6/14/2006
Media Contact:
Kristen Weaver, PIO [317] 327-7035
Afua Anokwa, Asst. PIO [317] 327-7027 |
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Mayor Bart Peterson, CAFÉ and Indianapolis Foundation Cut Ribbon to Celebrate Land Donation to Indy Parks
INDIANAPOLIS — Mayor Bart Peterson, Community Alliance for the Far Eastside (CAFÉ) and the Indianapolis Foundation signed over the deed to 89.1 acres of greenspace to Indy Parks and Recreation, earlier today in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event kicked off the Mayor’s “City Hall for a Day” activities on the City’s eastside.
The Parks Board approved the agreement at its April 27th meeting, taking the first step in future development plans to transform the property into a regional park for Lawrence township residents. The addition of the 89.1-acre parcel puts Indy Parks’ greenspace inventory to 10,589 acres throughout Marion County.
“A new regional park is a tremendous community resource, providing a multitude of quality recreational, leisure and cultural opportunities for everyone,” said Mayor Peterson. “It also signals confidence in the community and is a key element in promoting stabilization and economic development.”
By forming creative partnerships with local organizations and businesses, the City has been able to expand its parkland inventory, adding more than 600 acres of land in Indianapolis-Marion County in spite of budget shortfalls. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Central Indiana Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) were instrumental in working with CAFÉ to secure the donation.
“It is truly a special day when we can see years of work and private donors and public entities come together to help transform a community area that will impact families today and generations to come,” said Brian Payne, president The Indianapolis Foundation and CICF. “It has been inspiring for our organizations to assist the visionary leadership of CAFÉ in acquiring, holding, and now transferring ownership of this land.”
The donated property is bordered by Grassy Creek Park, Andrew J. Brown Academy and residential property to the north, German Church Road to the west, an abandoned rail corridor to the south (further south is 30th and German Church Park), residential property the west. Indy Parks’ resource development staff will begin the park master planning process in fall 2006, which includes the presentation of park concepts and soliciting community input. A name for the future park has not been established.
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