Many folks have recently asked in the varied social media groups – – what is going on with the orange barrels on Main St (US 40) in downtown Greenfield? Well the answer is – – It is the development of the Riley Arts Trail.
This project was the #1 most desired piece that was identified in the Greenfield Downtown Revitalization Plan and the Capital Improvement plan. The Riley Arts Trail was one of the projects that led to the “Health and Heritage” Stellar Designation for the city of Greenfield and the Towns of Fortville and Shirley by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. This designation helped to fund many projects in those communities including the creation of Depot Street Park. The Riley Arts Trail is the last project in a series of Stellar projects which began in 2018. The funding for this project is utilizing Steller funds, local funds (including $100,000 from Hancock County Tourism) and a matching grant from the Metropolitan Planning Organization.
The Riley Arts Trail depicts the poetry and history of James Whitcomb Riley and celebrates all of the artists, poets, songwriters, authors, and creative souls in our community, past, present, and most importantly – the future.
The Riley Trail route is being constructed along Riley Avenue, North Street, and East Street/American Legion Place (Please see the map above). This project will create a 0.7-mile concrete multiuse trail loop through the heart of downtown Greenfield. The trail is meant to connect the Pennsy Trail to our heritage sites, shops, and restaurants. It is hoped that local users of the trail and tourists will get a unique impression of the heritage and culture of Greenfield, Indiana.
The multiuse trail will be 10-feet-wide, replacing the existing 5-foot-wide sidewalks. Poetry of James Whitcomb Riley will be etched into the concrete of the trail to be read as the user walks along in either direction. There will be seven interpretive panels placed along the trail, which depicts Greenfield’s cultural story. In addition, there will be ten hand-sculpted limestone benches made by renowned Sculptress Cheryl Anne Lorance of Indianapolis. These will be installed along the trail and depict excerpts from Riley’s poetry and Cheryl Anne’s carved illustrations of each particular poem.
As a result of connecting the downtown with this trail, the existing bronze sculptures, murals, the Rotary Arts Park, and varied historic markers will be linked together by this path. In addition, new historical markers are being planned to help tell our significant architectural history. In addition, forty-two (42) new trees will also be planted along the proposed trail route, making this a lovely shaded walk. The City is also planning to install pedestrian-scale lighting posts along the length of the trail separately from this project sometime in the near future.
Pedestrian safety is tantamount with the construction of this trail through the busy downtown area. There will be several pedestrian safety improvements installed along the trail route. This includes the following intersections:
-US 40/Main Street and Riley Avenue will get bump-outs, and pedestrian crossing flashing beacons.
-Painted boulevards will merge traffic down to one lane on each side.
-US 40/Main Street and Living Alley will get bump-outs.
-North Street and Pennsylvania Street will get bump-outs.
-North Street and SR 9/State Street will get bump-outs, and a hawk signal as well as a refuge island in the center of SR9.
-North Street and East Street will get bump-outs.
-US 40/Main Street and East Street/American Legion Place will get bump-outs, and a hawk signal.
-American Legion Place and South Street will get bump-outs.
Although it is believed that the addition of bump-outs along the project area, and the narrowing of the existing roadway width will improve pedestrian safety, it will also create some parking loss. Though there is minimal parking space loss throughout the project area, there are also large public parking lots nearby to the project path. Also, some new parking options are being planned and investigated in other future projects within the downtown.
If you should have any questions, please contact the City Planning & Engineering Department for additional or specific information at 317-477-4320. Thank you!
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Hancock County Tourism and Visitor Center is the official destination marketing organization for Hancock County, Indiana. Our mission is to bring regional, national, and international business and leisure visitors to Hancock County for the economic benefit of the county and our tourism partners. Hancock County Tourism and Visitor Center strives to be a leader in destination marketing and tourism development.
- To encourage visitors to discover the historic, cultural, and recreational opportunities as well as hotels, restaurants, and retail options throughout Hancock County via marketing promotion and partner support.
- To encourage groups, businesses, and organizations to hold meetings, conventions, events, and festivals in Hancock County by collaborating with both in county and out-of-county groups, businesses, and organizations.
- To assist groups with development of new tourism opportunities through support, resources, and professional assistance.
The Hancock County Tourism and Visitor Center does not primarily organize meetings, conventions, sporting, and special events, but guides planners, and visitors to resources, attractions and services that result in a positive experience.
To stay up to date on everything “touristy” in Hancock County, be sure you are receiving Hancock County Tourism’s e-newsletter. You can register on the website at https://visitinhancock.org/email/