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(This story is posted as part of a partnership between the Hamilton County Reporter newspaper & LarryInFishers.com. It appeared in the March 2nd edition of the Reporter. It contains the Indiana Transportation Museum’s response to the recent proposed transformation of the rail line into a walking & biking trail)
With the announcement of plans by the
Cities of Fishers and Noblesville to convert
the local landmark, Nickel Plate railroad to
a walking and biking trail, the area is at risk
of losing a major historic and economic
differentiator.
The Indiana Transportation Museum,
which has operated events and excursions
on the line since 1990, is disheartened by
the direction local leaders have chosen.
With downtown developments carrying the
Nickel Plate theme, the railroad as a
historical, tourism-oriented entity has the
capacity to continually enrich the area’s
market appeal and economic footprint.
Studies have shown ITM is one of the top
attractions in Hamilton County.
Many cities have walking and biking
paths, but few in the United States have an
operating heritage railroad operating
through bustling business districts with
access to a large metropolitan market such
as Indianapolis. The organization brings in
more than 40,000 riders into the area each
year at a growing rate, and many travel from
out of town. These visitors buy gas, soda
and snacks at convenience stores; have dinner and drinks at local restaurants and
bars as well as stay in local hotels. The
economic impact of such a move on the local
businesses and community must be carefully
considered before the heritage railroad is
removed.
Museum officials have prepared a
master plan that calls for increased
excursions and events in order to maximize
economic and cultural benefit. The Museum
urges city officials to consider a join-useplan
for the rail corridor, thereby allowing
for both attractions to coexist for maximum
community benefit. The Museum believes
collaboration with city leaders is of the
utmost necessity to preserve this unique icon
and differentiator for the region as well as
future generations of enjoyment.
Currently, as many as 10,000 families
from across the region make museum events
such as Polar Bear Express, FairTrain and
regular offerings a family tradition. The
Museum wishes to reach a joint resolution
to ensure these experiences are preserved
for all to enjoy, thus allowing for the longterm
continuation of museum programs.