More kayaking among opportunities for change along White River
CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) — Some changes could be coming to the White River in Marion and Hamilton counties. One that excites people who love the outdoors: more possible access points to kayak, canoe and paddle board by Indianapolis.
The White River Vision Plan is an initiative to figure out how to best use the land around 58 miles of the river that winds through the two counties. It was jump started by the city of Indianapolis, Visit Indy and Hamilton County Tourism.
“From being able to ride your bike continuously along the river in stretches or being able to put a kayak in or fishing and so that’s really exciting. It tells us people want to engage with the river and that they can’t today,” said Gina Ford, who is a principal with Agency Landscape + Planning, the consulting group that is leading the meetings for the White River Vision Plan.
Phase one of the planning led to the community saying they’d like more recreation along the White River and more access points. News that has kayak enthusiasts excited.
“I think that’s tremendous. Most people with shorter boats they need somewhere upstream like 96th Street and Trail Run Park where they can paddle down the river. For them to go upstream is a bit more work,” said James Sprandel, who likes to use the White River for kayaking.
Sprandel said there are plenty of spots to kayak in Hamilton County but limited access points in Indianapolis. Other cities have worked to change that and experts said it’s been a success.
“One of my most recent projects was at the Chicago River Walk and there I remember someone laughing at me when I said we were going to build some kayak facilities like there aren’t kayakers on the main branch of the Chicago River. And we did build these facilities and it’s packed,” said Ford.
The purpose of Tuesday night was to let residents share their specific ideas of where development should happen, what needs to be preserved, and how to tackle any sort of changes. Organizers are looking for feedback.
It happened at Founders Park in Carmel.
They even made a map of the river where you could put down different colored chips to represent where you want to see preservation, development or better access to the river.
There are two more meetings scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 24. One is at Rhodius Park, at 1720 W. Wilkins St from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The second meeting will take place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at ROWPort, Edison School for the Arts. That’s located at 777 S. White River Pkwy. Both locations are in Indianapolis.
By January, the ideas and wishes of the community will become a proposal that could change the White River as we know it.