It was a large opening weekend for Geist Waterfront Park. The latest parks offering from the City of Fishers features a beach on Geist Lake, a pirate-themed playground area and a refreshment stand.
Fishers spokesperson Ashley Elrod tells LarryInFishers the Parks Department estimates 6,450 people enjoyed the park the first weekend it was open to the public.
That weekend did have a couple of things going for it – it was a long memorial Day weekend and the weather was perfect.
Fishers residents were allowed to park for free on the park grounds, but if no Fishers residents were in the vehicle, a $50 fee was charged (the fee is for each park visit, for Geist Waterfront only). I asked city officials how many nonresidents were charged the parking fee opening weekend and await a response.
The Parks and Recreation Department should be pleased with the turnout on Geist Waterfront’s opening weekend.
Wednesday, June 7, The City of Fishers will hold the popular Touch-A-Truck event. The weather got in the way last month, so this is the rescheduled date.
Below is a copy of the news release about Touch-A-Truck:
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Kids can explore the City of Fishers’ fleet of big rigs, including tractors, snowplows, police cars, and fire trucks, at the free Fishers Touch-a-Truck event on Wednesday, June 7 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater (6 Municipal Drive). This event is a reschedule from last month’s event that was cancelled due to inclement weather.
Enjoy demonstrations from Fishers Department of Public Works (DPW), Fishers Fire & Emergency Services, and the Fishers Police Department, including extrications, K-9 exercises, and road paving, as well as kids’ activities from Fishers Parks and food vendors. Event festivities include:
Hands-on experience with excavator, mowers, loaders, snow plows and more
Learn how street signs are made at the mobile Sign Lab
Learn about water after it goes down the drain
Get inside fire trucks and police cars and hear the sirens
Check out Meyer Najem’s construction equipment helping build the new Fishers City Hall & Art Center
Explore the inside of a Hamilton Southeastern Schools bus
Get up close with Fishers Police Department’s SWAT vehicle
Experience a water hose demonstration from Fishers Fire & Emergency Services
Experience a monster truck and tow truck
Check out Fishers DPW’s remote controlled lawn mower
Enjoy inflatables and bounce houses (waiver/wristbands required)
Get child ID kits, fire safety info, and immunization records available by request
Parking is available in the parking garages at the police station, Spark Apartments, First Internet Bank, Nickel Plate District Apartment Garage, and the Flats at Switch. ADA accessible parking is located in the south fire department lot. See parking map and learn more about the event here.
Ahead of the event, attendees can sign a waiver and get a wristband for the inflatables. The waiver is for inflatables only, attendees do not need to sign a waiver to get in trucks or equipment.
When: Wednesday, June 7, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Where: Nickel Plate District Amphitheater (6 Municipal Drive)
It’s time for the June activity from the Fishers Arts Council For the detail, here is the news release from the Arts Council with more details:
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June is a busy month for Fishers Arts Council, and we’re kicking it off with a brand-new
community exhibit called “Summer Shine!” This exhibit focuses on what brings us joy, the pride in being our true selves, and the beauty that shines from within. Bold colors, big statements, and love are the aim of this exhibit, and local artists definitely delivered!
“Having 22 artists on display is amazing,” says executive director, Les Reinhardt. “The only time we have ever had more artists in the gallery is during our annual Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists.” Creatives from Fishers, McCordsville, Noblesville, Carmel, Beech Grove, Indianapolis, and Bloomington are represented on the FAC Hub Gallery walls that reside inside the Collaboration Hub at Hamilton County Community Foundation.
The artists on display are: Caitlin Bischoff, Margot Bogue, Bob Boyle, Sharon Jiskra Brooks, Krista
Darrow, Shakila Garugu, Linda Havel, Shaunt’e Lewis, Teri Maloney, Tina Mangos, Tyler Moore, Maggie Mullin, Alyssa Parr, Jeannette Pomeroy Parssi, Kristina Poulsen, Mark Rouse, Frances Ruiz, Amanda Russo, Walt Thacker, Mandi Voegele, Casey Williams, and Tania Michelle Wineglass.
The exhibit is open for viewing Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm and Fridays by appointment by contacting the Fishers Arts Council.
Join the party at our Second Friday reception on June 9 from 6-8pm at the Collaboration Hub at 11810 Technology Drive in Fishers and meet these incredible artists, enjoy their wonderful art, listen to tunes by Remington Hill, and take part in our refreshments and cash bar. Our featured artisan is Deanna Poelsma of Glazed and Confused Creations. This event is welcome to all ages – plus we’ll hold a special interview segment with some of they artists at 6:45pm. We’ll see you on Second Friday.
Fishers Music Works is wasting no time in letting everyone know their annual concert of patriotic music is set for 2023. This year’s event is scheduled for July 2, 2023, at he Legacy Bible Church on Howe Road.
This is the 7th annual version of this concert. General admission tickets are $12, but all under 18 years of age are free. Buy your tickets at this link.
A look at the Geist Waterfront Park beach days before opening to the public
There has been a great deal of commentary about the $50 parking fee charged nonresidents of Fishers during the summer months at the new Geist Waterfront Park. Let’s just say it has not been a positive image for our city to those living outside our city limits.
This reminds me of the old saying, “no good deed goes unpunished.”
First, a little history.
Irving Materials Inc. (IMI) had a mining operation on Geist Lake near Olio Road for many years. When the property was mined-out, there were rumors IMI and the other owner of the property, Marina Limited Partnership, were taking offers from developers for constructing high-priced homes on the property.
Seeing the first and only opportunity to preserve any public space on Gest Reservoir, the City of Fishers, in 2017, made it clear publicly, that it was the city’s intention to use condemnation, if necessary, to acquire the IMI property for a public park.
The haggling over the purchase price ended up in court, but a judge in 2018 ruled on the amount IMI would receive in the sale, $15.7 million. The city began moving forward. Constructing a park on a reservoir takes a long time, with many regulatory hurdles involved.
In November of 2022, Fishers invited people to come out and see the park, despite bone-chilling cold. Hundreds braved the elements to check out the new park.
There was a ribbon-cutting ceremony in May and the new Geist Waterfront Park opened to the public May 27th for the Memorial holiday weekend. I have asked the city for numbers on attendance at the park on that first weekend, but they were still working on that at last report.
This is a gorgeous park with a beach, swimming area and boats (non-motorized) available for rent. A pirate-themed play area is there, along with a concession stand.
Another thing about Geist Waterfront Park – it is small. There was only so much property available to the city once IMI moved out. Mayor Scott Fadness asked the City Council to approve a $50 parking fee for those living outside Fishers during the summer months.
The mayor told the council this is the method he recommends to allow Fishers residents reasonable access to the park, since their tax dollars are paying for it. Fadness also emphasized that controlling the number of people at the park is a safety issue.
The Council voted in favor of the $50 non-resident parking fee in April by a 7-2 vote, with Democrats Jocelyn Vare and Crystal Neumann casting the no votes. Councilor Vare expressed concerns this is not a sign Fishers is a welcoming city.
I had a podcast recording session with the mayor May 24th. Given the criticism the city has faced, I asked if the $50 nonresident parking fee will remain in place the 2023 summer season at Geist Waterfront Park and he replied it will. I asked Mayor Fadness if his administration had looked into other alternatives to the $50 parking fee to allow city residents access to the park and control the crowd to handle safety concerns. The mayor responded that there is no legal way to restrict access to this park for city residents only. He explained a data calculation on how the city arrived at the $50 figure.
As someone that has been a resident of Fishers for 32 years, I am concerned about the image this parking fee has cast on our city. I perfectly understand the mayor’s arguments into how and why the parking fee was imposed. Some moments tend to define a city, like Carmel will forever be known for its roundabouts.
This will present a major challenge to the mayor and his staff. If this is a short-term public relations hit that will go away in a few weeks, that is one thing. I fear this controversy may be a long-term hit on the reputation of Fishers. I hope I’m wrong.
But it all comes back to the mayor’s desire to have public space on Geist reservoir, rather than more million-dollar homes. That is a noble goal and the park is a testament to that goal achieved.
It goes back to that old saying mentioned earlier in this commentary, “no good deed goes unpunished.”
The Juneteenth Jubilee will be back in Fishers in 2023. The place is Conner Prairie. The day is Monday, June 19th. The time is 5-8pm.
The Fishers Arts Council will once again partner with the Fishers High School Future Black Leaders club to stage this year’s celebration. The annual student-managed event features black owned businesses and artists, culinary artists, community resources, as well as talented performing artists: Tom Foolery, Jasmine White, Pen & Paper, Zwebby, and DJ D Nyce. Journee Collins and Bailey Liner will perform the Black National Anthem: Lift Every Voice and Sing by James Wheldon Johnson.
This year the Kid’s Zone will be expanded to include a playground, bouncy houses, face painting, balloon animals, games, and interactive music with Indy Music & Wellness. All activities in the Kid’s Zone are free. Conner Prairie will offer balloon rides for a fee, weather permitting. Food vendors include: ChefTLC, Just Cakin’ It, and El Venezolano Food Truck.
“Juneteenth is important because it is a celebration for African Americans moving closer to freedom. This event highlights the achievements and advancements we have made as a culture. Being a part of the Jubilee helps to show support to this important historic holiday in a fun community setting,” says Brooklynn Ferrell, student organizer for Juneteenth Jubilee and 2023-2024 Co-President of Fishers High School’s Future Black Leaders club.
The Juneteenth Jubilee is free and open to the public.
Les Reinhardt, executive director of Fishers Arts Council says, “Working alongside these incredible student leaders, especially Brooklynn, is an inspiration. We are proud to support these students and the amazing event they create for the community year after year. They decide what will be offered, coordinate with the vendors and entertainment, create educational materials, and fundraise. It’s really amazing to see the power of what our youth can make happen in Fishers.”
Juneteenth is a celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It became a federal holiday in 2021.
Future Black Leaders club members at 2022 Juneteenth Jubilee
Another week of summer and another busy week for road construction and other projects in and around Fishers.
Here is the full listing, as provided by the City of Fishers:
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STATE ROAD 37 AND 141ST STREET A pre-construction phase at SR 37 & 141st Street is currently in place. During this phase, 141st Street will be a Right-In-Right-Out (RIRO) traffic configuration. This is not the permanent configuration. This will allow for traffic to flow more freely along SR 37 until the next phases of construction can be activated. This will eliminate backups along SR 37 that have caused dangerous stops to the free flow traffic and backups on the 146th Street interchange. Again, this is not the permanent configuration for 141st Street. The full timeline for the 141st Street interchange will be provided after project bids are accepted in the Summer of 2023. View detour routes here.
CLEAR PATH IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
To learn more about the Clear Path Improvement Project and sign up to receive text and email updates, visit clearpath465.com
I-465 & I-69 Drivers will see an increase in construction along the I-69 corridor in the coming months. This work will focus on reconfiguring the interchange at I-465 and I-69. New ramps will provide direct movements from eastbound I-465 and northbound I-465 to northbound I-69. Binford Blvd. will also be reconstructed to separate local traffic from traffic entering and exiting I-69 and I-465. Access to I-69 from Binford Blvd. will remain open. Drivers can expect to see significant activity on I-69 at the 82nd Street interchange.
The ramp from I-69 North to 82nd Street and the ramp from 82nd Street to I-69 North is currently closed through late 2023. For detour routes and additional project information, visit clearpath465.com
NICKEL PLATE TRAIL
To learn more about the Nickel Plate Trail, view the Capital Project Dashboard here.
NICKEL PLATE TRAIL The City of Fishers is working on the completion of the Fishers portion of the Nickel Plate Trail. The remaining paving work from 96th Street to 106th Street is underway, and construction crews are currently working to clear and prep the area for paving. In the coming weeks, construction crews will begin the paving process.
Beginning on or after Monday, June 5, Hague Road will be closed at the NPT crossing for construction of the speed table and is anticipated to reopen by Monday, June 12. The detour shall use Crosspoint Blvd. to 106th Street. View detour route here.
Beginning on or after Monday, June 12, 116th Street between Eller Road and River Road will be under lane restrictions for bridge joint replacement by Hamilton County. The estimated completion date is Friday, June 16. Lane restrictions will be in place daily between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Flaggers will be in place.
PROJECTS NORTH OF 116TH STREET
CUMBERLAND ROAD
There are daily lane closures currently on Cumberland Road, just south of 126th Street for sanitary and water line work. The northbound right turn lane and the southbound passing blister will be closed.
146TH STREET & ALLISONVILLE ROAD – HAMILTON COUNTY PROJECT
Phase 1 construction for the grade separation intersection improvement is currently taking place at 146th Street and Allisonville Road. One through lane and one left turn lane in all directions will be closed through the intersection. In addition to these closures, the worksite speed limit will be 35 mph. Please exercise caution while driving through this construction zone.
For additional project information, visit Hamilton County website here.
PROJECTS SOUTH OF 116TH STREET
96TH STREET On Wednesday, June 7, lane restrictions will be in place on eastbound and westbound 96th Street between Kincaid Drive and Fitness Lane for storm BMP work. View map here. 106TH STREET & HOOSIER ROAD Beginning on or after Monday, June 12, prep work prior to the roundabout construction will begin taking place. Work will include tree clearing, utility relocation and storm sewer installation. For additional project information, view the Capital Project Dashboard here.
106TH STREET & KINCAID DRIVE Beginning on or after Monday, June 5, Phase 1 will begin for construction of a new concrete median on 106th Street and to modify Kincaid Drive to a right-in/right-out entrance. During this phase, access to Kincaid Dr. from 106th Street will be restricted. The detour shall use Lantern Road to Sunlight Drive. Phase 1 is anticipated to be completed by Friday, July 7. View detour route here.
Phase 2 is anticipated to begin on Monday, July 10. During this Phase, lane restrictions will be in place on 106th Street and both the roundabout at 106th Street & I-69 and 106th Street & Lantern Road will be converted into a single lane for the duration of this Phase. This Phase is anticipated to be completed by Friday, July 28.
FALL CREEK ROAD Citizens Energy Group is mobilizing the lift station on Fall Creek Road near Geist Woods Way, resulting in the closure of Fall Creek Trail in the area until the project is complete in August.
GEIST GREENWAY 126th Street between Royalty Drive and Bellingham Blvd. is currently closed for median and crosswalk construction as part of the Geist Greenway Project and is anticipated to reopen by Friday, June 30. The detour shall use Olio Road to Southeastern Pkwy. View detour route here. For general project information, please visit https://playfishers.com/299/Geist-Greenway
TREE TRIMMING – DUKE ENERGY PROJECT
During the week of June 5, Duke Energy will be tree trimming at the following locations. Lane restrictions will be in place between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Brooks School Road between 116th Street and Fall Creek Road
Eller Road between 106th Street and 116th Street
2023 RESURFACING PROJECT
Beginning on Monday, June 5, road resurfacing will begin taking place in Rolling Knoll and beginning on Monday, June 12, road resurfacing will begin taking place in Wildwood Estates as part of the 2023 Resurfacing Project. Prior to road resurfacing, residents will be notified via street signage for street parking restrictions.
After ADA ramp and curb reconstruction is completed, those areas will be restored with topsoil and seed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to water the seed for the seed to germinate. Prior to road resurfacing, residents will be notified via street signage for street parking restrictions.
For additional project information and to view detailed exhibits, view the Capital Project Dashboard here.
FISHERS WHITE RIVER PARK SURVEY
The City of Fishers has announced community initiatives to seek public input on the new Fishers White River Park and plans to develop a better-connected network of trails and greenways throughout Fishers. Residents and community stakeholders are invited to provide input for each initiative via community wide surveys and at public events throughout summer.
Residents and community stakeholders can submit their feedback for the Fishers White River Park survey at playfishers.com/WhiteRiverPark and the Trails & Greenways survey at fishers.in.us/Trails through July 31. Feedback for both initiatives can also be shared at a series of events throughout the summer, including:
You may have noticed the former Aurelio’s location near 131st Street and State Road 37, in Fishers Marketplace. It appears the grassy areas are overgrown. The City of Fishers says the owners of that property have not responded to the city about the situation, so the city is contracting with a mowing crew to “take care of the situation.” City Spokesperson Ashley Elrod adds that those crews are already busy, but, hopefully, the grounds will be taken care of soon.
You may recall reports that the Lou Malnati restaurant chain would take over the previous Aurelio’s building. Elrod says Lou Malnati has notified Fishers they will “no longer be moving forward” with the old Aurelio’s location.
HAND is a local nonprofit organization that addresses affordable housing. HAND is breaking ground on a new project in Fishers, Cumberland Cottages, along Cumberland Road just south of 141st Street. For more on that, and much more, listen to my discussion with HAND Executive Director Andrea Davis.
Now that the month of June is here, it’s time to get outside and enjoy summer weather in Fishers. The city has released a compilation of what to expect this summer.
Below is that listing, as provided by the City of Fishers:
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Touch-a-Truck Wednesday, June 7 | 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Nickel Plate District Amphitheater (6 Municipal Drive) | Free Check out Fishers’ fleet of big rigs, including a firetruck, snowplow, police car, and more at this family-friendly event around the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. This event was rescheduled from last month due to inclement weather. Learn more at thisisfishers.com/TouchaTruck.
Fishers Farmers Market Market at NPD AMP: Saturdays, now – September 30 / 8 a.m. – noon / Nickel Plate District Amphitheater Market at Saxony: Wednesdays, June 7 – August 30 / 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. / 13578 E. 131st Street Rated one of the top farmers’ markets in the region, the Fishers Farmers Market presented by IU Health Fishers showcases vendors from Central Indiana that offer fresh produce, baked goods, honey, specialty food items, meats, coffee, plants, and more. Don’t miss these community-focused specialty days this year, including the Farmers Market Day of Service featuring local nonprofits on July 22 and Social Club Day on August 19. Admission to the market is free. Learn more and see other market events at playfishers.com/FarmersMarket.
For Fishers’ 150th birthday, share the story of Fishers with future residents by writing a letter to be included in our community time capsule to be opened in 2073. Fishers is partnering with Towne Post to curate a community time capsule that will be placed inside the keystone of the new Arts & Municipal Complex. Letters can be delivered in person to the City Services Building (3 Municipal Drive) or the Hamilton East Public Library- Fishers (5 Municipal Drive) or addressed to “Fishers Time Capsule” and mailed to 3 Municipal Drive, Fishers, IN 46038. You can also swing by the Fishers Parks booth at the Fishers Farmers Market on June 10 and June 17 to author and deliver your letter. To download the Mad Lib-style letter and learn more, visit thisisfishers.com/Fishers150.
Fishers Fire & Emergency Services’ Cul-de-sac Drills Various dates and neighborhoods | Free Fishers Fire & Emergency Services is excited to return to neighborhood cul-de-sacs for a second season of residents meeting firefighters one-on-one. Firefighters will give little and big kids alike an opportunity to handle the fire hose line or run through the spray during these family-friendly neighborhood events. To learn more about this event and scheduled sessions, visit fishers.in.us/culdesacdrills.
The annual festival kicks off with a free concert on Tuesday, June 20 and continues all week before wrapping up with a street festival on Saturday, June 24 at the Municipal Complex featuring a parade, live music, food, drink, artisan vendors, art displays, kids and teen zones, a new aerial drone show, and more. The 2023 lineup includes:
Tuesday, June 20 – Free Tuesday Night Concert at the NPD AMP featuring Jukebox Luke
Wednesday, June 21 – 5K Run/Walk and Kid Dash presented by IU Health, registration now open
Thursday, June 22 – SPARK!Fishers Car & Art Show powered by Jiffy Lube of Indiana, registration now open for cars and artists
Friday, June 23 – Free Friday Night Concert at the NPD AMP
Saturday, June 24 – Street Fair festival, parade, live entertainment, and aerial drone show
Learn more about the festival at sparkfishers.com. Volunteer opportunities are available for all ages and abilities to get involved in this year’s celebration. Learn more and register to volunteer at volunteerfishers.com.
Tuesday, July 4| Approximately 10 p.m. | Various Locations / Free
Fishers Parks is bringing three fireworks shows to the community on July 4! Celebrate Independence Day and pick your viewing area from the following spots around the city at dusk:
Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, with a free concert beginning at 8 p.m.
Cyntheanne Park (12383 Cyntheanne Road), can also view from HSE Intermediate/Jr. High parking lots (12278 Cyntheanne Road)
Geist Reservoir (no viewing permitted from Fall Creek Bridge or Geist Marina), please find a spot on the water in a boat or from your residence
Monsoon Madness Saturday, July 22 | 11 – 3 p.m. for pre-purchased early access | 12 – 3 p.m. for general admission | Holland Park (1 Park Drive) Beat the heat as Holland Park transforms into a pop-up water park during one of the most popular events of the summer! Presented by Centier Bank, Monsoon Madness features giant waterslides, a mini-monsoon area for little ones, and live entertainment. This year’s event will offer an early access option where attendees can purchase the $20 wristband to experience a smaller crowd and shorter wait times from 11 a.m. to noon, which will be limited to the first 500 registrants. Free general admission begins at noon. Learn more at playfishers.com/MonsoonMadness.
Thursday, August 3 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Nickel Plate District Amphitheater | Free
Ring in the start of the school year with HSE Schools! Come out with your family to learn more about HSE, network with other families, and get excited about the upcoming school year. Learn more at hseschools.com/beforethebell.
Friday, September 1 & Saturday, September 2 | 4 – 10 p.m. | Nickel Plate District Amphitheater | Free
End the summer with the annual Fishers Blues Fest, a Labor Day tradition! The free, two-night event includes performances by renowned local and national blues artists. Learn more at npdamp.com/BluesFest.
Walk, bike, or walk along the Fishers Nickel Plate Trail from 106th Street to 146th Street. Find ways to explore the trail and everything it has to offer this summer at playfishers.com/NickelPlateTrail. Have feedback on current Fishers’ trails and the future of connectivity in our survey? Residents and community stakeholders can take the Trails and Greenways Survey and learn about upcoming public input events regarding the plan at fishers.in.us/Trails.
Tuesdays – Wednesdays: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Thursdays – Saturdays: 10 a.m.– 6 p.m. / Fishers AgriPark (11171 Florida Road) / Free The 33-acre urban farm featuring public fields and gardens, managed by Fishers Parks, is now open for the season. The farm offers livestock encounters and u-pick opportunities once produce is in season for Fishers residents. From educational series to agricultural-themed summer camps, public programming at the Fishers AgriPark is rooted in farm operations and agriculture in our community, the state, and the United States. Learn more and see their programming and events at playfishers.com/Agripark.
Geist Waterfront Park Beach Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.|10811 Olio Road | Fishers SmartPass required for entry for Fishers residents; non-resident parking passes on sale at playfishers.com/gwp
Geist Waterfront Park beach access is open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend starting at 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., daily. Learn more at playfishers.com/GeistWaterfrontPark.
Splash Pads Daily, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Free The free splash pads at Holland Park (1 Park Drive), Billericay Park (12690 Promise Road), and the fountain at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater Pavilion (10 Municipal Drive) are open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (weather permitting) through Labor Day. Learn more at playfishers.com/wateramenities.
