READI 1.0: Quarry project in North Vernon is underway

Courtesy of Local News Digital

NORTH VERNON, Ind. – Design plans for the Quarry Project in North Vernon are underway, according to the City of North Vernon. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation, the State of Indiana, and the City are working to repurpose the quarry into a new park. A big portion of the quarry project was made possible by READI funding.

Plans unofficially began for the quarry once the Hwy 50 bypass was constructed. According to Mayor Shawn Gerkin, there were concerns about an alternative water supply in case there ever was a wreck or spill on the road. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) then acquired the property through condemnation for the City, which now has a 300-day water supply.

In December 2015, the property owner insisted the City purchase the rest, which they did. In total, there are 160 acres.

“[Former Councilman] Trent Wisner and I always thought a campground would be cool,” said Mayor Gerkin. “When READI funding came about in 2021, we were told to dream big, to come up with a project that likely would never get done without a big financial windfall.”

With funding of $2.2 million for the park, which will include a full, three-phase hookup campground, and other amenities like a playground, walking trails, biking, restrooms, a place for primitive camping, and the overlook off of 4th Street. READI requires a one-to-one public match, so the City’s $2.2 million is coming from the Redevelopment Commission.

“My goal is to continue to do quality-of-life projects that give people a reason to want to live and/or visit North Vernon,” said Gerkin.

When asked about the concern of people contaminating the water should they swim in the quarry, the North Vernon mayor said “There are plenty of reservoirs across the state that provide drinking water to residents. I’ve already checked with every environmental agency out there…. There is no issue in using the water recreationally as long as the water isn’t yet treated.”

He added that there have been discussions about allowing swimming or kayaking, “but there definitely won’t be any motorized boats or things that could pollute the water. I wouldn’t dare promote an activity around the water unless I was completely assured it was safe for our drinking water. There will be some fencing/barriers around the water.”

As of now, the City of North Vernon hopes to break ground this fall.