Leaders in Hamilton County, particularly in Noblesville, are working hard to ensure White River does more than serve as a geographic divider in the city.

The goal? Turn a 58-mile stretch of the river in Hamilton and Marion counties into a major asset that drives recreational programming, development and culture around the water.

In May, Hamilton County Tourism and the Hamilton County Commissioners, namely Commissioner Christine Altman, joined with the City of Indianapolis and Visit Indy’s Tourism Tomorrow to kick of the 12-month initiative. Massachusettes-based Agency Landscape + Planning has been hired to lead development. The company works solely on projects aimed at cultural development and environmentalism.

Now, the plan is continuing to move forward with a series of public meetings, the first of which will be held in Noblesville July 11. Two more meetings will follow in Indianapolis the following day. At the meetings, design team members will present analysis findings, gather feedback and input from community members, and discuss progress of the plan.

“Hamilton County is proud to be part of the plan to re-think how residents and visitors can connect with the White River,” said Brenda Myers, president and CEO of Hamilton County Tourism. “We hold the river in high regard as a part of our heritage and look forward to hearing community feedback about the White River Vision Plan’s progress.”

More specifically, those involved with the plan say it’s being developed for both residents and visitors to have a connector between city attractions, like arts and entertainment venues and trails, to housing in a larger effort to educate on the value of a having a river corridor in the community.

Over a 12-month planning period, work will include planning and analysis of current conditions of the river and waterfront areas with a focus on connectivity and programming. Leaders said another key factor is destination development, which would include enhancement of existing places, activation of new spaces and identification of areas in need of significant ecological protection or restoration.

A final plan is expected in spring 2019. For more, visit mywhiteriver.com.

ATTEND A MEETING

Meetings discussing the White River Vision Plan will be held at the following times and locations: