Riverview Park ribbon-cutting set for June 26 as neighbors press for staffed restrooms

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for Riverview Park is scheduled for 11 a.m. on June 26, Muncie Parks staff said at the June 16 board meeting.

Julius Anderson, who identified himself as Riverview block captain, told the board the neighborhood has long awaited repairs and expressed relief that work is completed after years without investment. Anderson said neighbors have organized to keep the site maintained and asked the department for keys and local accountability to prevent vandalism. "Mr. Malone, give me that key now so we can work this thing and make this thing happen," Anderson said.

Board staff confirmed restrooms are installed but noted past vandalism and asked neighborhood volunteers and staff to coordinate on locking and monitoring schedules so facilities remain usable during events such as the splash pad season. Superintendent Carl Malone said staff have discussed locking schedules with neighbors and plan to lock restrooms after rentals and periods of heavy use.

The ceremony will mark the opening of a park that, according to Anderson, had not received substantial investment since the 1950s. Organizers encouraged neighbors and board members to attend; staff asked residents to help with watchfulness to limit vandalism and reported plans for continued coordination with neighborhood groups.

The board’s action for Riverview was an announcement of the ceremony date and continued coordination rather than a separate formal vote on construction items. The meeting record shows follow-up will focus on restroom operations, monitoring and ensuring the site is staffed or routinely checked during peak use.