6/27/2006
Media Contact:
Kristen Weaver, PIO [317] 327-7035
Afua Anokwa, Asst. PIO [317] 327-7027 |
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Mayor Peterson, Indy Parks Unveil Sign Commemorating the O’Bannon’s Contributions to the Monon Trail
INDIANAPOLIS – Earlier today, Mayor Bart Peterson, former Indiana First Lady Judy O’Bannon and Indy Parks unveiled a commemorative sign honoring former Governor Frank and Mrs. O’Bannon’s contributions to the Monon Trail. The sign is located on the South Monon Trail at 16th Street, just east of College Avenue.
The commemorative sign was the idea of Greenways Development Committee Chair Greg Silver, who worked closely with the O’Bannon’s to generate support for the South Monon Trail extension. Governor O’Bannon helped secure the Transportation Enhancement (TE) Grant to fund construction of the 3.5-mile final link from Fall Creek Parkway to 10th Street, which opened to the public in October 2003.
“Future generations will benefit from Frank and Judy O’Bannon’s commitment to creating cultural and recreational opportunities for Indianapolis’ youngest residents, and it’s fitting to pay tribute to this legacy on our most popular trail, which they helped to make a reality.” said Mayor Bart Peterson.
Gov. and Mrs. O’Bannon led the effort of the Old Northside Neighborhood Foundation to acquire the lease to the land for the development of an urban soccer park adjacent to the Monon Trail. In December 2003, the Old Northside Soccer Fields were officially renamed in honor of the late governor and his wife’s legacy.
More than 1.2 million people use the Monon Trail each year, making it Indy Parks’ most popular greenway. In May 2002, the National Parks Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior designated the Monon Trail a “National Recreation Trail” (one of four Indy Parks greenway trails recognized) for its promotion of health and recreation outdoors.
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