Mayor Joe Hogsett and Kären Haley, executive director of Indianapolis Cultural Trail Inc., announced a two-mile expansion of the trail during a groundbreaking ceremony Nov. 4. Haley said the expansion — which construction is set to begin this month — will occur on 10th Street and enhance connectivity between Indianapolis neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for residents along South Street, Indiana Avenue. Currently, the trail stretches just over 8 miles.
With a group assembled on the southwest corner of South Meridian and South streets, Hogsett said the expanded trails will make Indianapolis safer for pedestrians and cyclists, though he’s proud Indianapolis is “one of the most walkable downtowns in all of America.”
There is a definite need for increased safety for pedestrians and cyclists. From 2019 to 2020, the number of fatal collisions in Marion County rose 31%, compared to an 8% increase nationwide. This year, over 189 pedestrians have been hit by drivers, and 58 reported collisions involving cyclists, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. Pedestrians and cyclists cite inadequate infrastructure and reckless driving as the biggest threat to those walking through Indianapolis.
This expansion — the first in the Cultural Trail’s 15-year history — is supported by the Lilly Foundation, the Lilly Endowment and the Anthem Foundation, as well as $25 million set aside by the city’s Circle City Forward plan for trail and road enhancement. After its completion in 2023, visitors can see curated art exhibits and gardens throughout the trail. Kristen Jones, the city-county council representative for District 16, where South Street lies, said the expansion “allows for natural connections and exploration” and will help businesses, residents and tourists have a better experience in Indianapolis.
Ben Grande, the youngest grandchild of Eugene and Marilyn Glick, who founded the Cultural Trail in 2007, said the expansion reflects his grandparents’ passion for bringing people together. He and his family, he said, are happy to see their legacy continue in Indianapolis.
Poet and spoken word artist Manon Voice performed a poem, “Homecoming of Belonging,” commissioned specifically for the expansion announcement. The Indianapolis native highlighted the early history of the land — a call back to Haley’s land acknowledgement that paid homage to the Kickapoo and Miami Indigenous tribes native to the Midwest — and the history of Black excellence on Indiana Avenue during the mid-1900s.
“Home is etched in our bones,” Voice read, “… We are deeply a people of place.”
After her performance, a group of city officials gathered behind a row of shovels lined up across the street from Slippery Noodle Inn to break ground for the project. City-County Council President Vop Osili and Department of Public Works Director Dan Parker were among the city leaders who took part in the groundbreaking ceremony.
Contact staff writer Breanna Cooper at 317-762-7848 or by email at breannac@indyrecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @BreannaNCooper.
