Jay Napoleon (second from right),President of The Valley Neighborhood Association and lifelong resident, joined Governor Holcomb, Mayor Hogsett, and Elanco President Jeffrey Simmons for the groundbreaking of White River State Park’s expansion. The expansion is located in The Valley neighborhood of Indianapolis.
Since the 1800’s this place, we call home, has been called “The Valley”. In fact, the first record of the Valley name used in print, that we know of, was in a 1891 Indianapolis News article that talked about two schools being built in “The Valley” and how nice they were.
We have been here a long time.
In that long time, we have, of course, seen many changes, changes both good and bad. Perhaps most notable are the changes that have occurred at that historic part of our neighborhood now commonly referred to as “the former GM Stamping Plant”. As you can see, we are changing in the right direction.
Still, in all that time, the one constant, enduring fact about The Valley is our location, our existence, on the White River. It is in that relationship that most clearly defines what it has meant to live here.
All of us know our collective history with the river. Whether through benign neglect and indifference or malevolent intent, we have not always been the best caretaker to this urban natural resource. This reality has led to the perception that any great, important development can’t or shouldn’t happen anywhere near or through the White River, and so most certainly, not in The Valley.
That is what makes the White River State Park groundbreaking so important, not just for us, who live here, but for the City, the State and, if I might be so bold, how we are looked at perceived, nationally. Along with the new Henry Street Bridge, the coming of the Cultural Trail through the bridge, Elanco’s new World Corporate Headquarters and Purdue, this extension of White River State Park up to the River, will put an end to the perception that the White River in Indianapolis is not a place to be. Indeed, it is our hope that this place, we love so much, will become the place to be in downtown Indianapolis.
The extension of the park will add to an already collection of World Class amenities in the White River State Park portfolio. All in downtown Indianapolis. But, we also believe, this extension of the Park will become a catalyst for meaningful engagement at, through and, we hope someday, actually in the River.
That sentiment fits perfectly with the mission statement of WRSP to quote, “enhance the health and well being of visitors,” end quote. What better way to enhance well being than with the moving, flowing actions of this White River? What better place to enhance well being that right here and right now in what will be this new WRSP attraction?
The White River and the Valley Neighborhood are forever linked. The River has shaped us, literally run over us, and defined us. That connection is deep and visceral. As such, this groundbreaking really becomes a celebration. A celebration of a new beginning in our collective relationship with the River. A joyous occasion, as we welcome the jewel that is White River State Park to our front yard.
We know this extension of White River State Park will lead to a deeper understanding of and a deeper appreciation for the amenity that should always have been, the White River; but we also hope today brings a deeper understanding and appreciation for the people who have lived here, played here and worked here for so very long.
