While many fast-growing communities focus mostly on new development, the Town of Plainfield has made it a priority to also revitalize its historically significant Town Center district. That's why, in July 2003, the Plainfield Plan Commission and Town Council adopted the Plainfield Town Center Plan and in recent years began making substantial improvements to a twomile section of the National Road (US 40) between Carr and Vestal roads.
According to Town Council President Robin Brandgard, “The Town Council, staff, businesses and citizens of our community have committed to achieving a renewed ‘sense of place' where we continue to be proud of our past and confident of our future.”
Among the interrelated Town Center projects:
Indiana Main Street Program
In December 2008, Plainfield received “Indiana Main Street” designation from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA). The Town has since established the “Historic Plainfield Town Center” notfor- profit organization, formed a Board and adopted by-laws. Committees meet monthly to help promote and market Main Street and Town Center.
Town Center Streetscape Project
Using funding sources totaling more than $6.5 million, the Town Center Streetscape Project is creating a more pedestrian-friendly downtown environment. Improvements include better defined intersections and elimination of on-street parking in favor of landscaping amenity zones. The project also includes complete reconstruction of pavement, curbs, and sidewalks, and replacement of underlying utility infrastructure. Amenities include way-finding signage, decorative railings, ornamental benches and street lighting with LED fixtures, as well as permeable pavers for crosswalks and parking areas.
US 40 Bridge Over White Lick Creek
In 2005-2006, anticipating the future streetscape project, Town staff asked the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to widen the US 40 bridge to five lanes and install a “Texas Rail” and conduit for lighting fixtures on each end. INDOT also replaced the pedestrian trail under the bridge, added six-foot wide sidewalks, and moved the pedestrian trail to the west.
Façade Improvement Program
In December 2009, the Town of Plainfield received a $500,000 grant from OCRA for a Town Center façade improvement program. Fifteen Town Center façades are being restored to be historically consistent with their “original” façades. Total program investment of $747,600 includes $92,770 from the Town, a philanthropic donation of $6,800 and $148,030 from building owners.
Plainfield Youth Athletic Complex
In 2007, Plainfield entered into a longterm lease with the Indiana Department of Correction for 58 acres on the south side of US 40 adjacent to Town Center. This parcel is now home to the Plainfield Youth Athletic Complex (PYAC). When fully operational, PYAC will include 15 soccer, 2 football, and 4 baseball fields. Portions of PYAC opened this spring, bringing hundreds of young athletes and their families to the area.
Plainfield Historic District
In April 2010, the National Park Service approved the Plainfield Historic District, including structures such as the Western Yearly Meeting of Friends, the Plainfield Interurban Station, and the Prewitt Theater. Certain area homes and structures are eligible for tax credits and deductions when improvements are made. Area businesses investing or reinvesting in the District's success include Sal's Pizza, Dairy Queen, Flap-Jacks, Trisha's Treasures, Sketch Pad Art Studio, Triangle Fraternity, Johnson Dental Office, FNB of Cloverdale, and Robert Hall Insurance.
Fall/Winter Program Guide Available Sept. 1
Ready to plan your recreational activities for the coming months? Be sure to pick up a copy of the Department of Parks and Recreation's Fall/Winter Program Guide at the Recreation Center, the Plainfield Municipal Center, the Plainfield/Guilford Township Library, and Hummel Park. To download the Guide as a pdf file, visit www.townofplainfield.com and select the link for the Parks and Recreation Department, then click on “Current Program Guide”.
It's Puppy Pool Party Time!
Bring your dogs to Splash Island's 4th annual Puppy Pool Party Saturday, September 11 and Sunday, September 12. Entrance donations of $7 or more go to the Beneficent Fund, and session times are divided based on the size of the dog:
“The Puppy Pool Party is always fun for everyone,” said Julie Winship, Food/Beverage and R e s e l l Coordinator for the Plainf ield Recreation and Aquatic Center. “Last year we had 280 dogs and I expect that number to be bigger this year.” For more information, contact Winship at 839-7665 ext 535.
