OUR PARKS: Resources

The Our Parks: Enrich + Engage Master Plan focuses on park and open space improvements that will change the landscape of Elkhart. This effort is built on dozens of other initiatives that underwent hundreds of hours of community meetings, focus group discussions, and other outreach efforts. This feedback led to the development the following City Resources, which inform and influence this parks planning process:

City Plans

These resources have been adopted by the City

1. Elkhart Comprehensive Master Plan: Adopted in 2015, this resource includes the long term visioning for the economic development and land use planning for the City.
2. City Zoning Ordinance: Rules and definitions associated with developing in the City of Elkhart.
3. City Zoning Map: Resource showing the various zoning districts overlayed on the City of Elkhart Map.
4. River District Master Plan 2018: This plan highlights public infrastructure improvements and projects that support a more livable downtown area. The plan features investments of $300M.
5. Downtown Elkhart Master Plan: Density-driven development vision for downtown Elkhart, highlighting new building infill opportunities.
6. River Vista Neighborhood Strategy
7. Sterling East Neighborhood Action Plan
8. Elkhart Environmental Center Master Plan
9. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory

Parks Resources

1. Park System Map
2. Master Plan of Cultural Assets 2020-2024
3. 2023 Annual Report
4. Elkhart County Parks Master Plan 2024-2028

State and National Park Resources

1. Trust for Public Land – Elkhart Metrics
2. TPL – Park Serve Elkhart Map
3. TPL – 2024 Park Score Report
4. National Recreation and Park Association 2023 Agency Performance Review
5. NRPA – Support For Parks Report
6. Indiana Department of Natural Resources – Park Plan Requirements

Supporting Organization Plans

1. Community Health Assessment – Elkhart County
2. Elkhart County Health Rankings
3. Elkhart County Waterways Alliance – River Amenities Map
4. Elkhart County Convention + Visitors Bureau Strategic Plan 2023
5. Community Foundation 2023 Annual Report
6. Wellfields Botanic Garden Master Plan
7. Woodlawn Botanical Nature Center
8. Tolson Center
9. MACOG Active Transportation Plan
10. MACOG Vulnerable Road Users Crash Data
11. MACOG Environmental Justice Analysis
12. MACOG Regional Complete Streets Policy