chancellor for University Relations, Indiana University Southeast
"This project represents a transformational investment in Southern Indiana’s future—one that strengthens regional connectivity, expands outdoor recreation, and positions our community as a premier tourism destination. By creating a southern gateway to the Monon South Freedom Trail at IU Southeast, we are welcoming visitors, supporting local businesses, and enhancing quality of place for residents and students alike. We are deeply grateful to the City of New Albany Mayor’s Office and City Council for their leadership and partnership, and to SoIN Tourism for recognizing the long-term economic, recreational, and tourism impact this project will have for our region and for our campus.”
Dr. Kimberly Hartlage, Deputy Superintendent, Greater Clark County Schools
“Greater Clark County Schools extends its sincere appreciation to Southern Indiana Tourism for its generous grant investment in the expanded parking lot serving the Jeffersonville High School Natatorium, Tennis Center, and adjacent athletic facilities. This project is a tremendous enhancement to the Jeffersonville High School campus, improving accessibility for students, families, and visitors while strengthening our ability to host athletic competitions and community events that promote tourism and generate economic impact throughout Southern Indiana.”
Matt Denison, Superintendent, Floyd County Department of Parks and Recreation
“We are incredibly excited to continue investing in Sam Peden Community Park, a place that has served our community for generations by providing outstanding recreational opportunities and hosting countless events. This grant will allow us to construct a new performance area, creating even more opportunities to bring live music, entertainment and community gatherings to the park for years to come.”
Mayor Jeff M. Gahan, City of New Albany
“Silver Street Park already serves around 30,000 residents and visitors a year, and this turf investment is about making sure they have a safe, reliable place to play no matter the season. It also opens the door to tournament hosting and regional play, bringing new visitors to New Albany while keeping our focus where it belongs, on quality of place for families who call this community home.”