Mission:

The Greenways Partnership is a public-private partnership that provides creative programming which broadens user engagement with Indy Greenways, builds support for the system, and catalyzes further investment in Indy Greenways. The Partnership’s efforts are based upon the premise that providing broad opportunities for residents to engage with the greenways helps to build lifelong advocates, support, and demand for continued investment in the greenway system.

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Background:

The Greenways Partnership is an initiative that provides programming on Indy Greenways. It is based upon the premise that providing broad opportunities for residents to engage with the greenways helps to build lifelong advocates, support, and demand for continued investment in the greenway system.

 

In 2014, Indianapolis completed the Indy Greenways Full Circle Plan, a bold initiative that outlined a system of over 250 miles of trail and greenway development throughout the city. The plan examines the physical connections needed to integrate the greenway network with the city’s proposed transit system, bicycle network, redeveloping neighborhoods, and cultural facilities. User surveys completed during the master planning process revealed that Indy Greenways users are primarily walkers, cyclists, and others that use the system solely for passive recreation or transportation and fit within a narrow demographic.

 

After adoption of the Indy Greenways Full Circle Plan in 2014, the City funded a Fellowship as part of its 2020 Plan Initiative to explore whether targeted programming could expand the user base of the greenway system.  That study, Program Development for Broader Engagement with Indy Greenways, used data from the master plan to identify potential demographic groups (most notably the elderly, families and children, and those with disabilities) and identify program opportunities and partnerships that can help those demographic users engage in greenway activity. Interviews and research was conducted with agencies and organizations that deal with these particular demographic groups to discuss potential barriers and programming opportunities.

 

Several case studies were also reviewed as part of the Fellowship Study that illustrate how programming (or some aspect of programming) has been successfully implemented in other cities. The Atlanta Beltline provided the most in-depth case study for programming aspects, but additional information was researched for the High Line in New York, and local programs held in Indianapolis. These case studies helped to formulate program ideas, potential revenue, and lessons learned for successful implementation.

 

This study concluded that there are many programming opportunities available on the greenways, and many potential partners that are looking for opportunities if their mission can be aligned with the programming.

 

In 2018, the Indianapolis Parks Foundation created the Greenways Partnership, a public-private partnership to explore program opportunities on the Indy Greenways.  Using the 2014 Study as its base, the Partnership has created preliminary programming for the greenways that provide opportunities for users of all ages to engage with the greenways.  The Partnership’s efforts are based upon the premise that providing broad opportunities for residents to engage with the greenways helps to build lifelong advocates, support, and demand for continued investment in the greenway system.

 

The Greenways Partnership is a collaboration between the Indianapolis Parks Foundation, the City of Indianapolis, and Taylor Siefker Williams Design Group, a private firm providing program development and facilitation.  Programs have been developed in the areas of:

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• Health, Fitness & Wellbeing - Programs that provide activities that address various issues of physical health, fitness, and mental wellbeing for all age groups.

• Cultural Enrichment & Community Engagement - Programs that celebrate and promote Indy Greenways’ unique history, cultural facilities, art, and neighborhoods along the greenways.

• Education & Awareness - Programs that provide learning opportunities and awareness along the greenways.  While many of these programs are targeted towards kids, they also provide opportunities for adult awareness and education.

• Commercial Engagement - Programs and activities that promote the greenways, raise awareness of the system, and further the public ownership of the greenway system through specific commercial offerings.

 

In addition to the three co-founding partner organizations, the Indianapolis Greenways Partnership includes several Community Partners whose organizations share common mission attributes with that of the Greenways Partnership.  Our Community Partners are integral to providing expertise, guidance, and assistance in planning and facilitating our programs. Our Community Partners include the Arts Council of Indianapolis, Jump In for Healthy Kids, CICOA Aging and In-home Solutions, the Marion County Public Health Department and Eskenazi Health. We also partner with an extensive network of    Programming Partners on specific programs.  Our Programming Partners include several local and national organizations. 

 

For more information, visit https://greenwayspartnership.com/ or contact Ron Taylor at rtaylor@tswdesigngroup.com.