Greencastle: "community forward" focus engages citizens.

AuthorMayer, Kathy
PositionREGIONAL REPORT: WEST - City overview

ALTHOUGH GREENCASTLE, with population of about 10,000, is a small city, the Putnam County seat located 40 miles west of Indianapolis is energized for a future of its own design.

As many Hoosiers were enjoying August vacation days, about 100 Greencastle residents gathered to discuss the local economy, asset-based development and the city's relationship with DePauw University. They were participating in the "Community Forward" summit, the latest activity of the Greencastle Hometown Alliance, a working group of local business leaders and community stakeholders who have been working the last couple of years to chart the city's future.

The goal of this and other gatherings is "to determine where we go from here, how we move forward, and to have people engaged in that effort," says Sue Murray, a former city council member now in her first year as mayor.

Tallying Greencastle's assets yields an impressive lineup in education, employment and civic opportunities that have been recognized by others, too. Greencastle earned the "All-America City" award from the National Civic League in 1991; and the community is included in former resident Norm Crampton's book, The 100 Best Small Towns in America.

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One of Greencastle's chief attributes is the opportunity for civic involvement, Murray believes. "People have chances to do things here, to be involved," she says.

She cites the Putnam County Playhouse's summer productions and the Greencastle Civic League, which hosts a concert-in-the-parks series, as just two examples.

A city of established neighborhoods and grand old trees, Greencastle's green space includes the three parks and the People Pathway, a growing trail system. Big Walnut Sports Park features baseball and soccer fields, Robe Ann Park has a swimming pool and water slide, and the Jaycee Park offers a fishing pond and picnic areas.

A 30-year resident, Murray moved to Greencastle from upstate New York. "It was a real transplant for us, a leap of faith coming here, and it was home within a year," she says. "It's a good place, and a special place, because we all have opportunities to explore and grow."

Education. The heart of the community is DePauw University, founded by the Methodist Church in 1837 as Asbury University before becoming DePauw in 1884. It's a major economic contributor, with 625...

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