6A: Support Trail/Greenway Development and Programming

Value to the Community

Trails and greenways improve livability and allow neighbors to access other parts of Indy while also exploring their own neighborhood. Walking and biking also provide both mental and physical health benefits.

Value to the Hospitality Industry

Creating a comprehensive, connected, regional trail system adds to our brand and reputation as a progressive destination. It also is a linking agent providing access to more experiences and regional centers, thereby extending visitor activities and length of stay. Slower modes of travel like biking and walking have also proven to result in greater spending particularly at local small businesses.

Updates

• March 2025. Trail and Bridge Projects Underway. Construction is underway on the B&O Trail in Marion County and the Nickel Plate Bridge over 96th Street, with expected completion by the end of 2025.
• June 2024. Glow in the Dark Trail. An investment of $7.4 million into the new installment of glow in the dark stone has enhanced Pogue’s Run Trail, drawing more attraction from residents.
• January 2024. Construction Starts for Southeastern Ave Trail. Indianapolis Department of Public Works announced the start of constructing a new multi-use trail along the Southeastern Avenue corridor. The trail will be between Washington street and Leeds Ave designed to help link downtown with the southeast side. Planned at a little over a mile or 5,500 ft of trail, it will also include 56 accessible ramps and six crosswalks.
• January 2024. Fourth Round of Next Level Trails Program. A $5 million grant was awarded to extend the Fall Creek Greenway trails in the City of Lawrence as a part of the fourth round of the Next Level Trails Program. This work will continue the overall goal of connecting downtown Indianapolis to the Geist Reservoir in Hamilton County.
• October 2023. Groundbreaking for Pogue’s Run Trail. The next phase of expansion for Pogue’s Run Trail had its groundbreaking ceremony. The trail will connect Commerce Avenue and Brookside North Drive to Pogue’s Art and Nature Park when completed.
• October 2023. Groundbreaking for Nickle Plate Trail. The Department of Public Works is ready to start constructing the first segment of the Nickle Plate Trail. This trail begins on 38th Street and goes through various neighborhoods in Washington and Lawrence. The path includes key locations like Eastwood Middle School, Heritage Christian School, and Sahm Park.
• September 2023. Ribbon Cutting for Fall Creek Trail Bridge. The new pedestrian bridge near West 17th and Milburn Street, a part of the Fall Creek Trail, is officially open. This expansion connects the west side of downtown to Fort Harrison State Park.
• May 2023. Cultural Trail Extension through Indy Eleven Park. The Indianapolis Cultural Trail announced that it will extend trails to connect to the Lucas Oil Stadium through the planned Indy Eleven Park and across the Henry Street Bridge to White River State Park and Elanco HQ.
• April 2023. Indy receives $22.7 Million for roads & trails projects. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization gave Indianapolis $22.7 Million for infrastructure improvements. Among the street and bridge repairs, this money will also add pedestrian safety improvements to 86th Street and two phases of development for the Eagle Creek Greenway trail.
• April 2022. Connected Communities Initiative receives $25m gift. The Lilly Endowment granted the Connected Communities Initiative, led by CICF, $25m to build 7.25 miles of trail, 4 miles of protected bike lanes and sidewalks, fund design for additional trails, and provide local match for other federal trail grant projects.
• April 2022. Nickel Plate Trail Receives NLT Funding. The Nickel Plate Trail received $12.6m in funding for the cities of Indianapolis, Fishers, and Noblesville to build the 17-mile trail. Next Level Trail funding was also awarded for the Lawrence Multi-Use Trail near Fort Harrison State Park.
• March 2022. Monon Trail widening. Indianapolis began widening the popular Monon Trail between 14th and 56th Streets with plans to do the same north of 56th Street in the next phase.
• September 2021. Circle City Forward Trail Investment. As part of its Circle City Forward initiative, the City of Indianapolis is investing $25m in new trail infrastructure.
• March 2021. Next Level Trails Awards. Several trail projects received second round NLT funding, including: Big Four Trail in Boone County, Steven Nation Community Pathway in Hamilton County, Pennsy Trail in Hancock County, Vandalia Trail in Hendricks County, and B&O Trail in Marion and Hendricks Counties.
• May 2019. Next Level Trails Awards. Several trail projects received first round NLT funding, including: Big Four Trail in Boone County, Franklin Street Trail in Hancock County, and B&O Trail in Marion County.