Take an accessible hike on one of these trails in Indianapolis
Who doesn’t love a peaceful lake view? | Photo via @kstrauss79
The outdoors are for everybody — and there are plenty of hikes in our area that are friendly to wheelchairs, strollers, and other mobility aids. Get some fresh air on three of our favorite accessible trails.
Harrison Trace Trail, Fort Harrison State Park
Get some peace and birdsong on this 2.4-mile paved trail. Considered one of the best hikes in Indiana for its views of lakes and path through shady forests, this trail is typically 5-8 ft wide and has plenty of benches and picnic tables for rest stops.
Hike Bike Trail, Morgan-Monroe State Forest, 6220 Forest Rd., Martinsville
Wind through the forest of this 25,000-acre park that is split between two Indiana counties. The 5.2-mile trail is paved and ADA-accessible.
Monon Rail Trail
This smooth, paved trail winds from downtown Indianapolis to Hamilton County. Take in sights both natural and urban along its 27.1-mile expanse with plenty of stops and trail connections.
The Garden Sessions | Tuesday, Aug. 1-Tuesday, Aug. 29 | 2-4 p.m. | Indianapolis Artsgarden, 110 W. Washington St. | Free | Take a seat at one of the cafe tables to recharge or get some work done while enjoying live music.
Tuesday Group Run | Tuesday, Aug. 1-Tuesday, Sept. 26 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Indianapolis Cultural Trail Office, 132 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis | Free | Join the Bourbon Street Run Club for this dog-friendly, 3-mile group run along the Downtown Canal.
Wednesday, Aug. 2
Culver’s Cruise-In | Wednesday, Aug. 2 | 6 p.m. | Culver’s, 7649 E. US HWY 36, Avon | Free | Check out this monthly gathering of hot rods, bikes, Jeeps, and other cars.
Thursday, Aug. 3
Animals and All That Jazz | Thursday, Aug. 3 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | Zoo admission | As the summer heats up, chill out with the smooth sounds of live jazz during this Thursday night concert series — all performances will take place under the Bicentennial Pavilion.
Friday, Aug. 4
FoodCon 10 | Friday, Aug. 4 | 6-9 p.m. | Harrison Center, 1505 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis | Free | FoodCon returns for its 10th year after a three-year hiatus, featuring honey bee education, aquaponic gardening, urban foraging, cooking on car engines, porch parties, and solar cooking.
Indy-based Buckingham Properties is getting ready to break ground on a 23-acre, 400-unit neighborhood with houses, townhomes, and apartments at 1775 E. 96th St. The project includes road improvements, public green space with a dog park and pickleball courts + a 2,500-ft trail that will eventually connect to the Monon Trail. (IndyStar)
Community
Are you a 20 or 30-something living in Indianapolis? IndyHub launched a survey to get your feedback to help build a stronger + more vibrant community in Indy. The survey, in partnership with Data317, will collect information on topics including: desired city characteristics, civic engagement, and career and future growth opportunities. Take the survey.
Edu
Students and faculty at IPS went back to the classroom yesterday, but the district revealed there are 152 teacher openings going into the new school year. The empty positions are mainly at the high school level in special education, math, and science. Visit the district’s website if you’re interested in becoming an IPS teacher. (WTHR)
Jobs
Today from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., recruiters will be on hand for an in-person hiring event at The Carmel Market District at 11505 Illinois St. in an effort to fill 50 positions at the store. Those interested are not required to register in advance. Browse jobs. (WRTV)
Sports
The Colts + Jonathan Taylor rift continues. Yesterday, the star running back requested a trade after the team decided they wouldn’t offer a contract extension. Jim Irsay was quick to shut down the request saying, “We will not trade Jonathan Taylor.” He is in the final year of his rookie deal + due a base salary of $4.3 million. (FOX59)
Cause
Did you know August is National Sandwich Month? Celebrate by volunteering at Second Helpings, which makes 1,000+ sandwiches every day for neighbors in need across central Indiana. Become a volunteer.*
Travel
Summer is here — AKA the season for road trips — and no matter what vibe you’re looking for, StLouisArts.org has you covered. Spend a day in St. Louis, MO (a ~3.45-hour drive from INDY) and discover 30+ theaters, 40 live music venues, and 50 galleries and museums. What will you do in St. Louis?*
Wellness
🏊 Fresh to depth
Carmel Swim Academy now open
The community raised $700K and Carmel Swim Club added $635K to support the new facility. | Photo by Carmel Swim Academy via Pence Media Group
Learning how to swim is important — no matter your age. Want to dive in? Good news for northsiders: Carmel Swim Academy is open.
The new 10,000-sqft facility opened mid-July at 830 City Center Dr. on the west side of the Carmel Total Fitness building.
The Carmel Swim Academy was inspired by the need for families in the area to have a safe place to learn lifelong skills, such as water safety, swimming competency, and the value of wellness.
The training pool has six 25-yard swimming lanes + an attached shallow-water instructional area. The facility includes a mezzanine where parents can watch swim lessons, as well as family-friendly locker rooms.
Carmel Swim Academy is open to all ages and includes space to teach 1,300+ children per week, plus 55 hours of adult-focused programs per week — like water aerobics, adult swim instruction, and infant-caregiver classes. The facility will also offer up to 1,600 children free lessons each year. Schedule swim lessons.
If you’re a 20 or 30-something like myself, IndyHub is a great local organization to follow. There are programs and partnerships to help you get involved in the community. Want to meet Indy? You can get connected with an IndyHub City Ambassador.
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