Indianapolis’ cool Cultural Trail set for grand opening

Here is an urban project that might just become something of a model for other big cities, and it comes with an innovative funding approach, always a winner these days. The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is, it says, ” a world-class urban bike and pedestrian path that connects neighborhoods, Cultural Districts and entertainment amenities, and serves as the downtown hub for the entire central Indiana greenway system.” It is scheduled to open May 10-11.

The Cultural Trail is made possible by a large public and private collaboration led by Central Indiana Community Foundation, the City of Indianapolis and several not-for-profit organizations devoted to building a better city.

The trail features stormwater planters, structures with open bottoms that enable stormwater to slowly drain into the ground. These planters reduce stormwater runoff, flow rate, volume and pollutants, and recharge the groundwater. It will be  clear of snow and ice during the winter months. Snowfalls of two inches or more will be plowed and deicing material applied when winter weather is incoming.From the beginning the trail was planned as a place for public art, a place where “artists could stretch their imaginations and careers; a place that embraces artistic interventions created using diverse materials, concepts, and creative professionals. Currently, $2 million in private funding has been allocated to new public art along the trail. Mindy Taylor Ross, the principal of Art Strategies LLC, is the curator and public art project manager for the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.”