Fishers plans new White River Greenway and pedestrian bridge for community access

During a recent Carmel Town Hall meeting, city officials highlighted several upcoming community projects aimed at enhancing local parks and recreational spaces. Rich Taylor, a key speaker at the meeting, announced the construction of a new play area for younger children, inspired by the nostalgic Carmelot play structure. This facility is set to open in May, promising to be a cherished addition for families in the community.

In addition to the play area, the city is expanding the White River Greenway. This extension will stretch from its current endpoint near an elementary school to 140 Sixth Street. The project, which is a collaboration with Connor Prairie, will feature a new trailhead with an overlook, allowing visitors to enjoy scenic views of the river while immersed in nature.

Further enhancing connectivity, a pedestrian bridge is being constructed at the 106th Street alignment. This bridge will link Hazel Landing Park in Carmel to Heritage Park in Fishers, creating a pathway that connects multiple communities. The bridge will also integrate with existing trails, including the Big 4 Trail in Zionsville and the Monon Greenway, facilitating easier access for residents across the region.

Moreover, the city plans to develop two new greenways: one running east-west to connect the Monon Greenway to the Old Meridian Street corridor, and another running north-south to link Main Street to the new east-west corridor. While these projects are still in the planning stages and may take a couple of years to complete, they reflect Carmel's commitment to promoting active lifestyles and community engagement with nature.

The meeting underscored the city's proactive approach to enhancing recreational infrastructure, which is expected to significantly benefit residents and visitors alike. As these projects progress, they will not only improve local amenities but also foster a stronger sense of community connectivity.