Ball Brothers Foundation Supports New Projects Expanding Access, Safety, and Recreation Along White River and Prairie Creek Reservoir
Photo: Kyle Johnson
Ball Brothers Foundation has recently awarded grants supporting several new projects that will enhance outdoor recreation, safety, and connectivity along the White River and Prairie Creek Reservoir in Muncie.
“Ball Brothers Foundation is proud to support these projects, which reflect our interest in making East Central Indiana’s rivers and reservoirs more accessible, safe, and welcoming,” said Jud Fisher, president and CEO of Ball Brothers Foundation. “From new trails to safe river access points, these initiatives expand opportunities for families, students, and visitors to explore and enjoy the water.”
The three projects receiving recent grant support include:
New Canoe/Kayak Launch at Memorial Drive
A new launch—scheduled to be completed this winter—will increase accessibility to the White River on Muncie’s eastside, creating a safe entry point for canoes, kayaks, and tubes. Located on Memorial Drive, the launch provides access to a section of the river free from dams and other obstacles, offering paddlers an option to paddle downstream to downtown Muncie or upstream toward Prairie Creek Reservoir. A grant of $90,000 from Ball Brothers Foundation was awarded to the Delaware County Soil & Water Conservation District for the project.
Mile Marker Signs Along the White River
To improve safety for those enjoying the White River, 69 new mile marker signs will be installed at quarter-mile intervals between the east side of Muncie and Daleville along the river. The signs will help emergency responders quickly locate and assist individuals in case of medical emergencies. With the support of Delaware County Emergency Management Services, 27 of the signs have already been installed between Yorktown and Daleville, the most heavily utilized stretch of the river. A grant of $5,000 from Ball Brothers Foundation to Delaware County Soil & Water Conservation District helped with production of the signs. Sign information has been incorporated into the county’s dispatch and 911 services to expedite rescues.
Extension of Trail at Prairie Creek Reservoir
Building on nearly two decades of work to connect the city of Muncie with Prairie Creek Reservoir, a 1.2-mile ADA accessible gravel trail extension is planned along the Reservoir’s eastern bank. Once complete, the trail will safely link the multi-use hiking and biking trail to the beach, playgrounds, picnic areas, restrooms, and the Muncie Sailing Club. Prairie Creek Reservoir welcomes thousands of visitors each year for boating, mountain biking, community events, and nature-based recreation, making this trail connection a vital step in improving safety, accessibility, and visitor experience. A grant of $40,000 from Ball Brothers Foundation to the City of Muncie adds to funding already awarded by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for the project.
In commenting on the funding, Indiana American Water Company’s Operations Manager Jim Henderson stated, “Ball Brothers Foundation’s continued investment in the White River and Prairie Creek Reservoir is a testament to their vision for a healthier, more connected community. These improvements—especially the multi-use trail extension—will make the reservoir more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, from families to outdoor enthusiasts. Their leadership is helping transform this natural asset into a true regional destination.”
“We are grateful to the Ball Brothers Foundation for their generous support of our community. The extension of the multi-use trail at Prairie Creek, made possible by this $40,000 grant, will provide even more opportunities for recreation and connection on the southeast side of the Reservoir,” added Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour. “Projects like this make Muncie a healthier, more vibrant place to live, and we are excited to see it take shape.”
These grants are part of Project Blueways, Ball Brothers Foundation’s funding initiative dedicated to strengthening connections between people and waterways in East Central Indiana. For decades, the foundation has championed efforts to improve water quality and preserve the region’s natural beauty. Project Blueways builds on that legacy, dedicating a portion of the foundation’s grantmaking specifically to the waterways and watersheds that connect and sustain our communities—including the White River and the Mississinewa River.
To learn more about Muncie and Delaware County’s growing network of “Greenways and Blueways,” visit: www.destinationmuncie.org/whiteriver. You can also stop by Destination Muncie’s downtown storefront to pick up a copy of a new map that shows canoe/kayak launches, parks, trails, and other recreational amenities adjacent to the White River and Prairie Creek Reservoir.
For more information about Ball Brothers Foundation and its grantmaking, visit www.ballfdn.org.