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Muncie, IN
RIVERSIDE JACKSON TRAIL
The Riverside Jackson Trail project transforms a 1.2-mile corridor into a safe, accessible, and sustainable recreational path that enhances connectivity to key Muncie landmarks, improves stormwater management, and strengthens community health and urban ecosystem resilience.
2019-2023
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The Riverside Jackson Trail project is a 1.2-mile road restoration and recreational path that runs along Riverside Avenue from Tillotson Avenue to Morrison Road. This corridor was recognized as a critical trail location by the Muncie Action Plan and the City/County bike/pedestrian plan, as it would safely connect pedestrians to major Muncie landmarks including, Ball State University, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, and the Catalina Swim Club.
In 2019, the City of Muncie received an Indiana Department of Natural Resources Next Level Trails grant that was able to be matched with private grants and American Rescue Plan funds. Once the grant funds were secured to fund the project in its entirety, Flatland was hired to engage the public input, design the trail, and complete the reconstruction of Riverside Avenue and the Jackson Street intersection.
Key considerations identified through public input included poor trail connectivity, aging roadway infrastructure, inconsistent tree canopy, and localized flooding issues that posed risks to resident safety. Recognizing these concerns as nonnegotiable for community welfare, Flatland included solutions to these concerns in the design such as, stormwater improvements, the reconstruction of Riverside Avenue, trail implementation, and the planting of over 80 native trees. Flatland Resources was in charge of planning, design, and construction oversight, which contributed to the successful completion of this project in 2023. Since construction, the trail has been celebrated as a crucial pedestrian corridor with a newly diversified and strengthened tree canopy and safer conditions for neighbors, pedestrians, and motorists.
Flatland Resources led public engagement, designed the corridor improvements, and provided construction oversight for the Riverside Jackson Trail project.
PROJECT PERSONNEL
DAVID
project lead
+project manager
+project designer
True to national trends, the trail has shown an increase in property values and desirability for relocating homeowners. This 1.2-mile stretch of trail enhances citywide connectivity, supports active transportation, and improves environmental quality through stormwater mitigation and increased green infrastructure, strengthening the resilience of Muncie’s urban ecosystem and community.
As the former City Mayor, I have been a part of many unformattable public meetings. The kick-off meeting for the Riverside Trail project was top of the list for me in terms of neighborhood tension. FlatLand navigating calm with open minds during many meetings that followed. The FlatLand team used the same respectful approach throughout the design and construction phases of the project.
- Dennis Tyler, Former Muncie Mayor
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