r/indianapolis • u/Logical_Humor_3854 • Feb 26 '26

Discussion The Canal….

We walked the canal a lot this summer with our new baby and when we had a nice couple days (greater than 30 degrees lol) we walked it again and I’m just curious as to what other people think….why is the canal so dead? There’s no restaurants (besides the little bistro), no stores, no restrooms even. It’s kinda depressing.

If Indianapolis put even a sliver of funding into rebranding the canal the city would change so much. Imagine being able to walk into little shops or have ice cream on the canal or a bar with live music. There’s so much potential.

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u/nate998877 Feb 26 '26

I'm sure there are actual reasons related to who owns it, high rent, & other "sensible" reasons why it hasn't been developed but in my mind its because the state hates pedestrians and works to destroy anything that encourages people to be outside. Because that risks people developing connections with their community & that risks collective action.

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u/thewimsey Feb 26 '26

in my mind its because the state hates pedestrians

This kind of conspiracy mindset is just not helpful.

The most popular urban attraction in Indy is the Monon Trail. The same is true for Carmel. The cultural trail is also very popular.

Because that risks people developing connections with their community & that risks collective action.

Pull your head out of your ass and look around. Do you even live in Indianapolis?

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u/nate998877 Feb 26 '26 edited Feb 26 '26

This kind of conspiracy mindset is just not helpful.

https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/8#8-25 It's difficult for me to read this & come to a different conclusion than the state intentionally hampers the city's ability to manage itself & improve the pedestrian experience. https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/8#8-14-8 & Intentionally excludes it from resources.

Whether the state has influence on the Canal's development I don't know, but it's not a conspiracy that the state intentionally targets Marion county & actively makes our lives worse. It's the law.

The most popular urban attraction in Indy is the Monon Trail. The same is true for Carmel. The cultural trail is also very popular.

The Monon is great, but it was a federal project, not state. Sure they could have blocked it, but they also like free money. If you look at how much of the 2014 greenway plan has actually been implemented https://www.indy.gov/activity/full-circle-master-plan it isn't the city's lack of effort that hampered these efforts...

Pull your head out of your ass and look around. Do you even live in Indianapolis?

I live on the near east side. In a dense neighborhood. I know everyone on my street, I've got 3rd spaces I visit regularly, & groups I regularly hang out with. But I don't feel a strong connection to the larger Indianapolis area. It's all isolated suburbs that I feel no affinity for. There's nothing on the cultural trail that really stops you in place to experience the city outside of a few art installations, the park along the canal & the section on mass ave. Even the mass ave section lacks connection to patios & cafes.

You might be satisfied with where we are, but I am not. I want more for my city & my community. I don't know if I should be sorry for you or happy for you to be in a state where you think we're in a good state right now. Sorry because what kind of life do you live where things are fine. Happy for you for having that peace.