Holliday Park Nature Trails

Indianapolis, Indiana

 

The original Holliday Park Trail System was built during the 1930’s by an arm of the WPA, but over time, the park fell into disrepair. In the early 1990’s, Kevin K. Parsons & Associates was hired by Indianapolis Parks and Recreation to restore, re-build and expand the trail system into a nature trail facility intended for education and recreation. KPA was responsible for developing the master plan for the 2.5 mile long nature trail as well as project management, final design, and construction documentation. Throughout the implementation process, KPA was also responsible for construction observation and administration services.

 

Eight trail loops were established with a variety of widths, lengths, and challenge levels. For new areas of trail expansion, materials were selected to complement existing elements on site. Any material found during excavation was reused throughout the project. Glacial boulders, an indigenous feature, became a consistent theme in the project. This is apparent in engraved boulder trail markers, boulder lined stream channels, a new boulder faced dam, and a contemplation area composed of large boulders, along with an extensive restoration of the original ‘rock garden’. The site hosts a unique natural setting of heavily wooded ravines, springs, ‘tufa’ deposits, seep marshes and rare perennial plant species. Careful consideration was taken to protect the delicate ecosystem through the use of boardwalks, stairs, and bridges. In addition, a special aggregate trail surface was used to maintain a constant ph level in the adjacent soils. Special trail amenities include: numerous unique trail head markers, a trail orientation terrace, new timber staircases, stone steps, ADA accessible timber overlooks and bridges, boardwalks, river access, and erosion control details.

 

This trail system links Holliday Park with the ‘Friends of the White River’ access ramp and the White River Greenway, as well as a connection to the 175 mile city-wide Greenways Trail System Network developed by the city of Indianapolis. The Holliday Park Trail System was the first nature trail system designed and constructed within the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana in the second half of the twentieth century. Holliday Park Trails became an overnight success and evolved into one of the most popular destination parks in the city.