Broad Ripple Park Manager Kathy Fitzgerald, Indy Parks Director Linda Broadfoot and Indy Parks Chief Communications Officer Ronnetta Spalding share a common bond to one of the city's most historic recreational destinations. The three park advocates recently discussed a $15,000 grant received by the dog park there and shared some personal memories of the park itself.

Last fall, Indy Parks entered the Beneful Dog Park Makeover contest, an online contest where dog park enthusiasts and park lovers could vote for their favorite dog parks. Although Raleigh, North Carolina, won the contest and the $30,000 makeover, the Beneful reps were so impressed with Indianapolis and our votes that they gave us $15,000. Each year, Broad Ripple Dog Park serves more than 800 dogs and their families. It is a great space for dogs to play and interact with their fellow furry friends.

Linda Broadfoot, Director of Indy Parks, said, "We came across one of those on-line grant opportunities, the Beneful Dog Park Makeover Contest, where folks could vote. Broad Ripple residents were passionate, which was very exciting."

Ms. Fitzgerald noted, "When the Beneful Dog Park Makeover Contest occurred, there wasn't going to be a second place. The contest was great in the sense that we saw people we don't usually see. They provided input and even though many of have them don't own dogs, they were excited at the opportunity."

Using the Beneful funds, Indy Parks recently unveiled agility equipment that features an archway run, dog bridge with stairs and a ramp and slide, adjustable bar jump, canine castle, and a few different obstacles. The space also includes pet-owner perks such as a leash stand, container with plastic bags for dog waste, and new benches.

"We know that the Broad Ripple dog park is very well used and very well loved. We are evaluating ways to make the park grounds including the dog park even better. So, yes, there are other improvements to be made."

A partnership with additional funding from the Indianapolis Parks Foundation helped make the recent improvements possible. Talks will continue in 2018 about additional park enhancements.

"We learned how vocal and strong our advocates are. We would like to find a way to turn those voices into harnessing the parks in other ways and to connect the great things that are happening there. As Director of Indy Parks since Feb 2016, I oversee 211 parks and over 100 full-time staff and just help ensure that our amazing staff has the resources they need to reach their mission in creating places and experiences that inspire. There are 135 miles of trails, including the Monon Trail," Ms. Broadfoot emphasized. As an undergraduate of Butler University, she spent time in Broad Ripple and had her graduation party there.

She mentioned a recent, newly created event, "I love working with the Broad Ripple Village Association (BRVA) with the Carnival event and want to explore possible future connections with them."

Ms. Fitzgerald provided some history on the dog park that started around 1995. "Back then Beth Krouch, who was then park manager, and Indy Parks Deputy Director Don Colvin knew folks would look at the bark park in terms of a standard. There were some area citizens who were a part of the dog park in the beginning. They were ahead of their time. I was assistant park manager and opened the Broad Ripple Family Center in 2003. Just last week, somebody stopped by to donate a library book." (The library moved to their current Glendale location around the fall of 2000.)

Broad Ripple Park has been a historical destination for generations of families. Programs created during Ms. Fitzgerald's tenure are perennially popular. Their fall program guide offers early childhood dance, sport classes, art, and a wide range of programs. For pre-school and Youth, these courses expand to art and special interest classes, like karate. Adults can participate in a dance and fitness curriculum that includes low-impact aerobics and beginning gardening.

"I think we have highly qualified instructors at a reasonable price for the different classes. Another thing I'm proud of is that we have classes ranging from pre-school to seniors that can feel like this park is theirs. I used to teach and now I get the sense of seeing kids growing up," she reminisced.

A VITA tax program started by Winnie Ballard (wife of former Mayor Greg Ballard), helps people get their taxes done for free. It is made possible from a partnership with United Way.

"People like Kathy are such a part of the neighborhood, offering services and classes on a daily basis. They're really key to the vibrancy of the neighborhood and community," Ms. Broadfoot noted.

In addition to these activities, there is even more. "Through the summer, we have a lot of family reunion shelter rentals since we are centrally located. People can come in from all sides of town. I've noticed recently that we have a lot of special events, like basic walks in various areas for fund raising. The pool and the camp events for the summer and the Girls Rock! Group Rocks with the BRVA event are also popular. I oversee all the programming, dog park and day camp activities. We have aquatic special events, Touch a Truck, Ginger Bread Houses (December 8-9) and a Flashlight Egg Hunt for children and the dogs. It really is one of the most multi-faceted parks in the city. There is something for everyone, even taking a walk along the White River, Ms. Fitzgerald explained. Friends of Broad Ripple support many of these events

Touch A Truck, Holiday Gingerbread Houses, STEM with LEGOs, Egg Hunts, Swim Lessons, Ballet and Gymnastics are also popular offerings for children and adults alike.

Ronnetta Spalding is Indy Parks chief communications officer. "Before joining Indy Parks, I was not aware of everything this wonderful place has to offer. Now, I bring my kids here and we consider this to be our park. We check out what is going on inside and outside with classes, activities, and special events. When I was a Broad Ripple High School student, we walked to Broad Ripple Park to see what was going on in the park. There's always something going on in Broad Ripple. And, it's encouraging to see Indy Parks strengthen partnerships with Broad Ripple area businesses."

Ms. Fitzgerald is current working on the winter and spring guide that will be released soon. More information on its contents can be answered by calling the Broad Ripple Park Family Center at (317) 327-7161 or by accessing their website at: www.indyparks.org.

Kathy Fitzgerald, Linda Broadfoot and Ronnetta Spalding are making Broad Ripple Park a vibrant community gathering space that inspires generations.