Indianapolis is poised to expand and enhance its greenway system with the Greenways Strategic Implementation Plan, an initiative by the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW). Building on the vision of the 2014 Full Circle Master Plan, this plan will focus on creating a more connected and sustainable future for the city.
“The Full Circle Master Plan established a vision of having over 250 miles of greenways throughout the City of Indianapolis,” said Todd Wilson, Indy DPW director. “The Greenways Strategic Implementation Plan will build on that vision by driving economic development, promoting green infrastructure and fostering a more connected, sustainable future for our diverse communities.”
Key objectives of the Greenways Strategic Implementation Plan include:
- Updating the Comprehensive Plan and zoning codes to encourage trail-friendly development.
- Prioritizing and implementing the proposed greenway network.
- Establishing funding strategies for greenway growth and maintenance.
- Standardizing trail maintenance and operations.
- Updating Greenway Design Standards to reflect modern needs.
- Addressing gaps and identifying opportunities for trail expansion.
- Developing staffing and governance structures for long-term greenway planning and management.
The Full Circle Master Plan laid the foundation for much of the greenway progress over the past decade. By 2028, Marion County is projected to feature over 120 miles of greenways, enhancing connectivity and integrating trails with other transportation networks.
Work on the Greenways Strategic Implementation Plan began in July 2024 and is expected to conclude by the end of 2025. Once complete, it will ensure Indianapolis continues to build a robust, accessible greenway network for future generations.
For more details about the Greenways Strategic Implementation Plan, visit indy.gov/dpw-greenways.
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Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
