After more than a year of research, discovery, community engagement, and development the long-anticipated White River Vision Plan Launch begins June 3 with a week-long celebration. The final plan is a community-driven effort led by 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.
The White River Vision Plan kicked off in May 2018 by core team members from both local and national organizations. Community members and residents played a critical role in shaping the plan by participating in interactive online surveys and attending nearly a dozen community feedback meetings. The plan will highlight areas along the river slated for new destinations, recreational assets, restoration, and preservation. Areas were chosen based on ecological, economic, historical and cultural significance, and important nearby neighborhoods.
A variety of events will take place June 3 – 7 between Marion and Hamilton Counties, and each day highlights new and different ways to connect with the White River, including:
- Launch on Monday with a 9 a.m. news conference at the Indianapolis Art Center to unveil the plan. ROW is also organizing a White River Float with local media and key officials immediately following, in partnership with Friends of the White River
- Connect on Tuesday with cleanups and a drop-in art project
- Dine on Wednesday with riverside restaurants or picnics;
- Watch on Thursday with Indiana Humanities White River Film viewing
- Get Active on Friday with Christopher Burke Engineering Canoe to Work Day
Close out the week of fun with a grand finale including a waterway hike, outdoor concert, and bridge lighting on Friday, June 7. Beginning at 7 p.m. ROW’s White River Committee will lead a short hike along the Urban Wilderness Trail. Then stick around for a live performance by Palace on the Indy Convergence A Rising Tide riverside stage at the New York Street Bridge at White River Parkway West Drive. At sundown, celebrate the spectacular lighting of the New York Street Bridge. These events are free; food and beverage will be available for purchase.
Check out all the details of this exciting week at www.mywhiteriver.com.