Concerns

Over and over supporters of green space speak out at public meetings and no attention is paid. In 2018, some of us voiced concerns about the proposed road during a master planning session but our concerns were ignored or minimized. The session was tightly managed; the outcome was preordained. We want open substantive discussion. We have reasons for our concerns (see Rationales). We want dialogue, a substantive discussion of decisions and their consequences.

Commercialization

In 2016, the City invited Community Health Network to locate its private health clinic within a new (not-yet-built) community center at the park. Those who opposed that invitation were ignored. In 2021-2022, a massive building was constructed, allowing private use on public land. 

The 2016 invitation was an enormous concession to commercialization. It opened the way. And now we are seeing the result:  a plan made in 2018 that will destroy green space and disrupt the peace of the park and its neighbors for the sake of private profit. 

The 2016 decision opened a gate which we now want to close. No new bisecting road! No destruction of park land for the sake of crowded weekend markets or high-decibel concerts at night! Small, benign updates to the park, yes. Private appropriation, no. The park is a treasure belonging to the public. The park's land should remain a true public common. 

We support friendly gatherings such as free concerts at the main shelter, summer camp, Yoga in the Park, and annual festivals or markets.

We oppose any major encroachment of Broad Ripple Park for private profit. 

We want no events that require installation of a roadway, more concrete infrastructure, and/or a major event pavilion. 

▪️ Park Closures

The City wants to close portions of the park for large-scale commercial events. We oppose closing portions of Broad Ripple Park to accommodate large-scale commercial events. We support an accessible park that the public can enjoy while others attend events.

Public Art in the Park