Paving The Way to a Leaner, Greener Indy

Paving The Way to a Leaner, Greener Indy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 13, 2006

Contact:

Gail Swanstrom
317.631.6542 x166
gails@cicf.org

Erin Pipkin
317.631.6400
epipkin@bjmpr.com

Justin Ohlemiller
317.327.3690
johlemil@indygov.org

PAVING THE WAY TO A LEANER, GREENER INDY

Public/private partnership unveils plans for the Indianapolis Cultural Trail

INDIANAPOLIS – A public/private partnership of Indianapolis leaders today unveiled the Indianapolis Cultural Trail � a world-class urban bike and pedestrian path that will connect all six Indianapolis cultural districts and bring users to the front door of nearly every arts, cultural, heritage, sports and entertainment venue downtown.

The unveiling included an announcement of the Trail's primary sponsors and namesake, as well as artists' renderings and maps of the project. Gene and Marilyn Glick are giving $15 million to the Trail, which will be permanently recognized as "A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick."

"Marilyn and I are excited about participating in this momentous undertaking for our city and appreciate the opportunity to use our resources for this worthwhile purpose," said Gene Glick. "I want to compliment Brian and everyone else involved in the planning and implementation of the Cultural Trail."

In addition to the Glicks' generous donation, the Trail is funded through federal and local transportation grants and many other generous individuals and foundations - no local taxpayer dollars are being used on the construction of the Trail. The estimated cost for the trail is $50 million and to date, $34 million, or two-thirds of the total budget, has been raised.

The 7.5-mile trail will serve as the downtown hub for the central Indiana greenway system, not only providing an inspiring and safe way to travel and exercise throughout Indianapolis, but also exposing users to downtown�s dynamic arts amenities and the city's rich heritage.Unveiling the Indianapolis Cultural Trail today was the project team, led by Central Indiana Community Foundation President Brian Payne and Mayor Bart Peterson. The team also includes:

"The Indianapolis Cultural Trail will completely change the way our nation and the world perceives Indianapolis," said Brian Payne, president of Central Indiana Community Foundation, who first developed the idea and has led the project since it began in 2001. "They will come to Indianapolis to do the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, a Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick, and discover that Indianapolis has an incredibly dynamic arts, culture, heritage and entertainment scene."

"Indianapolis continues to grow its reputation as a nationally renowned destination city for arts, culture and thriving quality of life, and the Indianapolis Cultural Trail takes this effort to an entirely new level," said Mayor Peterson. "The Cultural Trail will be a world-class amenity that is truly unique to our city."

The five downtown cultural districts connected by the Indianapolis Cultural Trail include Fountain Square, Indiana Avenue, Mass Ave, The Canal & White River State Park and Wholesale District. The Indianapolis Cultural Trail will also connect with the Monon Trail via Mass Ave at 10th Street, allowing visitors easy access to Broad Ripple Village from downtown.

The Indianapolis Cultural Trail will boost tourism, quality of place and quality of life in central Indiana. It will increase downtown residential development and inspire new business. It will also position Indianapolis as a dynamic city, which is essential for attracting and retaining talented professionals, which is the key to succeeding in a global economy.

With the growing epidemic of obesity in Indiana, the Trail will also provide a safe and free form of exercise that supports both state and city initiatives, INShape and FitCity.

Construction of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail will begin in March 2007, with the corridor along Alabama St. first. The project will be done in six corridor stages over three years, and is projected to be complete in 2009.

More information about the Indianapolis Cultural Trail is available at www.indyculturaltrail.org.

###