People working in a community garden on a sunny day surrounded by green trees

Government-Led Planning Initiative

The Haughville Riverfront Vision Plan

Logo with a stylized sun, hill, and water, with the words "Vision Plan" in a semicircle.

Community Engagement and Media Relations

The Haughville Riverfront Vision Plan is a community co-created initiative to guide the development of four parks and open spaces along the west bank of the White River in Indianapolis’ Haughville neighborhood: Reverend Mozel Sanders Park, Belmont Beach, River Station, and the Floodplain Forest. The project promotes environmental justice and enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors by reconnecting them to the White River.

LEARN MORE

OUR WORK IN ACTION.

CHALLENGE:

The Haughville neighborhood, grounded in history and perseverance, has been disconnected from its natural riverfront resources and community spaces. Indy Parks sought to develop a plan that celebrated the cultural legacy and addressed both historical inequities and outdoor spaces around Haughville. To accomplish this, they needed an approach that was rooted in authenticity, community, and trust. 

SOLUTION:

Herd Strategies partnered with Indy Parks to administer community engagement and media relations for the Vision Plan. Our role focused on elevating resident voices and curating outreach efforts that reflected the rich history of Haughville. 

We designed communication materials, guided outreach and community engagement efforts for both grassroots and grasstops stakeholders, led local market support, and provided media relations development.

HOW WE HELPED

  • Herd Strategies created a comprehensive engagement and communications plan that included:

    • Coordinating four community meetings to hear feedback and gather community input

    • Identified venues and logistics for all stakeholders

    • Created a logo and branded communication materials

    • Designed and distributed a stakeholder survey with 350 responses

    • Produced press materials, coordinated media interviews, and supported spokesperson preparation. 

    • 4 community meetings held

    • 350 survey respondents

    • 2 press releases distributed

    • 10 total media mentions

    • 110K media reach

    • $175K total publicity value

    The completed Vision Plan reflected Haughville’s community and provided a roadmap for developing accessible, inclusive, and sustainable community spaces.

  • Herd Strategies helped Indy Parks foster community transparency and trust while amplifying resident voices. Our collaborative approach ensured that the Haughville Riverfront Vision Plan celebrated Haughville’s history, addressed past inequities, and created forward momentum towards a more equitable future.

MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

Data visualization showing community engagement metrics and campaign impact, including community meetings, survey respondents, press releases, media mentions, media reach, and publicity value.
Children playing and splashing in a body of water, with some children standing in the water and others on the grassy bank, during what appears to be a warm day.

Then: Douglass Park in Indianapolis in the 1920s.

A woman and a young girl playing Jenga outdoors at a park.
Two people hugging outdoors, smiling, with trees in the background.

Now: Belmont Beach in Indianapolis 2026.

VIEW ALL CASE STUDIES.

  • Green IndyGo Rapid bus pulling into a station on a cloudy day.

    Red Line

  • A large illuminated Ferris wheel at night at the Children's Museum in Indianapolis.

    The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

  • Famous city square fountain with a detailed sculpture and a large installation of the word 'IAAQLI' in red and black letters in front of water cascading from the fountain.

    IAAQLI (Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative)

  • Two men smiling and holding shovels in a lush outdoor setting with green trees, surrounded by plants, during daytime, promoting Belmont Beach.

    Haughville Riverfront Vision Plan Belmont Beach

Ready for results like this? Let’s talk.