The Legacy Foundation, Porter County Community Foundation, Unity Foundation of La Porte County, and Crown Point Community Foundations successfully coordinated a proposal requesting $20 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. to connect residents and visitors to Northwest Indiana’s unique amenities like the Indiana Dunes National Park via the Marquette Greenway Trail and the South Shore train.
The Lilly Endowment has provided $20 million to the NWI Thrive projects, which seek to strengthen Northwest Indiana’s connection to the lakefront on a number of fronts. The initiative will improve pedestrian access to Lake Michigan and the Marquette Greenway along the South Shore in East Chicago, Gary, Miller, Beverly Shore and Michigan City.
Legacy Foundation President and CEO Kelly Anoe said it will elevate the Region through nature, culture and wellness, connecting people to Northwest Indiana’s natural wonders.
Grant funding will connect residents and visitors to Northwest Indiana’s unique amenities like the Indiana Dunes National Park and the Marquette Greenway Trail, while also creating vibrant cultural spaces.
Through projects like trail enhancements and connections, Discovery Hubs at South Shore train stations, local wildlife and habitat education, and innovative placemaking efforts, NWI Thrive will ensure that every resident has the opportunity to experience and benefit from this transformative investment in our region.
The funding will launch NWI Thrive, a multi-faceted project that will include new trails, trail improvements, educational campaigns, Indiana Dunes National Park programs and Discover Hubs at South Shore Line train stations. The project will include new pathways, a cultural trail and artistic kiosks at train stations that will inform visitors about local businesses, attractions and natural wonders.
Save the Dunes is serving as an education partner on the project, and will be coordinating a series of events over the next several years to encourage communities to utilize these new trails and amenities, and will highlight the incredible biodiversity of the Region.
LEGACY FOUNDATION INC, 
370 E 84th Drive Suite 100, Merrillville, IN, United States, Indiana, 
(219) 736-1880, 
legacy@legacyfdn.org, legacyfdn.org
Porter County Community Foundation, 1401 Calumet Avenue, Valparaiso, IN, United States, Indiana, (219) 465-0294, info@pccf.gives, 
pccommunityfoundation 
pccf.gives
Unity Foundation of La Porte County 422 Franklin St Ste C, Michigan City, IN, United States, Indiana (219) 879-0327 unity@uflc.net uflc.net
Crown Point Community Foundations: 115 S Court St, Crown Point, IN, United States, Indiana, (219) 662-7252 info@theCPCF.org cpcf.org
MORE ARTICLES . . .
Mayor Melton Responds to President Joe Biden’s Block of US Steel Deal
Mayor Melton is deeply disappointed with President Biden’s decision to block the Nippon Steel deal. As mayor, it’s his job is to protect and build the future for my citizens, and he believes strongly that this transaction was the best deal on the table for steelmaking families in cities like Gary. “I have spent months…
City of Gary Launches “Love Your Block” Initiative to Revitalize Neighborhoods and Empower Residents
The City of Gary, Indiana announced the launch of the Love Your Block initiative. This program focuses on beautifying Gary neighborhoods, engaging residents, and creating lasting improvements that will enhance the overall quality of life in the city. Love Your Block, established by Bloomberg Philanthropies, is a grant program that funds resident-led neighborhood revitalization projects…
Remembering POPPA T AKA Tito Jackson
by Mother Diva, Toriano Adaryll Jackson The First, was born October 15, 1953 in Gary Indiana to Katherine and Joseph Jackson. He was the 3rd child born to this union. The young Jackson brothers often sang songs while during chores, mainly songs they heard on the radio. Now Joe…
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
