Get ready to discover history and ecology along Indy’s waterways with newly-installed signage made possible with funds from the Central Indiana Community Foundation and the Herbert Simon Family Foundation, along with the collaborative spirit of ROW’s Element and Waterway Committees. We are also grateful for the extensive volunteer work from local artist and landscape architect Kris May, logo and photo use from Indianapolis Motor Speedway, research and expertise from Indiana State Museum‘s Kisha Tandy, and design assistance from RLR Associates, and V3 Companies.
For the past two years, ROW’s Waterway Wayfinding and Educational Signage Project has been a massive effort representing the real power of collective impact to bring awareness, engagement, and education to Indy’s waterways.
While ROW-wide signage has been a goal since nearly the beginning of the collective, the organizing and implementation work began in earnest when the Connectivity and Education Committees joined forces to plan a collaborative process, supported with professional resources.
Then, waterway committees prioritized sites and narratives, while ROW Staff worked with them to create content and manage the sprawling project coordinating with the City of Indianapolis, local schools, and companies to bring this impactful work to fruition – now 17 signs in all.
Central Canal: Learn about our urban water system, drinking water, and rain gardens along this waterway where active restoration and environmental justice efforts are underway.
Fall Creek: Explore too-long buried history of Marshall “Major” Taylor, champion and barrier-breaking Black cyclist, along the Monon at Fall Creek and remember the Nickel Plate Railroad that once carried State Fair-goers.
Little Eagle Creek: Read about waterway ecology in English and Spanish at Falcon Creek, a tributary of Little Eagle Creek, and about area development in the Speedway-adjacent waterway neighborhood of Eagledale.
Pleasant Run: While recent signage added to this waterway was not part of this particular signage project, new destination at Spruce Bridge boasts educational signage that includes poetry, donated by The Da Vinci Pursuit.
Pogue’s Run: Connect to Near Eastside traditions like Feast of Lanterns, explore neighborhood institutions along Pogue’s Run, and learn about the importance of native plants and birds to our waterway habitats.
White River: Take a journey through the Urban Wilderness Trail discovering multiple habitat zones along Indy’s largest waterway.
Waterway neighbors and all of Indianapolis’ residents now have helpful guides to neighborhood history, urban ecology, and important waterway issues that will connect more people to their local urban environment.
Find your way with ROW’s interactive Wayfinding and Educational Signage Map!