Mayor Scott Fadness said his 2019 budget plan will fund the first phase of the Nickel Plate Trail, and feedback sessions are planned to get ideas from the public on the details.  Fadness told the Fishers City Council Monday night that the first phase will encompass the trail from 106th Street to 126th Street.

The Fishers Nickel Plate Trail Master Planning Committee, chaired by City Councilman John Weingardt and local resident Amanda Welu, is looking for public comments on what to do with the public space that is part of the planned trail.

“We are encouraging our residents to be bold, be original and be heard,” said John Weingardt, Co-Chair and Council member said in a city news release. “It is a blank slate right now, and I can’t wait to see what this community working together can dream.”

The Track-To-Trail campaign is asking for comments on a kick-off weekend that includes:

·         Four Day Ray Happy Hour — Friday, September 28th, 4 to 6pm

·         Movies in the Park at the Amp — Friday, September 28th, 7 to 10pm

·         Fishers Farmers Market — Saturday, September 29th, 8am to Noon

·         Brooks School Park — Sunday, September 30th, Noon to 3pm

The kick-off weekend starts a month-long period where the committee will be seeking public input.

Focus groups with educators, students, entrepreneurs, artists and public safety officials will be a part of the process.  Neighborhoods and businesses along the trail will also be asked for their ideas.. Throughout the month, people will be able to submit their suggestions online or via mail. This phase of the master plan will conclude with a Community Conversation at Delaware Twp. Community Building on Tuesday, October 30th, 7 – 9 pm.

“There are 4.5 miles of future trail in Fishers. Our goal is to create a one-of-a-kind experience, a new kind of public space that happens to have a trail running through it,” said Amanda Welu, Co-Chair and Owner of DELV Design.

The committee has been meeting since May.