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. 

Additional Concerns 

• 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.

• Damages

Some events cause damage to the park. We oppose damage to the park. If there is damage to the park from events, we support strict City enforcement of rules to remediate damage within a set timeline, with penalties accruing at ever-increasing rates for any delay beyond the deadline.

• Public Art

One item in the 2018 master plan (page 105) is to "embolden art advocacy." In 2025, Friends of Broad Ripple Village (a private group aiming to increase business in Broad Ripple) stated the park will be targeted for public art. We are concerned about such "emboldening," having recently witnessed the "force fed" siting (a local reporter’s characterization) of a distracting statue at the already dangerous intersection of College Ave. and Westfield Blvd. 

If public art is proposed for the park, there must be extensive public notice, early and adequate public consultation, thorough consideration of community feedback, and a widely publicized call for artists.

We oppose public art that intrudes upon the park’s natural beauty. Conservation of the park's scenic qualities is critically important. Any addition of public art to the park should be minimal and respect the special character and scenic beauty of nature, which improves our quality of life and is good for our minds and bodies.