SoIN Tourism Board Approves $1 million in Local Project Support
Charlestown's Family Activities Park is among four projects to receive funds from the Tourism Capital Development Fund
Southern Indiana (February 10, 2025) – SoIN Tourism’s board of managers recently approved a commitment to invest a total of $1 million in support of four emerging and existing community projects in Clark and Floyd counties in Southern Indiana. The funds are derived from the Tourism Capital Development Fund (TCDF) which is aimed at supporting various community-related projects.
“Those receiving awards demonstrated an alignment with our goal of building up Southern Indiana as a visitor destination,” said SoIN Tourism Executive Director Jim Epperson. “Each of these projects improves SoIN’s quality of life and will help turn visitors into future residents.”
SoIN Tourism committed to investing $250,000 in each of the four projects. Funding for the projects will be initially covered by a municipal bond paid off by SoIN Tourism over time.
“We are grateful to Southern Indiana Tourism for this award," said Mayor Treva Hodges. "Investments in our parks help us keep Charlestown on the map for visitors and give our residents opportunities to make memories with their friends and families. We are thrilled to be able to take the next step of improving our Family Activities Park.”
The City of Charlestown will use funds to pay down a bond on work conducted to construct the Family Activities Park and the expansion of The Depot. This allows for the acceleration of the second phase of the project, which expands the park to further serve the community and draw visitors.
- Phase 1 of the expansion focused on developing The Depot, a new teen-centered hangout space featuring a stage, coffee/smoothie bar, sports and game options. The Depot opened to the public in Spring 2024, offering concerts, movie nights, professional wrestling and more.
- Phase 2 will welcome sports opportunities, including a sand volleyball court for leagues and tournaments and mini soccer fields for regional friendlies and competitions. It will also expand restroom facilities to support increased use and visitation.
The TCDF program has been in place since 1984 when the Indiana General Assembly enacted an innkeeper’s tax to support marketing Clark and Floyd counties to visitors. The tax included 1% earmarked for capital projects that help to attract visitors. That percentage increased to 1.5% in 2019. Since its inception, the program has awarded nearly $9.5 million to projects in Clark and Floyd counties.
The other selected projects were the Town of Borden Historic Bank Building Repurpose – Radius Indiana / Town of Borden, The Central Green: A Community & Cultural Destination – Cornerstone Group / Town of Clarksville, and Falls of the Ohio State Park Outdoor Education Pavilion – Falls of the Ohio Foundation / Town of Clarksville.