Connecting Communities with Urban Greenways
South White River Greenways
The South White River Trail combines the modern demand for more recreational trails in urban environments, with an appreciation for Indianapolis’ rich history. The trail features trailheads that were designed to provide vistas to historically-significant landmarks located along the river that runs through the city’s downtown area. Informational signage was included so that walkers, bikers, and runners have an opportunity take a break to learn more about their city.
The City of Indianapolis initiated this project to extend its Greenways Trail System through Key School, the Indianapolis Zoo, and the Eli Lily & Company campus, a major employer in the area. Crawford, Murphy & Tilly (CMT), in conjunction with a local landscape architect, developed construction documents and performed construction inspection for this challenging, 2.5-mile project that included five trailhead structures designed to accentuate Indianapolis’s notable skyline, a cantilevered elevated path and numerous drainage enhancements. The trail undulates across the river bottom in gentle curves responding to natural soil conditions, existing terrain, vegetation, major urban storm water channels, bridges and attractive viewsheds.