North-side neighborhood groups pursuing Fall Creek revitalization

A partnership of north-side neighborhood groups is developing a plan to clean up and revitalize Fall Creek with a goal of re-establishing the waterway as a community asset.

Walking paths along Fall Creek would get upgrades as part of the Destination Fall Creek plan. (IBJ Photo/ Perry Reichanadter)

Among the improvements proposed in the plan, dubbed Destination Fall Creek, are removal of invasive brush and trash from the creek’s banks, new foot bridges to Fall Creek Park across both the creek and Fall Creek Parkway, public art, horse trails, a canoe launch and soccer fields.

The plan also calls for redevelopment of 60 acres of “vacant, abandoned and blighted” properties including an old rail yard along the east side of Fall Creek between 30th and 38th streets for commercial, residential and recreational uses.

The new foot bridges would be added west of Capitol Avenue after the creek takes a turn to the south, and halfway between 30th Street and the Monon Trail. Walking paths would get upgrades, including benches, lighting and security stations.

Partners in the effort include several neighborhood groups and community development corporations. Locally based Schmidt Associates has worked on the plan pro bono, but the neighborhood partnership ultimately plans to put the project out to bid.•