DELAWARE COUNTY. — Announced at a press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 19, Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour revealed that the site won’t open the following year due to his plan to “Build Back Better.”
The change comes after several users of the area called for change due to cramped spaces, safety as well as security within the public restrooms.
In a press release from the City of Muncie, it was stated that the 234 campsites will have to leave the area to reimagine the 36-acre area. The goal is to create a space that expands amenities, attracts new visitors and encourages individuals to not only work but live in the Muncie area. This change will not affect the surrounding area of the reservoir, only the north campgrounds.
The Prairie Creek Reservoir, located five miles southeast of Muncie in Penny Township, has been home to a historic site of community. The area offers a vast range of amenities for many to enjoy such as hiking trails, swimming and fishing opportunities as well as even campsites. In 2025, the campsite was open from April 1 to October 31. However, going into the 2026 season, the campsite will not be reopening for the public to purchase.
“This will provide us with a clean slate, it will allow us to do what is necessary to reimagine that site. When we come back we’re going to have something that is positive that fits the needs of the community and the city of Muncie,” Ridenour explained.
This plan is still early in development according to Ridenour, and there are still details to be worked out with the plan. As far as the development of the campgrounds go, the Parks department estimates that this plan should not exceed next year, but they are prepared to adapt if it is required. There is still no estimate as to how much the plan will cost.
Cameron Grubbs, a resident of Muncie, also believes that the execution of the announcement could have been done better.
“This may be necessary for a multitude of reasons, but there are far better, more mindful ways to go about making the public aware and including those who will be impacted,” Grubbs said. “The lack of planning before making such a big decision is short sighted at best.”
This decision left many Muncie residents upset regarding the plan moving into the future. With Ridenour’s plans to “Build Back Better,” some believe that there are alternate places the money should be going to.
“Sure, it’s not a democracy and Mayor Ridenour gets to decide,” Grubbs said. “But why not include the people who may be affected? Those who will now have to find somewhere else in 2026? How will this impact tourism and small businesses?”
The announcement of the meeting was released a day before, but wasn’t immediately released to the public. However, at the Parks and Recreation board meeting the night before, the plan was briefly mentioned by Misty Raines, the superintendent of the Parks Department in Muncie.
More information is still to be released regarding the transition into the improved space, but updates can be expected within future Muncie Parks and Recreation Board meetings. Meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Muncie City Hall Auditorium.
The full livestream of the press conference can be viewed here.
Contact Payton Mucker with comments at payton.mucker@bsu.edu.
