Carmel plays prominent role in 'Walk Summit'

As part of the inaugural Indiana Walk Summit — being held this week in central Indiana — Carmel is being featured as a "best practice" example.

Those who are part of the summit will pay Carmel a visit and tour on Wednesday, Aug. 27. Leading that tour are Melissa Averitt, Vice President & Director of Marketing and Sales, Pedcor Companies; Michael Hollibaugh, Executive Director of the Carmel Department of Community Services; Adrienne Keeling, who works with DOCS at City of Carmel; and Corrie Meyer, Executive Director of the Carmel Redevelopment Commission.

Health by Design is hosting Indiana's first Walk Summit this week, bringing together people from across the state in an effort to make Indiana a more active and walkable state. With local, regional and national speakers, the two-day summit will highlight best practices, model policies, and tools and resources.

Afternoon workshops on Aug. 27 will include a walking tour of Carmel's Arts and Design District. Attendees will hear the story of how the district has evolved, the positive impact walkability has had on local businesses and residents, and the role that the Monon Greenway and new pedestrian infrastructure over busy Keystone Avenue have had in creating a premier destination.

On Aug. 28, sessions at the Marten House Hotel and Lilly Conference Center will includes speakers from Batesville, Bloomington, Chicago, Fishers, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Louisville, Speedway, Valparaiso and Whitestown.

The keynote speaker, Scott Bricker of America Walks, will highlight national examples and innovative policies for improving walkability.

"While other states are only beginning to grasp the importance of walkability, some Indiana communities are forging ahead and engaging in the conversation, and they're offering a great example for others to follow," Brinker said.

Sponsors of the summit include IU Health, AARP Indiana, Central Indiana Community Foundation, Madison County Council of Governments, Marion County Public Health Department, American College of Sports Medicine, among many others.

 

WHAT:   Inaugural Indiana Walk Summit

WHEN:   1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 27, Site visit and tour of downtown Carmel, with stops at the Indiana Design Center, Carmel City Hall

WHEN:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Aug.  28,
Marten House Hotel and Lilly Conference Center. 1801 West 86th St., Indianapolis

INFO AND SCHEDULE:  www.healthbydesignonline.org