We are a movement across Elkhart County uniting residents and leaders to engage, advocate and celebrate quality of place initiatives, giving people a platform to share their ideas which help shape the economic growth and well-being of our community.
ACTION AGENDA 2.0
The Action Agenda is a collection of recommendations to help strengthen the quality of place in the communities of Elkhart County. Community priorities revolving around five pillars developed directly from community engagement sessions with the public.
Year of the Volunteer!
Since 2016, Vibrant Communities has asked you to help us celebrate exceptional people and places in our community by sharing their story.
From Vibrant People to Vibrant Neighborhoods, you have been our eyes and ears in finding the best of the best. This year is no exception.
We need your Help! Beginning the week of April 16th – National Volunteer Week – Vibrant Communities will recognize volunteers through Elkhart County by sharing their story.
Find Your Passion and Volunteer!
Acts of Service is a free community service hub that connects local volunteers with service opportunities in and around Elkhart county.
Elkhart County Community Event Calendar
From warm summers along the trails to chilly winters around the fire, from pumpkin towers in the fall to the first blooms of spring, Elkhart County, Indiana, is lucky enough to go through all four seasons and celebrate them all. No matter the time of year, we always have something in the works. Developed by the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Community Event Calendar connects you to all of the events taking place in Elkhart County.
Get Outside and Explore!
Welcome to Elkhart County, where we believe the RV Capital of the world should also be a leader in connecting people with the great outdoors.
Connect in Elkhart County
Developed by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County in partnership with local stakeholders, Connect in Elkhart County is committed to the growth of our trail network, amenities, and destination connectivity. Together, we can build network of low-stress streets and trails that work for everyone.
Elkhart County Parks
Visit anyone of our Elkhart County Parks and you are in for a treat. From picturesque Bonneyville Mill, complete with an active working grist mill, to our popular Oxbow Park where you can find a hidden fairy house and add your name to the dairy, we have hundreds of acres ready for you to explore!
Indiana’s Cool North: Elkhart County
Elkhart County stitches together two welcoming worlds. The comfort of the unhurried Amish life and the energized urban fabric woven from craft breweries, eclectic live music, and trendy shops. An urban-rural patchwork that is well crafted and makes Indiana’s Cool North so special.
Vibrant Communities Over the Years
A look at some of the projects we have completed since 2016.
The public expressed the desire to renovate the Goshen Theater, a 115-year old heritage building with a rich history. In 2020 the theatre re-opened its doors after completing a $5 million dollar face-lift. The building now includes beautiful and upgraded spaces to hold many community events.
In 2019 the Elkhart Health and Aquatics Center opened as one of the largest natatoriums in the county. Located in the heart of the Elkhart River District, this $70 million effort resulted from a collaboration between public and private partnerships, and is the largest project completed from the Vibrant Communities Action Agenda.
Over the past five years, Vibrant Communities has supported upgrades to parks and trails. This includes the Ridge Run Trail in Middlebury that connects to the new park, Pumpkinvine, and future plans for an additional trail development to connect more neighborhoods in Elkhart County.
The Little Big Idea Grant, launched in 2017, was a two-year campaign to inspire fun, love, creativity, and community through programs, events, and projects. More than 80 projects have been completed including the annual pumpkin race in Downtown Middlebury, artist murals, and an initiative to spread positive messages at Concord High School.
The WaNee Vision campaign resulted in an unprecedented public/private partnership. Nearly $6 million dollars was raised for programs and initiatives to support great organizations across our county including the Boys & Girls Club, Family Christian Development Center, Elder Haus, and Wellfield Park soccer fields.
The Little Big Idea Grant, launched in 2017, was a two-year campaign to inspire fun, love, creativity, and community through programs, events, and projects. More than 80 projects have been completed including the annual pumpkin race in Downtown Middlebury, artist murals, and an initiative to spread positive messages at Concord High School.
Elkhart County’s “Well Crafted” Brand Story
Welcome to Elkhart County, Indiana. A place where close-knit communities are connected by a passion for craftsmanship and quality of life.
“Well Crafted” is an Elkhart County destination brand which was created by the people in our community. This is a compelling and flexible platform used by our local artisans, businesses, and attractions to express the pride they have in this area and complements their individual brand while strengthening Elkhart County’s place as a community of makers.
