Indianapolis Deputy Mayor Jeff Bennett, Hamilton County Commissioner Christine Altman and leaders from throughout Central Indiana gathered Monday to celebrate the unveiling of the White River Vision Plan – a comprehensive and community-driven regional plan to enhance 58 miles of the White River in Marion and Hamilton counties.
“Communities along the White River are experiencing a renaissance. Downtown development is accelerating, arts and cultural institutions are expanding their visions, and parks and trails have contributed to a flourishing public realm,” said Bennett. “The White River is the next frontier.”
Monday’s event brought together civic and community partners and stakeholders from Marion and Hamilton counties to get a first look at the plan presented by Agency Landscape + Planning, the lead planners and architects on the project. Agency collaborated with a team of local Indiana and national experts including Applied Ecological Services, Christopher B. Burke Engineering, DAVID RUBIN Land Collective, Engaging Solutions, Fineline Graphics, Heritage Strategies, HR&A Advisors, Land Story, Porch Light Public Relations, Project Photo Docs, Ratio Architects, and Shrewsberry.
The plan describes a shared vision for the two-county river area and dives deep into nine principles that will guide decisions about environmental and ecological health, equity, public safety and activation.
From north to south, every area of the river corridor is considered and organized into “river reach” zones where new ideas respond to each community’s distinct character. The plan details in-depth explorations of seven “anchor areas,” such as commercial corridors, historic districts, cultural destinations and catalytic program opportunities along the 58-mile stretch of the White River. Each anchor has site-specific recommendations that all add to the varied nature of the White River experience.
Key recommendations for each of the seven anchor areas include:
- Strawtown Koteewi Park: Build on the park’s regional success and existing master plan, focus on environmental health and historic interpretation, including a new trail from Potter’s Bridge Park to Cicero, a viewing tower and an expanded area for launching kayaks and canoes, invasive plant species removal, and historic signage and installations.
- Downtown Noblesville: Support Noblesville’s downtown revitalization with new riverfront links, including the incorporation of existing elements and projects like the Riverwalk and increased or enhanced river access, and new ideas like sustainable design practices, shadier streets and riverfront terraces.
- Allisonville Stretch: Centered on the asset of Conner Prairie, this area focuses on community engagement to protect natural areas, support the existing Conner Prairie’s master plan, and local collaboration to improve pedestrian crossings.
- Oliver’s Crossing: Situated around Interstate 465, Oliver’s Woods and surrounding retail destinations, this anchor district builds on the opportunity for nearby post-production quarry lands close to the river for flood storage and outdoor adventure activities programming, as well as recommendations to connect public open spaces in this stretch with trails and riverfront landowner partnerships.
- Broad Ripple: The vision for this beloved canal district reconnects the area to its riverfront by relocating parking and connecting across the levee at 64th Street to Holliday Park via the planned Broad Ripple Riverwalk and trail. It protects the historic character of residential neighborhoods and Broad Ripple’s commercial district, helps with early implementation of the planned boat launch, riverbank restoration, river walk and terrace river edge projects. It also recommends that artists and the Indianapolis Art Center create temporary or permanent art installations.
- Downtown Indianapolis: Building on key opportunities like the recent Riverside Park master plan and current needs of the Emrichsville Dam, the plan leverages partnerships to redesign the dam for multi-functional environmental, water quality and recreational benefits to the neighboring Near Westside community and guides sustainable development outside the floodplain.
- Southwestway Park: At the plan’s southern boundary, this large ecological asset emphasizes environmental education through grant funding and a ranger “outpost,” creates a new entrance from Southport Road, establishes multiple new river access points and recommends a 10-year restoration and management program.
“The White River Vision Plan is an overarching vision for development and preservation within the study area to bolster social, economic and ecological change,” said Gina Ford, principal and co-founder of Agency Landscape + Planning, the lead landscape architects on the project. “We structured this plan to guide growth and decision-making for future initiatives within the next 30 years.”
“The White River Vision Plan is truly a community-driven effort. More than 13,000 comments and ideas from local residents fundamentally shaped this plan,” said Brenda Myers, President and CEO of Hamilton County Tourism, Inc. “We met with people in their homes, at events in the local community, and in public meetings to ensure every demographic was represented so that this plan incorporated a complete vision for our community.”
The White River Vision Plan also provides clear suggestions for the creation of a governance entity to manage White River enhancements, programming, and funding for future projects. A strong governance organization will work with local municipalities to collaborate on existing initiatives that could loop in improvements or new destinations to the White River.
To celebrate the release of the White River Vision Plan, a series of activities and events will take place through June 7. Click here for details.
The public can review and comment on the complete 222-page Plan over the next 30 days at indy.civicomment.org.
For more information on the White River Vision Plan or to comment on the plan, visit mywhiteriver.com. You can also follow the My White River accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.