Dewy grass on bare feet, bird song filling the air, awe-inspiring thunderstorms, bees buzzing on bright flowers, fireflies sparkling, and cloud formations reflecting sunsets in a rainbow of colors – all signs that summer is arriving in Indianapolis. Summer is a season with plenty to do along Indy’s beautiful waterways.
The long-anticipated White River Vision Plan Launch kicks off June with a week-long celebration. Starting June 3 at the Indianapolis Art Center from 9-11am and stretching throughout the week, look for activities along the White River that engage and activate spaces along 58 miles of the White River through Marion and Hamilton Counties. A finale performance organized by Indy Convergence will take place June 7 at the New York Street Bridge beginning 7pm. The Vision Plan highlights the potential for natural restoration, exciting development, community accessibility, and more. More details at www.mywhiteriver.com.
Don’t stop there. Connection and adventure await all summer long with activities along or on the waterways throughout Indy neighborhoods.
Explore Surroundings: A great way to appreciate the various forms the summer takes includes using all the senses to experience life in Indy’s neighborhoods. Here’s just a few ways to see, hear, smell, and touch beauty and wonder along Indy’s waterways:
- Barth Avenue Bridge: Located at 1800 Barth Ave, this destination was developed through ROW’s Pleasant Run Committee and boasts creative seating, art installations, interactive signage highlighting the native plantings in the area, and an amphitheater.
- Canoe-to-Work Day, June 7: This national event is celebrated in Indianapolis on both the White River and Fall Creek. Join Christopher Burke Engineering for the 7th annual event, and get moving on these waterways by canoeing or kayaking to work. Participants can experience first-hand the sounds of wildlife and water. Go to Friends of White River’s interactive map to find local access points.
- Bird-watching at Spades Park Bird Sanctuary: Grab binoculars to spot a surprising number of bird species, from Yellowthroated Warblers to Belted Kingfishers, by visiting this specially-planted preserve along Pogue’s Run made possible by Indy Parks.
Experience Arts and Culture: Local artists and community groups are connecting their work in innovative ways to the environment in parks and at sites directly on Indy’s waterways at some upcoming events:
- Jazz and Blues in Watkins Park, May 19 – September 8: This yearly concert series along Fall Creek features local and regional artists once each month during the summer. Join neighbors and residents from across Indianapolis for the musical festivities. Go to indy.gov/parks for more information.
- Feast of Lanterns in Spades Park, August 24: This event revives an over 100-year-old tradition along Pogue’s Run with artists, local businesses, and vibrant neighborhoods joining together in historic Spades Park for music, food, and fun. Learn more at indyfol.org.
- A Rising Tide, June 20 – October 5: Indy Convergence is producing five “mobile, non-invasive” arts performances along and directly on the White River this summer. Get your tickets to secure a spot at the premier performance on Indy’s new floating stage at indyconvergence.org/art.
Expand Knowledge: Learn more about Indianapolis’ past, present, and future through direct engagement in waterway communities and new efforts along the waterways:
- Community Fishing Day at Groundwork Indy: Indiana Department of Natural Resources offers no-license-necessary fishing on this day and ROW’s Central Canal Committee has added local flavor by facilitating fishing and food safety education, community member storytelling, a fish fry, and more. Details at ourwaterways.org/events.
- Indiana Humanities Next IN Campfires, June 15 and August 10: Connect with the White River through Indiana literature on these urban treks. There are two opportunities in Marion County from Broad Ripple to Rocky Ripple and from Newfields to the new Waterside development area. Learn more at indianahumanities.org/campfires.
- New Wayfinding Trail Signage: Look out for new ways to connect to the urban environment and historic neighborhoods through ROW’s interpretive signage popping up along the waterways in coming weeks. Learn about iconic cyclist Marshall “Major” Taylor along Fall Creek, urban waters systems on the Central Canal, and Near West community highlights along the White River.
Any season is a good time to join a Waterway or Element Committee. Rain or shine, head to ourwaterways.org/events and get involved in a ROW committee soon.