How did people get around before planes, trains and automobiles? Aside from the classic horse and buggy, communities relied on waterways to travel throughout their village, or to other communities. Before six lane highways and national interstates, waterways were what truly connected people and places, making them one of the most important aspects in a community.

Many people don't know the city of Indianapolis contains six different waterways: Fall Creek, Pleasant Run, Central Canal, Little Eagle Creek, Pogue's Run, and White River. Sadly, they've lost that sense of importance to our community. Although an organization called Reconnecting to our Waterways (ROW) is making an effort to change that.

Their goal is for the people of Indianapolis to be reconnected to our major waterways by embracing cultural, economic, and educational opportunities made possible by revitalizing community spaces, and in the neighborhoods around them.

"We are working as a team of organizations and individuals to reclaim our Indianapolis waterways and the surrounding neighborhoods," said the director of ROW, Corrie Meyer. "It's really about strengthening our waterways; and in turn, our waterways strengthen our neighborhoods."

This seems like a pretty daunting task; given there are hundreds of miles of waterways here in Indy. Although Meyer and her team make it simple by breaking it down.

ROW identifies six elements to apply to any waterway or neighborhood project. These elements are: aesthetics, education, connectivity, ecological, economical, and well-being. "There's a committee for each waterway, and then there's a committee for each element," explained Meyer. "Our committees are made up of the residents who live in the neighborhoods along our waterways, and professionals in the industry they represent. For example, there are professionals in economics. We have a whole committee that focuses on economic development."

They also work alongside "quality of life" plans already set in place by GINI (Great Indy Neighborhoods Initiative) and LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation). "It's a big team effort."

Meyer remarked that it would be impossible to summarize all of ROW's accomplishments since they launched in 2012. Although in 2015 alone, with their partners, they've invested over 31 million dollars into our waterway neighborhoods. "This includes trails, art pieces, creative place-making, and opportunities for arts and culture in all neighborhoods, not just some."

Recently, ROW awarded grants totaling $250,000 to Fall Creek, Central Canal and Pogue's Run. This money will support projects utilizing arts and culture to shape the physical and social character of Indy neighborhoods. If you would like to check out their current projects, go to http://reconnectingtoourwaterways.org.

ROW emphasizes that all neighborhoods are equitable. They strive to service every neighborhood, not just one or another. If you live in a neighborhood surrounding one of our Indianapolis waterways, reach out to ROW by contacting Director@ourwaterways.org. Since ROW functions on teamwork and collaboration, they always welcome to help from professionals, businesses, artists, or residents.