Downtown Indy Takes Over Canal Event Management
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowDowntown Indy says it has taken over event management of the Downtown Canal. The organization will focus on attracting events including run/walks, festivals and weddings. Plans also call for a Downtown Canal playscape.
March 22, 2015
News Release
Indianapolis, Ind. — The Downtown Canal Walk's three-mile loop is a popular urban respite for fitness enthusiasts and serenity-seekers alike. While the City of Indianapolis maintains ownership of the Canal, Downtown Indy has been engaged to activate and manage the events along the City's portion of the Canal and market the Canal Walk. This includes, but is not limited to, hosting run/walks, festivals, weddings and other third-party rentals. The goal is to enhance the vitality of adjacent properties and attract and host special events and gatherings.
“We are exciting to take on marketing and managing of events on the Canal Walk,” said Sherry Seiwert, Downtown Indy's president. “Doing so is core to our mission. The Canal Walk is already one of Downtown's most popular destinations. Much like we do for Georgia Street, we look forward to programming the Canal and ensuring it remains a unique Downtown asset for our residents, employees and visitors.”
“The City of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD) is thrilled to partner with Downtown Indy in creating a new management agreement for the programming and use of the Central Canal,” said DMD Director Adam Thies. “This incredible downtown asset will now be enhanced even further with DI's passion for Downtown Indianapolis and creating places for people to enjoy our city.”
Downtown Indy will work in collaboration with White River State Park to continue creating a sense of place on the Canal Walk, utilizing the area's Cultural District distinction in the marketing: The Canal and White River State Park Cultural District. The State of Indiana manages the Canal south and west of the West Street overpass. The City of Indianapolis owns and manages the Canal starting at the Ohio Street basin and north of that. DI will assist all third-party rentals for the Canal Walk's four designated event spaces: Admiral Spruance Basin and Community Service Plaza, Walnut Street, Vermont Street and Ohio Street basins.
Additionally, as part of the Velocity Plan, Downtown Indy will activate the Canal Walk for public events to draw residents and visitors to enjoy the Canal. Staff and volunteers from Downtown Indy will first start by assessing the events already scheduled and planned, work with stakeholders whose businesses, residences and organizations border the Canal and come up with short and long term plans.
One of the first new elements of the Canal Walk will include the creation of a Downtown Canal playscape, which is currently in the planning stages. Downtown Indy and the Indianapolis Parks Foundation are partnering with the City of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development to invest in the development of a playscape. Supporting investment of a playscape will offer unique recreation opportunities for Canal Walk neighbors and Downtown Indy residents and visitors to enjoy. An announcement about the playscape partnership with plans and timeliness is scheduled for late spring.
A website has been created with more information about current Canal events, rental opportunities and more: http://www.canalwalkindy.com/
A few of the events already booked on the Canal Walk include:
–FDIC Courage & Valor Fun Run – April 23
–Race4Rehma – April 25
–Walking for Dreams – May 17
–Kidney Walk – June 13
–Tri Indy – Aug. 2
–FARE Walk for Food Allergy – Aug. 22
–IUPUI Regatta – Sept. 19
–Spotlight on Nursing Run/Walk – Oct. 3
As a private, not-for-profit organization, Downtown Indy is uniquely positioned to address issues that affect the area's growth and well-being. Downtown Indy focuses on three areas: development, management and marketing to advance Downtown as a great place to live, learn, work and play.
Source: Downtown Indy