The hours of usage for Indy Parks Greenway Trails in Marion County including the Monon Trail will soon be 24-hour access per a rule change by the authority of the Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation. The rule will be effective July 21, 2015.

"Extending trail hours will improve connectivity for those who commute via bicycle to and from work - especially for those who do not work 9-5 hours," said John Williams, Indianapolis Parks and Recreation Director. "Greenway trails play a critical role in our city's transit network, and increasing access to the trail system adds yet another transportation option for residents." (The Monon hours were just changed to 5 a.m. to midnight back in November 2014. Previously, the hours were dawn to dusk.)

At a public comment hearing on June 15, 2015, held at Holliday Park, Williams said opening the greenways 24/7 would improve the area's competitiveness. "What type of city do we want to be?" he asked, noting that since we don't have beaches or mountains we have offer networking on trails like Portland does.

Williams dismissed concerns expressed about safety, noting there is currently little crime on the Monon according to IMPD data.

Additional lighting on the trails is not planned and would be cumbersome and costly, he continued. (There is also no increase in IMPD patrols planned after the trail hours change.)

The director noted that front and rear bicycle lighting is required to ride a bicycle at night.

Andre Denman, Principal Parks and Greenways Planner at Indy Parks, said Indianapolis was extending its bike trails regionally. All the trails will connect with each other. Parks planner Jamison Hutchins noted that there has been a 96% increase in bike commuters from 2000 to 2013 with the goal being to connect all of the greenways.

A cyclist from Fishers said riding the Monon at night was safer than using Westfield Boulevard or College Avenue.

Joe Hettle from the Central Indiana Bicycling Association praised the move. He noted that recreational riders are generally not out at 2 a.m.

A representative from IndyCog also praised the new hours.

Not everyone is convinced the move is a good idea. Columnist Amos Brown (page A4, June 12, 2015, The Recorder) called allowing 24/7 use of the greenways "to be among the most inane, boneheaded, absurd public policy decisions I've ever seen in Indianapolis". He feared that there will be a horrendous crime on a trail which will fuel public demand for more lighting and patrols even though the city does not have the cash.

Every Thursday this summer through September 24, Holliday Park is partnering with Indy Food Truck Alliance to bring 4 - 5 food trucks to the park from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Trucks will be parked on the service drive between the playground and the Nature Center. Visit www.hollidaypark.org for a list of which trucks will be on-site each week.

How about a family creek stomp? Have fun discovering all the unique creatures that love these wet places. Wear old shoes and clothes that you don't mind getting muddy. The event is Sunday, Jul. 26 from 1:30-2:30 p.m.