Resident Input Showcased As Draft Nickel Plate Trail Master Plan Unveiled

More than 200 community members in Fishers attended a meeting Monday night as members of a committee presented the Nickel Plate Trail Master Plan 2040. 

The development of the Master Plan began in September with over 30 public events and meetings and over 1,500 ideas submitted.

“We began this journey to create a community-led effort to build a world-class trail experience with the idea that it would not only inspire today’s leaders and residents to create something uniquely Fishers, but to use this as an opportunity to engage and inspire the next generation of leaders and residents,” said Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness. “What we’ve unveiled today is the first draft of what will undoubtedly be a destination experience for residents and visitors alike – one that will positively impact Fishers for generations to come.”

The public input process resulted in more than 1,500 responses representing the following metrics:

• 38 percent basics (safety, walkability, accessibility, pet waste containers, etc.)
• 14 percent arts and education
• 3 percent fitness and recreation
• 10 percent restaurants and retail
• 10 percent meditation and inspiration
• 4 percent train and track with trail
• 4 percent programming and events
• 4 percent technology and entrepreneurship
• 3 percent social

As a result of this feedback, NBBJ and EX2 developed the master plan for the trail which will be implemented in phases through 2040. Pedestrian crosswalks will be determined based on safety studies and traffic counts, with bridges or tunnels anticipated for 96th Street and 116th Street, respectively.

“We’ve spoken to hundreds of community members about their vision for this new kind of trail and the result – a dynamic trail experience not found anywhere in the U.S.,” said co-chair Amanda Welu. “As a resident of Fishers, it’s been an incredible process to work alongside colleagues and neighbors to bring this vision to fruition; it will be a unique destination for all.”

The Trail will feature five segments of uses:

• 96th Street to 106th Street: Makers Space and Innovation Zone
• 106th Street through Cheeney Creek: Nature Park Zone
• Just south of 116th Street through 126th Street: Downtown Active Core Zone
• 126th Street to 131st Street: Wellness Zone
• 131st Street to 146th Street: Park and Education Zone

Residents can provide feedback on the Master Plan at www.playfishers.com/tracktotrail by March 31. Residents can access that site to view the draft Master Plan, learn more about the process with FAQs and more. Community feedback will be incorporated into a final document for planning.