The Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick is a great example of what is possible when philanthropy, government, businesses and community collaborate with the goal of creating opportunity for all.
As the Indianapolis Cultural Trail Inc. celebrates the opening of the first two expansions of the Trail this year, we wanted to reflect on the cause of celebration behind these projects. The new segment along Indiana Avenue and 10th Street that opened in June marks a significant milestone in our city’s journey toward greater connectivity and community enrichment. It also represents the community’s full embrace of “the Avenue” as not only a part of our history, but a fundamental piece of our future.
Donors to the Indianapolis Foundation and Central Indiana Community Foundation understood the promise of the Cultural Trail when it was just an idea. IF and CICF provided the civic backbone, bringing together these diverse partners who turned this idea into a reality.
The present-day efforts of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail Inc. continue to show how deliberate and thoughtful urban planning can be used to unlock opportunity. It demonstrates that strategic, community-focused investments can lead to tangible benefits for residents — everything from improved health outcomes and economic opportunities to better access to education. By creating more of these inclusive, accessible spaces, we pave the way for a future where everyone can thrive — regardless of place, race or identity.
In our quest for healthier, more equitable communities, we must recognize the profound impact that social determinants of health have on our well-being. Factors such as housing, education, transportation, and access to nutritious food shape the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, and work.
For over a decade, the Cultural Trail has become a safe and easy path for pedestrians throughout downtown Indianapolis. But more than that, it links users to recreational spaces that promote physical activity, mental health, and a deeper connection to our city and the natural environment.
Thanks to thoughtful design and programming, the Cultural Trail also connects us to our past, preserving and celebrating the rich history embedded in our community. Indiana Avenue holds deep cultural significance as an early proving ground for jazz greats, as well as serving as headquarters for one of America’s most successful Black-owned businesses, the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company. The Trail offers hope to revitalize that cultural and economic life. By expanding on Indiana Avenue, the Cultural Trail is honoring this legacy, ensuring that the stories and contributions of our predecessors inspire and educate future generations.
So, what comes next for this beloved city resource?
IF and CICF invite Indy to imagine an even bolder future for the Trail. As a path stretching nearly 10 miles through more than half a dozen Indy neighborhoods, the Trail is perfectly situated to provide greater access to resources that can close equity gaps. Imagine if we expand safe and affordable housing along the Trail. Imagine if we expand access to wealth through new jobs, training, and education along the Trail. Imagine if we promote the addition of low-cost health resources along the Trail, even as the Trail itself promotes healthier lifestyles.
We believe these lofty goals are possible, but they require the same level of community intentionality and coalition building that made the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and these latest expansions a reality.
In the meantime, we encourage our fellow residents to explore the Indianapolis Cultural Trail — walk or bike along its paths, learn about our city’s history, and meet new neighbors. Experience firsthand the Trail’s transformative power of connectivity, inclusivity, and opportunity. And consider it as an enduring example that, when we work together, we truly can create an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive.
The Indianapolis Foundation and Central Indiana Community Foundation will continue this tradition by supporting initiatives that promote equitable access to connectivity and opportunity. Together, we will brave new paths and new ways to connect everyone in our community to opportunity — regardless of place, race or identity.
