Muncie’s Neighborhood Leaders Gather for 10th Annual IDEA Conference

Donna Browne, previous Co-Chair of MAP, leading a popular grants session. Photo by Ty Morton, Tylonius Studio

Donna Browne, previous Co-Chair of MAP, leading a popular grants session.
Photo by Ty Morton, Tylonius Studio

The 10th annual Neighborhood IDEA Conference brought together more than 100 dedicated community members for a day of networking, workshops, and inspiration on March 8 at Ball State University’s L.A. Pittenger Student Center.

This year’s sessions covered a range of topics, from political action and leadership development to project planning and community engagement.

One standout presentation came from the inaugural class of CenterPoint Scholars, a leadership academy designed to equip neighborhood advocates with essential skills in advocacy, conflict resolution, and project management. Napoleon Price, an academy participant, shared insights from his experience launching a free food fridge initiative to support local families.

“I got involved with CenterPoint Scholars because it offered me an opportunity to get some valuable tools as far as running a neighborhood meeting, managing conflict … essential leadership skills that I didn’t feel I had until after completing this 12-month program,” Price said.

“It felt good to present our project at the IDEA conference,” he said, adding that he hopes it makes a difference for families who visit the fridge locations (currently at The Common Market, with other locations in the works).

A highlight of the event was the annual Neighborhood Awards, recognizing outstanding efforts to enhance local neighborhoods. South Central and Whitely neighborhoods received awards for the most trash collected during their 2024 clean-up days.

Whitely also received the Neighborhood Project of the Year award for its Whitely Summer Reading Program. The program, for Longfellow Elementary School students, was designed to combat the “summer slide” and encourage literacy. The program, launched by the Whitely Education Committee, challenged students to log at least 20 minutes of daily reading throughout June and July. Participants also took part in an essay contest based on their summer reading, with winners receiving prizes such as bicycles, STEM kits, and an Oculus Quest 2. The program had more than 80 students participating, reading 500 books with more than 23,400 minutes of reading recorded.

The Neighborhood Leader of the Year award went to Courtney Marsh of the Southside Neighborhood. Since joining her neighborhood association in 2019, Marsh has played a key role in fostering community engagement and positive change.

“I was completely honored to receive [this award,]” Marsh said. “I am beyond blessed to be recognized for the many achievements in 2024, and I can’t wait to see what this next year will bring.”

Marsh emphasized the importance of community involvement, noting that neighborhood associations provide invaluable opportunities. “Being a part of a neighborhood association allows you to make great connections with not only your neighbors, but your city,” she said. “It also provides an opportunity to be a part of the change for the best.”

Networking with other neighborhood advocates is always a big hit with attendees. “My favorite part of IDEA is gathering with people who share a common goal of being a piece of Muncie’s history,” Marsh said. “Sharing resources, stories, and hopes for the future is what makes this event so special.”

Did you miss this year’s $2 Tour of the Village?

The “$2 Tour of the Village” returned Saturday, Aug. 24, on University Avenue between Calvert and Dill Streets.

Not only was admission free to this event but the first 100 people through the gates were given a $2 bill to spend on awesome $2 items from Village businesses (an Art Mart goodie bag or a $2 t-shirt from Screenbroidery, just to name a few).

This fifth-year event was hosted by the Riverside/Normal City Neighborhood Association (RNC), the Muncie Action Plan, and Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement, with additional support from the Muncie Downtown Development Partnership and Ball Brothers Foundation.

“We wanted to create a fun festival for incoming freshmen and returning students to experience all that the Village has to offer,” said Heather Williams, Associate Director for Community Engagement at Ball State University and Program Manager for Building Better Neighborhoods, as well as MAP President. “We also hoped that Muncie residents would stop by and enjoy the $2 samples, vendors, music, and entertainment.”

More than 50 vendor and organization booths lined the street, and The Guardian Brewing Company had a tent in the middle of all the action selling their local brews. There were grassy areas with comfy seating and lawn games, a high striker, dunk tank shenanigans (for charity), mechanical bull riding, and a hot pepper-eating contest.

Two stages offered non-stop entertainment. On the West Stage, the area’s must-see bands performed – Free Joel and Jerry Barker. On the East Stage, performers included The Aerial Annex, University Singers, and the Shamaniacs Drum Troupe.

The first 300 attendees received $2 Tour Guides with Passports. Those with passports could have them stamped at certain Village businesses. Once the passports were filled, attendees were eligible to win lots of great prizes!

“The Village is a special place, a historic commercial corridor for the Riverside/Normal City neighborhood and a gathering space for students where a lot of memories are made off-campus,” Williams said. “We wanted to continue to build on and support the unique culture and character of the Village, and the $2 Tour was an opportunity to do just that!”

Explore Nature at Barlow Landing Canoe & Kayak Launch

From MAP’s October Newsletter:

Located in the 600 block of S Luick Ave on Muncie’s east side, the Barlow Landing Canoe & Kayak Launch is a perfect starting point for your next water adventure. Whether you’re an experienced paddler or just looking for a peaceful escape on the river, this dedicated launch site offers easy access to Muncie’s White River. The launch features a crushed stone ramp that gently slopes down to the riverbank, making it convenient for canoeists and kayakers alike. A designated parking area is available to ensure a smooth experience from the moment you arrive until you’re ready to hit the water.

Barlow Landing is named in honor of John Barlow, a dedicated public servant who spent his 40-year career with the Muncie Sanitary District working tirelessly to preserve the water quality in the area. His legacy lives on through this launch, inviting the community to enjoy the waters he helped protect. Whether you’re exploring the river solo or planning a group outing, Barlow Landing provides a serene entryway to Muncie’s natural beauty. For more information, including tips on planning your trip, visit: destinationmuncie.org/whiteriver.

Your opinions needed!

2026-2029 5-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan Community Survey

The City of Muncie is creating the 2026-2029 5-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan to determine which recreational facilities and programs are needed in the future. We are seeking input from your household to help us determine those needs. Please participate in this survey!

Want to know more about the new YMCA building?

Transforming Lives: The Impact of the YMCA

“We are excited about the opening of our new YMCA facility on the campus of Muncie Central High School. This partnership marks a significant step in our mission to support and uplift the community through health, wellness, and education.

Creating Opportunities for All:
Our new facility is more than just a building; it’s a hub for positive change. By providing access to state-of-the-art fitness equipment, diverse exercise classes, and recreational activities, we are empowering individuals to take control of their health and well-being.

Empowering Students:
Integrating the YMCA within Muncie Central High School creates unique opportunities for students. Our programs promote physical wellness, leadership development, workforce development opportunities and academic support, helping students thrive both in and out of the classroom. After-school programs and sports leagues offer safe, engaging environments where young people can build confidence and lifelong skills.

Strengthening Families:
We believe that strong families are the foundation of a strong community. The YMCA offers family-friendly activities and resources that encourage families to spend quality time together. From swim lessons to family fitness classes, we are dedicated to supporting family bonds and fostering healthy habits from a young age.

Enhancing Community Health:
With a focus on holistic wellness, our new facility will provide resources for mental and physical health through our partnership with Open Door Health Services, IU Health and Ball State Healthy Lifestyle Center. Access to group exercise classes like yoga, along with wellness workshops, will ensure that community members have the tools they need to maintain balanced, healthy lifestyles.

Building Community Connections:
The YMCA has always been about community, and our new facility will serve as a gathering place where friendships are formed and support networks are built. We offer spaces for community events, volunteer opportunities, and programs that bring people together to work towards common goals.

Thank you for being a valued member of our YMCA community. Together, we are making Muncie a healthier, stronger, and more connected place to live.

For more information on the YMCA of Muncie, visit us online at www.muncieymca.org

Muncie Action Plan CenterPoint Scholars initiative update!

CenterPoint Scholar class of 2024 group photo

MAP has been providing neighborhood leadership skill development since 2010 through the Neighborhood Leadership Council. In October 2023, MAP received a generous grant from CenterPoint Energy to create a new program to train ten individuals in grassroots advocacy. The program began with a competitive application process in January 2024 and an announcement of Scholars at the March 2024 IDEA Conference.

The CenterPoint Scholars attended a weekend retreat at Hueston Woods in April to set the framework for the year-long program and to build connections between participants. Scholars are participating in monthly trainings (Mar. 2024 – Mar. 2025) on topics that include project management, conflict resolution, and trust building while working towards the completion of projects that will positively impact our city’s neighborhoods.

The 2024-2025 CenterPoint Scholars are Alexis Dishman (Western Woods), Bernice Graham (Whitely), Christah Brantley (McKinley), Gracie Scholl (Thomas Park/Avondale), Judah Smith (Halteman Village), Marquiese McClendon (Southside), Napoleon Price Jr. (South Central), Patricia Akins (Industry), Rheaunna Jones (Carlton), and William Thomas (Thomas Park/Avondale).

Learn more

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