The Indianapolis Local Host Committee has created educational off-site opportunities for the attendees of the NRPA Annual Conference. These off-sites range in topics from event development to recreational inclusion. The off-site opportunities presented by the Local Host Committee give conference attendees the opportunity to branch out and learn something new that is applicable to their own parks through events held around Indianapolis. Attendees are encouraged to participate in as many off-sites as possible in order to enrich their conference experience with a wide range of topics and learn as much as possible. For NPRA list of off-sites, please click here.
Schedule:
Monday, Sept 24, 2018
What Does $35 Million Buy: Bloomington's Park and Trail Transformation
Learn how a Gold Medal agency's engagement with the community secured funding for a new 65-acre park, new trail construction, and renewal of existing parks.
When: 8am to 3:30pm
Where: Bloomington City Hall, Switch Yard Park, B-Line Trail
Click here to learn more.
Close-to-Home Nature and Outdoor Recreation: Lessons Learned Over 100 Years
Discover the diverse approaches used by Indiana State Parks to plan and deliver different natural, cultural and recreational resources reflecting the diversity of the people of Indiana and each park.
When: 8am – 4pm
Where: Paynetown State Recreation Area, Lake Monroe
Click here to learn more.
Carmel's Central Park: A Destination Park Success Story
Discover how a system-wide cost recovery mandate of 80% has been successfully balanced against the core values of inclusion and environmental stewardship.
When: 8:30am to 4pm
Where: Central Park
Click here to learn more.
Leading Accessibility, Inclusion and Outdoor Programs for People with Disabilities
As the home of environmental education and originator of camping for people with disabilities, Bradford Woods continues to lead the nation and world in offering programs for youth and adults with all types of disabilities, pushing the forefront on inclusion and accessibility.
When: 8:30am to 4pm
Where: Bradford Woods
Click here to learn more.
Addressing Urban Food Deserts through Parks and Partnerships
Learn how Indy Parks, its parks foundation, and other partners are using parkland to provide fresh food to residents and food banks in the area.
When: 1:30pm to 4:45pm
Where: Watkins Park/Flanner House, Indy Urban Acres
Click here to learn more.
Garfield Park: Transforming the City's Oldest Park
Thanks to passionate neighbors, local foundations, and partners, the legacy and classic character of this park dating back to 1889 has been embraced and updated to provide amenities and programs that fit with the artsy Garfield and neighboring Fountain Square cultural districts.
When: 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Where: Garfield Park
Click here to learn more.
Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018
Friends, Groups, and Foundations: A Key to Leveraging Resources for Your Park
A park can't live on tax dollars alone. Friends groups and foundations are not bound by the normal restrictions of local government and as such can get a tremendous amount done - if everyone is on the same page!
When: 1pm to 5:15pm
Where: Eagle Creek Park, Holliday Park, Garfield Park
Click here to learn more.
How Development of a World-Class Cultural Trail has Affected Indianapolis
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail seamlessly connects neighborhoods, cultural districts and entertainment amenities while serving as the downtown hub for Indy Parks vast greenway system. Through a 1-2 mile bike tour, discover how this incredible trail system was designed, developed, funded, and maintained.
When: 1pm to 5:15pm
Where: Indianapolis Cultural Trail
Click here to learn more.
Thursday Sept. 27, 2018
Trails, Health and Indiana's Plan
Indiana boldly adopted a plan in 2006 to create a trail within 15 minutes of every Hoosier for enhancing health, livability, and economic vitality of the State. Learn how this contributed to a significant investment in bike and pedestrian trail development from less than 150 miles in the early-2000's to over 1,500 miles in 2018.
When: 8am to 1:15pm
Where: Monon Greenway, Fall Creek Greenway, Eskanazi Hospital Trails, Central Canal, White River State Park
Click here to learn more.
World-Class Events: Planning with the Best
We'll be getting in the weeds with our local city officials and event planners to discuss the process of creating the ultimate customer experience in a city renowned for hosting incredible events.
When: 8am - 4:45pm
Where: 500 Festival Office, White River State Park, Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Click here to learn more.
Innovative Playgrounds: More Than Just Child's Play
From the first new playground in downtown Indianapolis in over a generation to a suburban destination playground like none other, discover how playgrounds have the ability to create unique destinations that promote socialization and wellness, bring diverse population together, and spark the imagination of children like never before.
When: 8:30am to 3pm
Where: Central Canal, Tarkington Park, Lawrence W. Inlow Park, Central Park
Click here to learn more.
Indy's Pro Sports Facilities: In a League of Their Own
We'll look at some local facilities, give folks time to ask some questions, and dive in to how each sports franchise gives back to the community.
When: 9am to 5pm
Where: Victory Field, Lucas Oil Stadium, Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Click here to learn more.
Field of (Economic) Dreams: Developing, Programming and Maintaining a World- Class Sports Facility
Tour this impressive youth and adult recreational sports village designed to become a family sports destination like no other and be briefed on its history, funding, and operations.
When: 1pm to 4:45pm
Where: Grand Park
Click here to learn more.
Successful Funding Strategies: (Re)developing Recreational Space at Minimal Cost to Taxpayers
Get a snap shot of how 3 different parks have been developed over the years and see how Indianapolis uniquely provides for recreation, the partnerships and funding strategies that made these spaces come to fruition, and what plans are in place for the future.
When: 1pm - 5pm
Where: Indianapolis Children's Museum, Tarkington Park, Holiday Park
Click here to learn more.