As part of the Action Agenda process, the contributed ideas were compiled to guide municipalities. Municipal and community leaders used this critical feedback to identify priority action items for each of their communities, resulting in the Next Chapter Action Agenda.
Action Agenda Countywide
Shopping Locally
Communities of Elkhart County will encourage residents and visitors to shop locally via digital platforms and printed publications. When individuals buy local, they are making an investment, one which directly impacts our local economy. This type of support helps to shape the unique character in each of our communities and the overall character of Elkhart County.
Elkhart County Well Crafted Destination Brand
We will continue to promote and advance the Elkhart County Well Crafted destination brand. Well Crafted is a community destination brand with a compelling and flexible platform used by our local artisans, businesses, and amenity groups to express the pride they have in this area. Well Crafted complements their individual brand and strengthens Elkhart County’s place as a community of makers.
Wayfinding Signage
Inventory wayfinding signage across Elkhart County, which may be old, missing, or needed to identify public amenities, attractions, and other hidden gems. Work with each community and the county to determine eligibility for signage, costs, and potential overlaps in the process (excluding gateways).
Toll Road Gateway Signage
Elkhart County will develop a gateway signage program along the toll roads or major highways which enter the county to direct, enhance, and support visitor experience.
Wa-Nee Visionary Trail Project
Comprehensive plans from both Nappanee and Wakarusa include the vision of a multi-use path connecting the two communities. This visionary trail is a product of many rounds of public input to build a safe, accessible, and vibrant trail for walkers, runners, and cyclists that connects the communities of Nappanee and Wakarusa. This trail will link downtowns, schools, and neighborhoods to each other and immerse us in the countryside we all know and love.
Countywide and Regional Multimodal Loop
Elkhart County will explore/develop a multimodal loop that connects all of Elkhart County’s communities and our regional neighbors, with an emphasis on highlighting assets such as scenic parks, trails, rivers, and other amenities. This multimodal loop is part of 130-mile network of low-stress streets and trails which should support residents and visitors and be accessible to everyone. We believe we should be a leader in connecting people to the great outdoors.
Elkhart County Greenspace
Elkhart County Parks and the municipal park agencies will explore, identify, and develop a plan to address the countywide deficit of greenspace versus the growing population. The plan will incorporate recommendations of the Indiana DNR Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, best served locations, natural resource protection, potential opportunities to acquire land, and resources necessary to manage additional properties.
Elkhart County Discovery Center
Elkhart County Parks will plan to build a multi-use interpretive and event center that encompasses the mission of “Inspiring Connections with Culture and Nature.” This regionally unique destination will celebrate all that Elkhart County has to offer as a place to live, learn, and play. The site will feature state of the art history and nature placemaking exhibits, indoor spaces, and outdoor greens for education and community gatherings, as well as connections to trails, the river, and great outdoors. It will bring the Elkhart County Park’s 50-year-old mission under one modern roof and give the community and visitors a ‘space to discover their place’ in a park that attracts a quarter million annual visitors.
County Park Restroom Amenities
Elkhart County will install new public restrooms in most of the Elkhart County Parks to update current facilities for accessibility, groundwater protection, and increased needs for modern and sanitary visitor services.
Elkhart County Blueways
Establish a countywide blueway task force to research and develop a countywide collaboration plan for recreational use of connective blueways. Plan should address public access points, safety concerns, security needs, takeouts, costs, profit sharing, and potential rental equipment/company options (i.e. kayak/canoes).
Arts Programming
Elkhart County will continue to develop, support, and promote art-serving organizations in each of our communities. Our efforts will help showcase visibility of arts through public art projects both temporary and permanent, and support special events/shows, and affordable educational programming for adults and children.
Immersive Experiences
Elkhart County will explore immersive and experiential programs for residents and visitors. We will create an inventory of possible partners and create a taskforce to identify various hands-on and/or immersive experiences to represent the DNA of our diverse communities and may include live “in-character” storytelling, historical re-enactments, pottery making, quilting, baking, and other hands-on activities.
Explore Local Campaign
Elkhart County will create a local resident incentive campaign similar to a “bucket list” of places to visit in Elkhart County. Places they may have not visited before such as: parks, museums, restaurants, and retail. We will consider a passport program specifically for the people who live here and create a visual guide to Elkhart County.
Traveling and Online Historical Exhibits
Elkhart County will explore traveling and online exhibits. We will partner with our museums, schools, and community libraries to find new ways to engage our students, residents, and visitors. With field trips and in-person museum visits on the decline, the potential to create and display satellite museum exhibits at venues across the county could greatly enhance and support the local profile of our area museums.
Shared Event Storage
Elkhart County will explore a shared storage for event materials to reduce costs for special events. The storage would house items such as tables, chairs, tents, and other supplies goods which could be borrowed by towns/cities.
Integrate and Celebrate Diversity
Elkhart County will integrate and celebrate demographic diversity in as many events as possible. We will accept and invite our many dynamic cultures to participate in event planning, preparation, and implementation.
Neighborhood Housing
Elkhart County will research and develop ways to improve/increase the current housing inventory. Municipalities will partner together to research ways to improve diversified housing options. As a county, we will partner together to identify developer incentives and homebuyer subsidy programs to support our growing population.
Neighborhood Engagement
Support our municipalities with the tools and resources to build out/socialize neighbor-to-neighbor connections through small events such as scavenger hunts, storytelling theater, barbeques, field trips, group hikes, and watch programs.
Broadband Access
Elkhart County will continue to implement a countywide strategy to ensure high level broadband is available to all our residents and neighborhoods; addressing barriers to Internet Service Providers.
Promote a Spirit of Volunteerism
We will foster a community of volunteerism. We will help promote and direct individuals/organizations to Acts of Service, the volunteer hub for Elkhart County. We will communicate the importance of people “giving back” to their community, including the personal health and mental well being benefits. Doing good for others shows our pride in the places we choose to live, work, and play.
Youth Volunteer Challenge
We will explore the idea of an Elkhart Countywide youth volunteer challenge and partner with local youth organizations on a concept, rollout, and celebration opportunities.
Natural Resources
Elkhart County will work with local, state, and conservation agencies such as land trusts to explore ways to preserve, protect, and celebrate Elkhart County’s unique natural resources and ecosystems. From the vast river system to wetlands, bogs, and woodlands, the protection of these resources will balance the impact of development and help preserve the beauty of Elkhart County.
Native Plantings
This broad initiative will promote and increase public pride and awareness of native plants. It will educate and encourage use of ornamental native plants instead of exotics and strive to make Elkhart County as a leader in sustainable landscaping.
Sustainable Foods
Elkhart County will use and celebrate locally grown and produced foods which will support local pride, health, and an understanding of sustainable food practices. Elkhart County will strive to be known for educating its residents on sustainable practices and to be known for
its public/private gardens, enthusiasts, and events.
Supporting Healthy Living for Residents
We will foster a community of healthy residents. We will promote active living, and regularly participating in placemaking activities which support and improve the health and wellbeing of our people and their surrounding environment.
Supporting Diversified, Equitable, and Inclusive Environments
We will continue to develop partnerships which allow us to help create, support, and provide access to a built environment which observes and aligns with our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Implementing the Plan
This Action Agenda is a community-based plan at its core. Vibrant Communities, supported by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County and the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc, came together to fund and facilitate the development of the agenda for the communities of Elkhart County. Vibrant Communities will continue in its role in monitoring and supporting implementation activities.
In addition to their ongoing support, successful implementation will also depend on coordinated efforts of individuals and organizations representing the public, private, and civic sectors across the communities, including:
ORGANIZATIONS
Local organizations have been tasked with a great deal of responsibility in the Action Agenda implementation plan. Through new partnerships and strategic investments of time and resources, these organizations can help implement actions and expand the reach of their network.
PRIVATE BUSINESSES
The Action Agenda reveals a lot about the preferences of Elkhart County. The business community would do well in taking advantage of these preferences through strategic investments. Entrepreneurs may find niche opportunities within the recommendations.
INSTITUTIONS
Through their leadership and resources, local and regional institutions can play a key role in implementation. Their support will help to intensify the impact of each action and forge new relationships with other leaders and organizations.
With the power to shape policy, direct community resources, and represent the public, elected officials have an important role in implementation. The action items show clear evidence of thoughtful and inclusive conversations with the community – one leaders can stand behind with confidence.