Visiting a local trail or park is a great way to celebrate Earth Day this month. Did you know that a handful of Citizens Energy Group’s properties offer connectivity to public recreation? Be sure to check out these opportunities when you’re planning your next outdoor adventure this spring.
1. Central Canal Towpath
The towpath along the Central Canal is the service road that Citizens Energy Group uses to maintain the primary source of water supply for the city of Indianapolis. You can learn more about employee Chuck Cave, who patrols the canal, in this month’s Q&A. The compacted stone path is about 7.7 miles from Broad Ripple to Citizens’ White River Water Treatment Plant off W. 16th Street. There are two easy access points – at the intersection of Broad Ripple Avenue and Westfield Boulevard, and off 30th Street at Riverside Park.
2. Geist Reservoir and Fall Creek Trail at Geist Dam
Geist Reservoir, named after the former owner of the Indianapolis Water Company, Clarence Geist, was constructed in 1943 to provide a source of water supply for the city of Indianapolis. The public is permitted to use Geist Reservoir for boating, swimming, and fishing.
The Fall Creek Trail at Geist Dam is Citizens’ service road for its Geist water treatment wells. The entrance to the treatment plant provides a public parking area to access the 2.5-mile gravel trail, which loops around the facility, then above the dam, and extends south into the wellfield. The parking lot is located near 10053 Fall Creek Road, Indianapolis.
3. White River Trail
The White River Trail runs along the river from Riverside Park to White River State Park, through the property on which Citizens’ Riverside Pump Station sits. This trail, which is about 4.75 miles in length, connects to the Central Canal Towpath. Future plans include extending the trail for a total of 23 miles south to Raymond Street.
4. Morse Reservoir and Morse Levee Trail
Morse Reservoir was constructed in 1956 as the third reservoir for Indianapolis water supply. Boating, swimming, and fishing are permitted in Morse Reservoir. Morse Park and Beach includes picnic tables and shelters, restrooms, a playground, volleyball courts, and a baseball/softball diamond. A small per person admission fee is charged at the beach area only. A new paved trail, with construction scheduled to start this spring, will connect Morse Beach to Carrigan Road.
5. River Heritage Park
Citizens’ White River North Water Treatment Plant property includes River Heritage Park, which is maintained by Carmel-Clay Parks and Recreation. The 40-acre park includes an amphitheater, sand volleyball courts, a large playground, shelter, and access to White River via a wooded trail. The park is located at 11813 River Road, Carmel.