Have you ever forgotten, just for a moment, all your worries - forgotten where you were? It happens, for me, when I run along the Monon Trail. Sweet earth, summer green, and the sweltering air. It could be the steaming South, or the mountains of California. But it's not. It's the Monon. This trail, along with all others in Indianapolis, is maintained by Indy Parks Greenways. IPG just appointed its new administrator, Peggy Boehm. Maintaining the trails of Marion County is no easy task, but Boehm is up to the challenge. Boehm, who says she loves the outdoors, steps into her new position with an impressive background. A Certified Public Accountant by training, Boehm spent the last twenty years in public service. She worked for Governor Orr's Administration on the Public Service Commission, headed the Indianapolis Development Committee as Executive Director, was one of three individuals on the Tax Board in '94, and was Budget Director for Governors Kernan and O'Bannon. These are just a few of her credentials. Aside from being immensely successful, she is also a delightful woman.

Her position as Greenways Administrator entails overseeing all aspects of the Greenways development, including its extensive building projects, such as the Upper Fall Creek Trail, its continual maintenance, and the promotion of the greenways to the public. She is also the liaison between Greenways and Indy Parks.

Where will Boehm take the Greenways? She intends to oversee the connecting of Indianapolis greenways so that eventually they create one whole circuit. Already the Monon connects to Fall Creek Trail and to the canal here in Broad Ripple. Boehm hopes the connecting trails will serve citizens recreationally, but also as travel routes through Indianapolis. With support from Federal Highway funds and tax money, new trails are in the works for the West Side of Indianapolis. Boehm also hopes to establish more fitness events along the trails.

Broad Ripple's greenways will see trail improvements, according to Boehm. Over the summer the shoulders will be raised to match the trail level, giving users more space. According to the proposed plan, shoulder improvements should be completed - from Broad Ripple Avenue to 86th Street - by the end of summer.

Boehm and her Greenways colleagues can be found in their new office, "The Depot," on East 64th Street, right along the Monon. Boehm says that, "[it's] a wonderful place to work, here in Broad Ripple," and hopes that residents will stop by. Boehm, who lives just outside Broad Ripple, has always been fond of the area.

While Boehm plans to improve the trails for users, she says that for her to be successful, the giving must be reciprocal. Boehm hopes that residents and users of the Monon will share their feelings and suggestions about the trails, and report any problems they find while in transit. With their proximity to the Broad Ripple community, "We are accessible," says Boehm, "We would welcome hearing about problems."

While the Greenways would appreciate suggestions and reports, they also provide volunteering opportunities to the eager. Boehm hopes to resurrect the position of Trail Monitors, in which people who already trek the Monon give the Greenways a report at the end of their walk or exercise - An easy task and a great way to give back. If you've traveled the Monon lately, you would have noticed children on its edges, mulching, trimming, and pruning the trail. Over the course of the summer children from an Indianapolis summer camp will be helping to beautify the Monon and learn about caring for the earth. Opportunities are available for large groups or individual ambitions.

To a leader who has contributed immensely to our community, and to a well-used trail, it is only fitting to give back equally to this beautiful piece of Broad Ripple. Those interested may contact Annie Brown in the depot office at 327-7431. Further information about Peggy Boehm, Greenways maps, and future development plans can be found at: www.indygreenways.org. Please send Peggy Boehm your suggestions at 327-7432.