Carmel is getting greener

Carmel announced this week that it’s expanding the White River Greenway, which will wind and curve near the river for 5.4 miles from East 116th Street to East 146th Street. It’s scheduled to be completed in 2024.

“What’s exciting about the White River Greenway is that it’s going to be more nature-focused and provide that place for people to breathe fresh air and experience the trees and the wildlife that you’ll see along the trail,” Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation Director Michael Klitzing told IBJ.

According to IBJ, the most extensive work will take place from Tall Timber Run, where the current 2-1/2-mile trail now ends, north to East 146th Street. A trailhead is planned near the intersection of River Road and Haverton Way. It will include an overlook, a bike repair station, parking, restrooms and benches. The northern part of the greenway will be on property owned by Conner Prairie. The Fishers living history museum announced last summer $24 million in capital projects that include a 260-acre expansion across the river.

This is great news for those of us who want more greenspace, something homebuyers increasingly ask about when looking for a new home, whether they are relocating from out-of-town, buying their first home or moving across town, people want to be near parks and recreation.