I have never ceased to be impressed by Broad Ripple! Growing up here I loved the parks, the shopping (a fine combo of necessities and intriguing extras), and the bustle of the village. The ducks and the canal continually lured us to walk, the firehouse was an anchor that provided a sense of security, and the ice cream shops drew us in on hot summer nights. While I moved away for almost 10 years before returning to Indy, Broad Ripple was still a magnet. Thinking about my deep-rooted connection with the area inspired me to take stock again of our unique community.

We all know the shops, bars, and restaurants, but can you name the natural features of the area? I contend these spots enhance the village, contributing to its charm and enduring appeal.

Parks are central to the natural resources of our village. Our community park, Broad Ripple Park, has 61 acres accessible to the entire city. Located on the site of White City Amusement Park (1906), it was named Broad Ripple Park in 1922 with a change in ownership. It was not until 1945 that the Board of Parks Commission of Indianapolis purchased the acreage and removed most of the rides except for the carousel. Luckily as a child, I got to ride the carousel (now at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis), climb on the Nickel Plate Road 587 steam locomotive, and lifeguard at the pool that was once the site for 1924 and 1952 Olympic swimming tryouts.

As times have changed, the park has changed. Its features now include a versatile family center with great Parks Department programming, a smaller but more modern outdoor pool, picnic shelters, tennis courts, ball fields, bark park, playgrounds, and recycling center. Its north side includes a forested wetlands bordering the White River and Culbertson Ditch. The grounds have a variety of hardwood trees, wildflowers, and birds ― nice attractions for a stroll.

Another splendid resource is Holliday Park. On the edge of Broad Ripple, its 95 acres are dedicated to woodlands and trails, also offering a playground, picnic area, the ruins, and a wonderful nature center with a variety of nature programs and an indoor bird-watching station. This is one of the oldest parks, having been deeded over to the city in 1916 but not acquired until 1932. John Holliday, founder of The Indianapolis News and Union Trust Co. (to become Indiana National Bank) donated his summer home to the city. "I believe that a responsibility of this community rests upon every citizen. If he has prospered through the growth and business activity of the place, he ought to do something to make it better than he found it," Holliday said in 1916.

There are still more parks in the area. Marott Park and Nature Preserve on College Avenue has flora and fauna to be enjoyed growing on the land along Williams Creek and the White River. Another nearby nature preserve is Stamm Park, only two acres located at 73rd and College. Local neighborhood parks include the Alice Carter Place, Broadway and 61st Park, Canterbury Park, and Riverwood Park.

Not to be forgotten are the water features of the village: White River, Williams Creek, the Canal, Dawson Lake, and Northdale Lake. Finally, the centerpiece of the area is the Monon Trail. Many citizens new to the area comment about the trailway that links us to downtown and areas including Nora and Carmel. The outdoor activity it inspires is impressive. Communities that ring the village (Meridian-Kessler, Meridian Hills, Rocky Ripple, Arden, and Glendale) all benefit from the diverse natural features located in and around Broad Ripple. What better time than spring to get out for a visit to these marvelous resources?