Category: News

Muncie news

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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!”

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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.

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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!

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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“

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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

Presenter, Partner, and Supporter logos
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Spinning Towards Inclusion – Morningside Park welcomes the We-Go-Round

A dome with vertical spokes sits on an attractive slab against the background of the rest of the park. It has seats inside and the backs of the seats are painted with seasonal motifs. Visible on the front are a winter scene with a deer and three snow-covered trees, and a scene with two trees and a variety of animals including a beaver and a wolf facing the center of the panel.

In an enchanting display of community spirit and dedication to inclusivity, the Morningside Neighborhood Association, in collaboration with Muncie Parks and Recreation, proudly unveiled the newest addition to Morningside Park – the We-Go-Round. This vibrant carousel of joy was brought to life thanks in part to the financing from ARP funds, showcasing a community’s commitment to creating shared spaces that celebrate the diversity of abilities.

The We-Go-Round, installed by Landscape Structures, is more than just a playground piece; it’s a revolutionary design that invites children of all abilities to whirl in unison. With strategic seating areas and plenty of space, the structure welcomes wheelchairs, even those without wheel-locking mechanisms, ensuring no child is left on the sidelines.

Mayor Ridenour stands with Neighborhood Association members in front of the new We-Go-Round. A man in the center of the group holds a large pair of black, ribbon-cutting scissors.

The ribbon was cut on Monday, October 16th, 2023, with Mayor Ridenour, Deputy Mayor Ivy, Superintendent Malone, Park Staff, Neighborhood Association members, and the Muncie Police Department in attendance. The We-Go-Round, with its shade-providing rooftop and central handhold, promises to be the hub of laughter and shared experiences.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in making this dream a reality.  Come visit, see the joy in motion, and let your hearts spin with delight at Morningside Park.