Vincennes’ Minooteeni Park, dedicated in April 2024 to honor Indigenous Americans, continues to evolve as a space for community enjoyment and cultural reflection. A recent update shared by the park’s organizers highlights the addition of accessible pathways for those using strollers, wheelchairs, or walkers, ensuring the park remains welcoming to all visitors.
Volunteers are hard at work maintaining the park, focusing on removing invasive species and enhancing the landscape with native plants and trees. In a nod to the area’s natural beauty, a wildlife habitat is being created by relocating a brush pile within the park’s prairie section. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the park respectfully, and new interpretive signage and custom playground equipment are in development.
The park, located at 1st and Hart Streets, sits on a historic site once home to the Piankeshaw village. It was named “Minooteeni,” meaning “village,” by Logan York, the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, who played a key role in the park’s dedication earlier this year.
Coming up Friday evening at 6:30, there will be a special drum circle event at the park. Led by Brother Bear, the circle will celebrate community and the healing power of rhythm. All are welcome, whether new to drumming or experienced. Attendees are encouraged to bring a drum or percussion instrument, or simply enjoy the experience. The event will be held at 17 Hart Street behind the Tade building. Please bring something to sit on.
