Did you know that the Monon Trail isn't just a pretty place for casual travel or serious exercise? Would it surprise you to know that critical infrastructure such as a 48" sewer main that serves much of the Northside lies under some of the Trail, and runs parallel to communications fibers buried along the route of your morning stroll?

A bright sunny morning greeted those who walked, biked, skated or jogged the Monon trail on Saturday morning, June 24th. Around noon, many passing the Depot, which is the headquarters of the Indianapolis Greenways Foundation, were surprised to find a crowd blocking their way. The crowd was listening to speakers regale the gathering with the history, future, premise and promise of the Monon Trail.

The speakers included Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson; Matthew Klein, President of the Greenways Foundation; Joe Wynns, Director of Indy Parks and Recreation; Ray Irvin, Indiana State Director of Greenways and Bikeways in the Department of Transportation; and Peggy Boehm, Administrator of the Greenways Division of Indy Parks and Recreation.

Many of the speakers noted the dramatic turnaround in development near the Monon trail. Just 10 years before, some had made dire predictions of crime and degraded property values. Now the Monon linear park is seen as a tremendous benefit to homeowners and real-estate developers, who frequently tout its easy access. Additional feeder trails are being built to enhance the reach of the Monon greenway. Several noted the numbers (more than 1.2 million visitors per year; $800 million of new real-estate development near the Monon in Carmel, greater than $500 million in new development for Indianapolis) and the personal benefits of fitness and community along the Monon.

Although about 80% of the funding for the Monon Trail came from Federal transportation enhancement grants, 20% of it was raised locally. Half the local funds came from private donations and half from local government matching grants.

Ray Irvin received a lifetime achievement award in recognition of his leadership and efforts for Indianapolis greenways. Ray now leads the State level program to duplicate the success of the Monon Trail development in other Indiana cities.