The newly published Indy Greenways For All plan outlines Indianapolis officials' goal to significantly expand the city's network of trails.
The document outlines plans for 260 miles of new greenways and trails to be added to the city. That's more than double the 120 miles of trails that exist now.
Daniel Hedglin manages the trails and greenways team at the Indianapolis Department of Public Works.
"As part of the plan, we've been thinking through what would it look like to get close to 80% of people here in Marion County, or nearly 800,000 people within a mile of a greenway," Hedglin said.
The Greenways for All plan has been in the works for the last two years, with officials conducting studies, gathering public comments, and learning from other cities.
The report identifies several advantages to a wide-ranging system of trails and greenways. It says greenways reduce reliance on personal vehicles, encourage exercise and recreation, maintain space for nature, and increase foot traffic to local businesses.
But the plan will take time to fully execute.
It highlights several high-priority projects across the city that would add 80 miles of trails to the city's network. The report estimates if the city's current rate of trail work holds steady, workers will be able to complete these trails in 13 years.
The cost for finishing that group of trails would be $250 million in construction costs, with $20 million in annual capital costs. The plan outlines a diverse source of potential revenue streams to fund construction.
"When people ask, 'What can we do,'" Hedglin said, "you can read the plan, talk with people about the plan, but also get on our greenways and trails and enjoy them."
The full report is available here. Marion County residents can submit comments and questions about the plan online.
Contact WFYI Digital Producer and Reporter Jeremy Reuben at jreuben@wfyi.org
