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The Crossroads: Union City, IN / OH

Year: 2023

Category: Landscape & Urbanism

Skills: Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp, AutoCAD, InDesign, Lumion

The Crossroads Regional Trail is a rail-to-trail network planned and designed by Ball State University fourth year landscape architecture students in the fall semester of 2023. The proposed trail system links Union City, Indiana and Union City, Ohio to the Indiana cities of Ridgeville, Richmond, Hartford City, Winchester, Muncie as well as Greenville, Ohio. The focus for the project was on Union City, Indiana and Ohio as the towns fall directly on the border of the two states. This plan puts an emphasis on strategic ways to unite the towns within East Central Indiana as they share a distinctive experience visitors cannot find anywhere else. The development of Railroad Park, financial reinvestment into small businesses, and expanding the existing trail system contributes to the fostering of memorable experiences in Union City. The trail looks to celebrate not only the region’s industrial heritage but also the unique bond between people and their surroundings. The project’s goal has a primary focus on Union City, Indiana, and Ohio. Initially, a field study of the Union City district and a ground-truth study of the proposed trail cities. Chad Spence, mayor of Union City, Indiana took time to express his vision for a trail that unites the two sides of Union City. The goal stated to students was to foster unity within a city that is split between the state lines of Indiana and Ohio. Through the development of Railroad Park in Union City, we created a unified community space at the heart of the regional trail system. The Crossroads Trail System aims to develop a connection within the region that is linked to our goals of creating unity within history, promoting towns’ small businesses, and distinctive branding. As we developed our regional trail, we focused on each community’s historical areas and points of interests for users on the trail. Each city will have spur trails that allow visitors to engage with the town and what they have to offer. The trail will be focused on Union City’s connection with Indiana and Ohio, ultimately creating a greater connection between other cities throughout both states. Class 401: LA Regional Planning and Design Fall 2023 Group 01 students: Noah Keinath Ali Khan Albert Navarro Ryan Rohe

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Regional Trail System

Design Description


The Crossroads trail system links Union City, Indiana and Union City, Ohio to the Indiana cities of Ridgeville, Richmond, Hartford City, Winchester, Muncie as well as Greenville, Ohio. The focus for the project was on Union City, Indiana and Ohio as the towns fall directly on the border of the two states. This plan puts an emphasis on strategic ways to unite the towns within East Central Indiana as they share a distinctive experience visitors cannot find anywhere else. The development of Railroad Park, financial reinvestment into small businesses, and expanding the existing trail system contributes to the fostering of memorable experiences in Union City. The trail looks to celebrate not only the region’s industrial heritage but also the unique bond between people and their surroundings.

Regional Level Vision Plan

The vision of the regional plan is to harmoniously blend nature, culture, and community in the region through the use of a multi-modal trail system. The project works to unite this region with a focus on improving connectivity, boosting tourism, and fostering community pride through purposeful design inspired by the industrial landscape and unique history of the region.

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Analysis Map

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Local Level Connections Map

Local Level Vision Plan

The vision for the Union City’s local plan is to design a dynamic and inviting trail network serving as a place for recreation fostering connection throughout the city as well as stimulating the local economy. Our vision for this project is to enhance the lives of residents by serving as a catalyst for economic growth and social connection within Union City, IN/OH. We aim to make the city a more connected place for both residents and visitors.

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Current and Explored Connection to Trails

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Proposed Trailhead Location Render 1

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Proposed Trailhead Location Render 2

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Rendered Perspectives

Railroad Park and Union City Vision Plan


The vision for Railroad Park is to further enhance the park’s character to help establish the identity of Union City. This is achieved through the implementation of unique spaces that promote local art, provide commercial space for local stores, food trucks, and act as an extension of the farmers market, while making the site accessible through paved pathways and additional parking.

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Rendered Perspectives

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Rendered Perspectives

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Typologies & Signage

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Enhanced Typologies

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Ali Khan