The White River Vision Plan, an initiative of the City of Indianapolis, Visit Indy, and Hamilton County Tourism, Inc. along with many other partner organizations to determine enhancements for 58 miles of the White River, launched June 3rd-7th with an exciting week-long celebration of all things White River.
On June 3rd, more than 80 attended the news conference unveiling the draft plan, followed by a ROW and Friends of the White River-organized float down the White River from the Indianapolis Art Center to Rocky Ripple Town Hall. Participants, including members of the media and local officials, enjoyed the sights and sounds along the river, from turtles sunbathing to a Great Blue Heron looking for lunch. The 45-minute paddle provided eye-opening views and a rare perspective on the beauty of the river. It also provided time for guests to learn more about the vision plan during this shared experience.
Several events took place throughout the week from a cleanup at Holliday Park, to exploration and art-making at Central Indiana Land Trust‘s Oliver’s Wood Nature Preserve, and film screenings with Indiana Humanities. These events brought Indy residents together to improve the waterway environment, connect to this shared resource in a creative way, and be inspired by stories of the White River from all walks of life.
As the week’s finale celebration, ROW collaborated with its White River Committee and Indy Convergence to host a wonderful evening on the banks of the White River in the Near West community. It began with a short hike along the Urban Wilderness Trail, continuing with live performance by Ray Hutchins and friends on the A Rising Tide riverside stage. At sundown, Mayor Joe Hogsett acknowledged the efforts of community members, including Near West and West Indy, then flipped a ceremonial switch to light up the New York Street Bridge with a spectacular show of color. The bridge LED lighting and planter boxes were installed by the City of Indianapolis and will be maintained by local non-profit NearWest21, with a little seed funding provided by ROW. The event was a perfect wrap up to a great week celebrating the White River, made possible by the support of the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. ROW gives a big thanks to local prop company Expo Design for the giant light switch for the bridge lighting, and to all who helped make the evening special.
The White River Vision Plan is a community-driven effort that highlights areas along the river slated for new destinations, recreational assets, restoration, and preservation. Check out the draft plan here and make your voice heard by submitting comments by June 30th!
Images courtesy of White River Vision Plan.