We continue our focus on stories that illustrate how people are embracing the Cultural Trail making it a vibrant and integral public space in our city that provides connectivity and access to beauty through art, design and nature.

The East 10th Street Civic Association recently announced the creation of the “Payne Connect10n," a plaza that will provide a key connection point on the city’s near eastside. At the convergence of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene & Marilyn Glick, the Monon Trail, and the future Pogue’s Run Trail Connector, the project will serve as a key connector at the intersection of East 10th Street and Massachusetts Avenue. Named in honor of Brian & Gail Payne's vision and development of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, the site will include directional, interpretive and identity signage, globular lanterns and a trailhead sculpture.

The Payne Connect10n Plaza, projected to be completed and dedicated in Fall 2012, culminates several years of community planning and volunteering.

To learn more, click here. 

Campers from Herron School of Art and Design’s summer Youth Art Camp will exhibit their art on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene & Marilyn Glick, on Saturday, August 4, from 9 a.m.  to 3 p.m. This creative one-day display will be along the IUPUI portion of the Cultural Trail on Blackford Street between Vermont and New York streets.

On view will be collaborative artworks made by campers, such as ceramic totem poles created with visiting artist Barbara Zech or colorfully drawn magnets, signs, and flags with sayings such as: “Love this Trail,” “Art: Get Inspired,” or “Clear Your Mind and Look”.

Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc. Executive Director, Kären Haley, spoke to camp participants throughout the summer to help inspire and educate them about the role of the Trail in connecting people and places. Over 200 participants entering grades 2 to 10 attended Herron’s Youth Art Camp 2012 during one-week or two-week sessions.

Ride the trail through the University's campus on Saturday and check it out!

For the full story and more images, click here. 

The 5th annual Mass Ave Criterium is just around the corner! Presented by NUVO, the fun will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 11. Watch the excitement as racers zip around 45 degree turns, reaching speeds of 30-35 mph.

There’s more than just racing. This year the Mass Ave Criterium will have fun for the whole family. Head down to the park at Barton Towers for shaded seating and interactive activities including a bike bucket workshop (with the help of IndyCog). Learn how to fix a flat and get basic bike repairs done by the locally owned bike shop, Bikes on Mass Ave. The Kid’s Rodeo is back and will take place at the start of the day. Flanner and Buchannan will be providing helmets to participating kids (while supplies last).

The Mass Ave Criterium is excited to announce a movie in the beer garden at Davlan Park. Stick around after the last race (approximately 9:30 pm) for a free showing of the classic film Breaking Away. Don’t forget your lawn chairs!

You can learn more about the race here. 

Help keep our riders and spectators safe by volunteering! Find out about all the benefits of signing up here.

The latest construction information can be found under the About tab on our website, www.IndyCulturalTrail.org, or go directly to the Construction Update page by clicking here.