Location
2020 N White River Pkwy Dr W, Indianapolis, IN
Client
Visit Indy, Indy Parks, Friends of Belmont Beach
Sector
Planning & Analysis, Parks
Team
V3 Companies, JIMA Studio, Herd Strategies
The Haughville Riverfront Vision Plan is a community co-created plan to guide the development of a network of four parks and open spaces on the west bank of the White River in Indianapolis’ Haughville neighborhood: Reverend Mozel Sanders Park, Belmont Beach, River Station, and the adjacent Floodplain Forest. This project aims to promote environmental justice and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike by connecting them to the White River.
The final Vision Plan was shaped through an extensive community engagement process, ensuring it reflects the aspirations of local residents for better access to nature and recreational opportunities. It outlines a phased approach to implementation, allowing Indy Parks to move the community’s vision forward in a way that builds trust.
The planning philosophy emphasizes community collaboration, equity, and financial feasibility. To meet these goals, three vision plan strategies were identified: (1) Connective and safe, (2) Sustainability, equity, and wellness, and (3) Community, culture, and history.
The Vision Plan presents a detailed action strategy for creating accessible, culturally sensitive, and environmentally sustainable public spaces that honor the resilience of the Haughville community. Notably, Reverend Mozel Sanders Park pays tribute to Reverend Mozel Sanders, a distinguished community leader, while Belmont Beach preserves the legacy of a swimming area that served Black residents during a time of legal segregation in Indianapolis' public parks and pools. By prioritizing this area for riverfront development, the project not only acknowledges past inequities but celebrates the rich contributions of the community.
Awards:
2024 Indiana ASLA Award of Excellence
2024 Indiana ASLA Biodiversity and Climate Action Green Ribbon Award
