The WRTC is a CIRDA subcommittee composed of representatives of CIRDA member communities that are on the White River, and other entities focused on the White River, like Visit Indy, White River Alliance, and Citizens Energy. Most recently, the WRTC was awarded a $1.6M Department of Transportation Connecting Communities Planning Grant for bridge work across the White River in Noblesville.
CIRDA White River Technical Committee Updates - July 9, 2025
At the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority (CIRDA)’s July meeting, Sarah Reed, Chairperson of CIRDA’s White River Vision Plan Technical Committee (WRVPTC), provided an update from the committee. Established in 2024 by CIRDA, the WRVPTC serves an advisory role to CIRDA with a primary mission to promote regionwide implementation of the White River Vision Plan. During Reed’s presentation, she touched on the committee’s background, its members & appointees, recent grant submissions & awards, accomplishments, and more.
To see the slide deck from her presentation and learn more about the committee and its recent work, click the slide above.
WRTC Projects
Lafayette Trace Park
Includes converting an active farm field to native habitat to enhance river health and identify mitigation projects, alongside creating trails throughout the park to boost year-round recreational opportunities and attract visitors, as the park currently has low visitor volume.
Indy Art Center & ArtsPark Renovation
Renovation of ArtsPark and Art Center to include a formal connection to the Monon Trail, a new single-level accessible woodland boardwalk, riverbank stabilization and gathering spaces, and addition of features from the original Michael Graves design that were never implemented.
Holliday Park Improvements
Construction of a new signature playground, improvements to the Blickman Trail Park pathway, and additional land stewardship invasive management.
Haughville Riverfront
Improvements to Belmont Beach, Rev. Mozel Sanders Park, and adjacent floodplain forest into a community park with floodplain boardwalk, event amphitheater, nature and splash play area, sports courts and fields, picnic lawn, a storytelling Haughville Heritage Ribbon trail, and multi-modal connections.
Hamilton County Judicial Center
Doubling the size of the building to account for expanding the court system and increasing the efficiency. The expansion will include a deck overlooking the river as an internal gathering and event space.
Fishers White River Park
Fishers White River Park (just west of the 96th Street and Allisonville Road intersection) will open in 2025. The new park is a key addition to connecting visitors to existing trails and waterways throughout Fishers. The park features over 120-acres of parkland with over 5,000 feet of riverfront and unique amenities along the west side of Fishers and Allisonville Road corridor. Groundbreaking began in fall 2024, with an anticipated opening in summer 2025.
White River State Park Expansion
15-acre expansion of White River State Park as part of Elanco/One Health District redevelopment project. First phase includes rerouting of White River Parkway, new greenspaces, an outdoor theater overlook, and limestone stairs leading to the river.
White River Innovation District
Infrastructure to support redevelopment of the former GM stamping plant, including the Henry Street Bridge, Cultural Trail extension, additional roadway and bike/ped infrastructure, and stormwater and green infrastructure.
White River Greenway Extension – Indy
Extension of White River Greenway in Indianapolis from current terminus at Raymond Street to Southwestway Park, 6ish miles.
White River Campground
Expand recreational offerings by constructing on-site amenities and adjusting staffing to support winter camping.