Frigid water droplets exhale in swirls. Boots crunch on frosty grass and long-dead leaves or make tracks through new-fallen snow along those of deer, fox, and muskrat. Perhaps there is a rustling of branches nearby or a lone bird catching up with the flock calling above. The water is calm in the bright cold.
Following the inspiration of cooperative outdoor products retailer Recreational Equipment, Inc.’s (REI) annual #OptOutside campaign, Reconnecting to Our Waterways (ROW) encourages everyone to get outside along Indy’s waterways this winter. “Opt outside” for a brisk workout or to take in the subtle signs of quiet life along the waterways. Not only is this an alternative to hectic shopping, but it is also another way to connect to unique places, family and friends, and yourself through the local waterway environment.
To inspire others to engage with Indy’s waterways this winter, several of ROW’s Waterway Committee volunteers are sharing their favorite winter spots along the Canal, Fall Creek, Pleasant Run, Pogue’s Run, and the White River for movement, play, and relaxation. Click for this map to learn more!
Move: While it might require a few extra layers of clothing, ROW volunteers have several waterway sites for getting steps in this winter:
- Jen Eamon of Pogue’s Run Waterway likes to walk her dog along the waterway where “with or without snow, you can spot tracks along the banks and birds in the trees.”
- Jen also recommends “walking along the Canal towpath and through 100 Acres at Newfields [as] a great, quick hike.”
- Deb Stoll of Central Canal Waterway says, “I love to cross country ski along the Canal or the White River in Broad Ripple Park.”
Play: Sledding is a classic winter activity and there are great hills for it near some of Indy’s waterways (but not too close!):
- Coach Greg Harger of White River Waterway holds “Flash Sledding” for adults and kids in Graham Martin Park using kayaks on the Fall Creek levee bank, sometimes with non-toxic dye illustrating watershed physics. Another waterway member recommends moonlight sleds at this site, as well.
- Juliet Port of Pleasant Run Waterway says her favorite sledding spot is the hill at Garfield Park.
- Jen Eamon also recommends Brookside Park, through which Pogue’s Run flows, for sledding saying, “when there’s a good snow, it’s steep, fast, and you’ll see neighbors young and old hitting the hill on repeat.”
Relax and Reflect: Winter is an especially good time, with or without others, to enjoy serene scenes along the water:
- Kevin Hardie, who works with both Canal and White River Waterways, likes to head to Holliday Park along White River, “especially the access point on the southeast side of Meridian Street and Arden Drive with a view of the river upstream and down the waterway.”
- Melinda Hall of Fall Creek Waterway gushes about the Millersville at Fall Creek Preserve “with its benches, award-winning historic sculpture, and winding woodland pathway to Fall Creek, it is the perfect place for so many activities – meet with friends to enjoy a snack and views of the tranquil water; take a break from traversing the trail; or explore nature and paint sparkling Fall Creek water scenes from the pathway.”
- Susan Vogt of Pogue’s Run Waterway enjoys connecting to her neighborhood environment along saying, “I like to bundle up and take a walk around the Pogue’s Run Art & Nature Park when the water is frozen and beautifully still.”
Take the advice of ROW’s passionate members and experience the surprising delight of winter waterway activities with loved ones or in welcome solitude this holiday season and beyond. Share the experience by using #ourwaterways to let others know more about favorite winter waterway spots.
Winter is also a good time to join a Waterway or Element Committee. Rain, shine, or snow head to ourwaterways.org/events and get to a Waterway Committee meeting or contact [email protected] to learn more about participation in an Element Committee.