By: Lynda Dunbar, Greencastle Mayor
Mar. 30, 2026

Greencastle is a city that may be small in size but is mighty in spirit and ambition. Nestled just one county away from Marion County and the City of Indianapolis, Greencastle is the proud county seat of Putnam County. With a population of 10,000 residents comprising of both our hometown community and the vibrant student body of DePauw University. Greencastle is a unique blend of tradition, education, and opportunity.

What truly sets Greencastle apart is the close and dynamic relationship we share with DePauw University. Last year, this partnership reached a remarkable milestone when the university was awarded the largest grant from the Lilly Endowment of $32 million, which is propelling transformative projects both on campus and throughout our community.

One such project expands our beautiful new YMCA, constructed two years ago through the dedication and collaboration of many passionate community members who envisioned growth and vitality for Greencastle. While the initial building was a tremendous achievement, it lacked an indoor pool, an essential feature for a facility of this caliber. Thanks to a portion of the Lilly funds, we celebrated a groundbreaking earlier this month for the addition of the aquatic center, marking an important next step in enhancing recreational opportunities for all residents.

Our collaboration with DePauw University continues beyond recreation. Together, we are working on a new multi-family housing development located on the edge of campus and anchored in downtown Greencastle. This 120-unit project will address the pressing need for market-rate housing, increasing density in a desirable location and elevating our city’s vibrancy. The project also required relocating our local movie theater, and once again, Lilly funds have supported the transition of this treasured community asset to a recently vacated building downtown.

But Greencastle is much more than its charming downtown core. Surrounding areas bustle with economic activity thanks to our major manufacturing and distribution companies. National names such as Walmart Distribution and Knitwell, as well as prominent manufacturers Chiyoda, Heartland, and Crown, provide quality employment opportunities for many local residents. These businesses are the backbone of our economy and represent the pride we take in offering meaningful, good-paying jobs right here at home.

For those who cherish the outdoors, Greencastle is a haven. From the serene trails of the DePauw Nature Park to the welcoming paths of People Pathways, and the lively baseball, softball, and soccer fields at Big Walnut Sports Park, our city offers a wealth of recreational spaces to enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike.

Our decision to join CIRDA reflects our commitment to positioning Greencastle for the future. Through CIRDA, we connect with like-minded neighboring counties and communities, sharing ideas and resources that strengthen our collective potential. Greencastle is a city that chooses growth, collaboration, and innovation, and through these partnerships, we ensure that our vitality and success today will be sustained well into tomorrow.

I invite all of you to visit Greencastle, explore our award-winning restaurants, and experience firsthand the warmth and promise of this great city. Together, with organizations like CIRDA, we look forward to a future filled with opportunity and achievement.