Peru Announces Groundbreaking Riverview Landing Project
Peru announces River View Landing Project
10:00AM ET
PERU, Dec. 6, 2017-The City of Peru is pleased to announce the launch of the River View Landing community improvement project, an economic development project to develop 40 acres of property along the Wabash River between River Walk Park and West City Park. The property was recently acquired by the City and will be developed in phases, with Phase One including a new YMCA facility, a bike and walking trail connecting the downtown River Walk to the Nickel Plate Trail, and additional parking for West City Park.
“This is a building block toward a stronger, healthier community,” said Peru Mayor Gabriel Greer. “It’s a great example of what we can accomplish working together.”
This project has a number of public and private partners, including the Miami County YMCA, the Miami County Economic Development Authority (MCEDA), the Nickel Plate Trail, the Peru Common Council, the Miami County Commissioners, Miami County Council, and other local leaders. The initial phase of the project totals $13 million and is being funded through private and in kind donations, economic development dollars, and grant sources.
“We need to ensure the Y is here for kids, families, and individuals well into the future,” said YMCA Board Chair Dennis Kinley. “This is not about building a new Y, it’s about building a healthier community, and we all have a stake in that.”
The trail extension will connect downtown Peru to the south leg of the nationally recognized Nickel Plate Trail system, which currently stretches as far south as Kokomo and as far north as Rochester. Auxiliary parking for West City Park will relieve the traffic problems that occur every baseball season and increase safety for park visitors. The new YMCA will expand opportunities for residents seeking a healthier lifestyle, families who need child care and year-round recreational opportunities, and youth who need a safe place where character development and positive role models are abundant.
“The Y has always been a place where people from all walks of life can interact and learn from each other,” said Mark Demchak, YMCA Executive Director and River View Landing Project Steering Committee Chair. “But this is so much bigger than the Y—this project shows that we can come together as a community and chart out an amazing future for generations to come.”
As more funding and investment becomes available, future phases of the project will include multi-family homes, improved roads, a traffic signal, and other parks and recreation features.
“This is it, THE project for our community’s future,” said Steve Dobbs, Rediscover Downtown Chair and YMCA Vice Chair. “If we don’t do this, who will? The time is now, and we’re welcoming anyone who wants to help.”
CONTACT:
Gabriel Greer, Mayor, City of Peru: 765-472-2400
Mark Demchak, YMCA Executive Director: 765-472-1979 or mdemchak@mcymca.org.
