Great communities don’t just happen—they’re built through vision, collaboration, and the dedication of people who care deeply about where they live.

That spirit is on full display in Fayette County, where Alquina Blue Arrows Park has unveiled a comprehensive master plan developed through a partnership with Purdue University’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. The plan provides a long-term roadmap for enhancing the park while preserving the history and identity that make Alquina such a special place.

The project demonstrates how partnerships between local communities and higher education can create meaningful opportunities for growth while strengthening quality of life in rural Indiana.

A Community Built by Volunteers

Alquina Blue Arrows Park in Fayette County has always been more than a park.

Established by dedicated volunteers after the closure and demolition of the former Alquina School, the park has become a gathering place where families connect, neighbors celebrate, and community traditions continue.

From festivals and recreational activities to educational programming and community events, the park reflects the commitment of local residents who transformed a place filled with memories into a space that continues creating new ones.

Turning Ideas Into a Long-Term Vision

While many communities have ideas for future improvements, turning those ideas into a cohesive plan can be a challenge.

Through Purdue University’s 2025–26 Landscape Architecture Capstone Studio, landscape architecture student Ryan Chowdhury worked alongside park leaders to develop a professional master plan that balances community aspirations with realistic implementation strategies.

The resulting plan outlines potential future enhancements, including:

• Expanded playground facilities
• Improved walking trails and accessibility
• Native landscaping
• Additional gathering spaces
• Parking improvements
• Enhanced circulation throughout the park
• A commemorative monument honoring Alquina School and the Blue Arrows legacy

Rather than serving as an immediate construction plan, the master plan provides a framework that can guide future fundraising, grant applications, partnerships, and volunteer projects for years to come.

Honoring the Past While Planning for the Future

One of the most meaningful elements of the master plan is a proposed memorial honoring generations of students who attended the former Alquina School.

The concept features a sculptural Blue Arrow monument that celebrates the community’s history while creating a welcoming gathering space for future generations. Building upon ideas previously explored through Indiana University’s Rural Placemaking Studio, the Purdue design integrates the memorial into a broader vision for the entire park.

It’s a thoughtful reminder that successful placemaking doesn’t erase history—it builds upon it.

Partnerships That Strengthen Rural Communities

The collaboration between Alquina Blue Arrows Park and Purdue University highlights the value of partnerships in community development.

Universities bring technical expertise, fresh perspectives, and innovative ideas. Local communities contribute their knowledge, history, and vision for the future. Together, those partnerships create plans that might otherwise be beyond the reach of volunteer-led organizations.

Projects like this demonstrate how collaboration can help rural communities compete for grants, attract investment, and build momentum for future improvements.

Investing in Quality of Life

At Forge ECI, we know that parks, trails, public spaces, and community gathering places are essential components of economic development.

Quality-of-life amenities help attract families, support tourism, encourage community engagement, and create places where people want to live and invest.

The Alquina Blue Arrows Park master plan represents more than a collection of future projects. It reflects a shared commitment to preserving local heritage while creating new opportunities for recreation, connection, and community pride.

As East Central Indiana continues to grow, projects like this remind us that some of our greatest investments begin with a vision—and the people willing to work together to make it a reality.

We congratulate the Alquina Blue Arrows Park Board, Purdue University, Ryan Chowdhury, and the many volunteers whose dedication continues to strengthen Fayette County and the East Central Indiana region.

About Alquina Blue Arrows Park
Alquina Blue Arrows Park is a volunteer-led nonprofit community park located in rural Fayette County, Indiana. Established on the site of the former Alquina School, the park serves as a gathering place for recreation, community events, education, and the preservation of local history. For more information and images, visit www.the765.com.