On January 16, 2019, the City of Indianapolis' Department of Metropolitan Development approved the proposal of IndyParks (Resolution 2019-R-006) to transfer Broad Ripple park land so it could be used by Community Health Network or a similar group for a doctor's office or clinic in exchange for building a new community center. The land surrounding the current community center and associated parking lots all the way down to the White River are no longer part of Broad Ripple Park. The transfer of the land from IndyParks to DMD was approved to start implementation of IndyParks controversial Broad Ripple Park master plan recommendations.

Friends of Broad Ripple Pool, already concerned about the plan to close the outdoor pool, spoke out against the proposal at the meeting.

"There are plenty of other locations for a new Community Hospital outpatient clinic," stated Broad Ripple attorney David Dearing.

"These include the vacant Marsh grocery store, the soon to be vacant Macy's store at Glendale Mall, as well as Broad Ripple High School," he continued. "No way should it be located on our scarce park land," he said.

"The Broad Ripple Park outdoor pool is an asset to the entire City," continued Broad Ripple resident Kathy Rosenberg said who enjoys swimming and sun bathing at the facility. "Many have learned to swim at the facility," she noted. Use of park land for something unrelated to park usage sets a dangerous precedent in a city that already has too few parks, the group noted.

"There is no need to transfer any land to the City of Indianapolis at this point," continued Dearing. "We are also concerned that the transfer may include the existing swimming pool. Over 500 signatures on a petition were given to the Mayor in August asking that the pool be saved."

The Friends of Broad Ripple Pool is instead recommending that IndyParks sell naming rights to raise funds for the pool, the Community Center, the tennis courts, the outdoor pavilion, and the trails instead of trying to raise funds by putting private facilities on precious park land.

They also want to explore outsourcing of operation of the pool as well as longer pool hours, staying open through Labor Day or beyond, opening on Memorial Day weekend, and not being closed Mondays.

To help stop the Broad Ripple Park land grab, join Friends of Broad Ripple Pool on Facebook. Also call Community Health Network and ask that they find a different location.

Also let our City-County Councilor, the Mayor, IndyParks, and the BRVA know you want them to support halting this harmful decision to allow non-park usages on park land.

Parks are for people, not doctor's offices.

IndyParks will now put out to bid its proposal again. Last year only Community Hospital/Community Health Network expressed an interest. The Hospital currently operates a clinic on Broad Ripple Avenue.

Frustrated with Fisher's refusal to consider a joint rail and trail use for the Nickel Plate regional rail corridor (which runs from 10th Street in downtown Noblesville all the way to Noblesville), rail advocate Logan Day of Save the Nickel Plate is running for mayor of that city. Join Save the Nickel Plate on Facebook and tell Indy DPW to support a joint rail trail use. The corridor is already set up that way in Indianapolis as anyone who has ridden the Monon Trail knows.

A bicyclist had his bike stolen on the Monon Trail near 10th Street recently. Be careful out there.

Governor Holcomb's proposed budget ends state support for the Hoosier State train to Chicago. It was a surprise since just a few years ago the Governor participated in train day rally and rode the train to Lafayette where he gave a speech on the importance of passenger rail. He also praised rail in his more recent State of the State address. Tell Representative Hamilton and State Senator Ruckelhaus to urge the Governor and Legislature to restore funding for the train. After all, if we have money for Delta's non-stop flight to Paris (which we subsidize), we certainly can support the train to Chicago. It's a perfect alternative to the congested and accident prone I-65. For more information, join Hoosiers for Passenger Rail on Facebook. Going to Chicago? Try the service. Tickets at Amtrak.com.

IndyGo will hold a briefing on the Red Line and associated construction activities in February. Watch this column for details. It will be held at the Indianapolis Art Center (see page 3). The Red Line is our new bus rapid transit to downtown from Broad Ripple. It will replace the current #17 and #18 routes. Construction is already underway on Meridian south of 38th Street, on College Avenue, and on Capitol Avenue downtown. Cities throughout the world already have bus rapid transit lines which are higher frequency, upgraded bus routes which make fewer stops than traditional lines (and are much cheaper than light rail).

Stay tuned for a screening of a new film on the White River which includes the section in Broad Ripple. Details in my next column.

February 3, 2019 - Music on the Monon at the Indianapolis Art Center

February 8, 2019 - Opening reception for the winter exhibition, Indianapolis Art Center