‘For the love of parks’ raises awareness and funding for local parks
If you want this as your view, consider moving to the Holy Cross neighborhood. | Photo by INDYtoday team
July is nationally recognized as Parks and Recreation Month + to celebrate, The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis and Sinclair Recreation are bringing back “For the love of parks” — a local campaign to raise awareness and funding for our parks.
All month long, The Parks Alliance is curating micro-fundraisers that celebrate parks and support local businesses. The campaign is already underway, but there are still plenty of ways to get involved.
Sun Up to Sun Down | Today, July 18 | 11 a.m.-3 a.m. | 745 Mass Ave., Indianapolis | Visit Mass Ave Pub + enjoy your favorite drink while also contributing to The Parks Alliance’s local campaign.
Specialty beer release with Guggman Haus | Thursday, July 20 | 12-10 p.m. | 1701 Gent Ave., Indianapolis | Guggman Haus Brewing Co. is giving back with a special release of their newest craft beer, For the Love of Parks Hazy IPA.
Poster Screen Printing Pop-Up | Friday, July 21 | 8 a.m.- 12 p.m. | Highland Park, 1100 E. New York St. | Enjoy the beauty of Highland Park while embracing the creative spirit at this pop-up event.
“NDY” statue at Highland Park | Now-July 31 | Dusk to Dawn | 1100 E. New York St. | One of downtown’s most iconic parks has a picture-perfect opportunity to show your support. Take a picture with the “NDY” statue + share it online using #FortheLoveofParks and #LoveIndy.
Give back at Tinker Coffee | Now-July 31 | 1120 Waterway Blvd. + 380 E. Market St. | When you purchase one of this month’s signature drinks — a coffee-based beverage or a refresher — 100% of the proceeds will be donated to The Parks Alliance. You’ll also have the opportunity to round up to support our city’s parks, trails, and green spaces.
Limited edition T-shirt by Becker & Supply Co. | Now-July 31 | Online | Local brand Becker Supply Co. — known for supporting the environment by donating to environmental partners — designed a limited-edition T-shirt that supports The Parks Alliance.
Events
Tuesday, July 18
Indianapolis Burger Week | Tuesday, July 18-Sunday, July 23 | 12 a.m.-11:59 p.m. | Various locations | Cost of purchase | Devour $7 burgers from participating restaurants to celebrate this American favorite.
Mindfulness Walks on the Downtown Canal | Tuesday, July 18 | 6-7 p.m. | 9 on Canal, 335 W. 9th St., Indianapolis | Free | Take a peaceful and rejuvenating mindfulness walk on the downtown canal led by Indy Community Yoga.
Wednesday, July 19
Splash into Fun | Wednesday, July 19 | 5-6:30 p.m. | Bierman Autism Centers - Broad Ripple, 1022 E. 52nd St., Indianapolis | Free | Bierman Autism Centers is throwing a beach-themed bash to celebrate its brand new space with sensory-friendly beach activities, treats, and mingling.
Thursday, July 20
Outdoor Swing Dancing with Naptown Stomp | Thursday, July 20 | 7-9 p.m. | Fountain Square Plaza, 1101 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis | Free | Visit the plaza for a night of dancing with free beginner swing dancing lessons + then stick around for open public dancing to Jazz music by a DJ.
Friday, July 21
Community Backpack Giveaway | Friday, July 21 | 6-9 p.m. | Abundant Life Church, 7606 E. 82nd St., Indianapolis | Free | Stop by this community event with the kids for free food, music, bounce houses, and backpacks with school supplies — backpacks will be given out on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.
Heads up. INDOT announced a 14-hour closure on I-65 in both directions on the northwest side starting on Saturday, July 22. Crews will be setting beams across I-65 for the new Traders Lane bridge starting at 8 p.m. + will reopen the interstate on Sunday, July, 23 at 10 a.m. (CBS4)
Open
Coffee and cookies make a good pair. Please & Thank You is now open in Indy at 849 Mass Ave. + is serving up hot coffee, fresh cookies, loud music, and no decaf. The brand was voted the No. 1 best cookie shop in the country by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice for 2023.
Environment
The haze is sticking around. The Indianapolis Office of Sustainability issued an extension of Sunday’s Knozone Action Day yesterday — marking the the 17th Knozone Action Day declared so far this year. Learn more about air quality.
Biz
Nearly two dozen projects that cost at least $100 million or more are planned for downtown Indy over the next five years. The central Indiana construction workforce has been struggling to find and keep workers post-pandemic. Browse jobs with the City of Indianapolis. (IBJ)
Award
Yesterday, we told you all about Indy Shorts — which kicks off today — and now Heartland Film has an exciting announcement. The film festival was featured on the list of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World for 2023, along with the Heartland International Film Festival.
Shop
Nap or Nothing — a Black-owned clothing store that aims to represent Indianapolis culture — celebrated its grand opening at 525 Mass Ave. over the weekend. The brand previously had a location at the Lafayette Square Mall. (WRTV)
Drink
Local distillery Hi & Mighty has released a new canned cocktail in partnership with Ball State University. The Cherry Shake Up is a gin-based twist on the classic fair drink + is made at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. It will be available during the State Fair at the Taproom and Wine Garden or you can find it at local liquor stores.
The Buy
Our new must-have for concerts and baseball games this summer: this clear, stadium-approved backpack. Psst — It’s also great for football games in the fall.*
Health
🧴 Time to reapply
Sun safety reminders for UV Safety Awareness Month
The Monon Community Center Waterpark is recommended by The City Moms for summertime fun. | Photo by @thecitymoms
July is a month when you’re probably spending more time outdoors — whether you’re biking, hiking, or lounging by the pool — but did you know July is also UV Safety Awareness Month.
Here’s your friendly reminder to reapply your sunscreen.
Sun safety things to know
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor + the number tells you how long the sun’s UV rays would take to darken your skin vs. the amount of time without any sunscreen.
The higher the UV index value, the greater the potential for damage to the skin and eyes.
The CDC recommends the use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 and SPF 30 to 50 for use when spending longer time outdoors.
The sun is at its peak between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where to get free sunscreen
Shade might be limited while walking around the state fairgrounds. Visit guest services to receive information about events, concessions, and freesunscreen.
Spending the day at Holiday World? It’s known for providing bottles of free sunscreen in front of the restroom buildings in Splashin’ Safari and other locations around the amusement park.
Freedom Springs Aquatic Park in Greenwood offers free sunscreen.
I’m loving this campaign series to support our local parks. I haven’t had a chance to stop by the new Tinker Coffee location in the Market Square District, so I think now’s the time. I’ve heard the honey vanilla latte is a popular order.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.