Example #1: Inspiring Neighborhood Rejuvenation
In the Monday, October 27, 2008, issue of The Indianapolis Star, the article “Fletcher Place’s new look,” described plans for a new $2 million residential and office building called Fletcher Place Terrace that will be located on South College Avenue. Jeff Miller, a board member and spokesman for the Fletcher Place Neighborhood Association said: “The neighborhood is counting on the coming leg of the Cultural Trail to link [Fletcher Place] more directly with downtown.”

Example #2: Community Collaboration
On Wednesday, October 29, the Indianapolis Colts gave away 50 free bicycles to kindergartners and first-graders at the Center for Inquiry IPS School #2. Why that school? Because it’s located on the Cultural Trail and it is planning a bicycle program for its students that will teach bicycle safety and maintenance.

Example #3: Creative Conversation
On Friday, October 31, as the first public art installation, “Ann Dancing,” by Julian Opie, was re-installed after some repair and restoration on the corner of Mass Ave, Alabama St. and Vermont St., a new public art installation just north of “Ann” was discovered on the Cultural Trail just outside Marsh the Marketplace.  Small rocks painted bright yellow carried the message in black repeated one message three times: “We are going to be okay.”  The artist? Unknown.  Read full story.

All three examples are early signs of what is to come as the Cultural Trail is completed. With only one-half mile done and 7.5 miles to go, this project is demonstrating the power of what can happen with better connectivity and creativity.