Indianapolis Historic Park and Boulevard System

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the status of the Park and Boulevard System prior to listing?

Most of the resource had been identified in the Indiana statewide survey of historic resource, hence it had standing relative to Section 106 review of federally funded projects.  In addition, individual components such as some bridges and parks had standing as individually listed resources.

How does National Register Listing affect management of the resource?

NR Listing now gives the resource a more defined status and systemitizes the definition and review of Areas of Potential Effect (APE) caused by impacts funded in whole or in part by federal dollars.

More importantly, the act of seeking listing reflects the City's awareness of the importance of the resource as a comprehensive city-defining system, and its awareness of the importance of informed stewardship of the system.

Why is informed stewardship important?

The Parks Department and the City Administration (see the Peterson Plan II) view the Park and Boulevard System as a framework element in the overall synergy of physical elements that have historically defined Indianapolis, and that continue to define its future as an emergent world class city.  World Class means a city with perceptible patterns of well-maintained and accessible amenities that attract the human capital that drives and sustains economic development.

A failure of stewardship in the postwar years allowed the resources to degrade until recognition of its historic importance and future potential was rekindled by the Indy Greenways initiative.  The National Register listing of the entire resource is the logical outgrowth of that very successful initiative.

How will Indianapolis be guided in its' management of the resource?

The Parks Department is in the process of developing a resource management guide with the working title of The Kessler Workbook: a Historic Park and Boulevard System Resource Manual.

• The Manual will establish interdepartmental standards on management of the system's many components.

• The Manual will establish community values to guide Section 106 review of maintenance and capitol improvement projects within or adjacent to the Park and Boulevard system that are federally funded in whole or in part.