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Mayor Peterson, Sallie Mae Executives Unveil Pilot Project, Announce Improvements to The Canal and White River State Park

Indianapolis, Indiana, June 23, 2006—Mayor Bart Peterson, along with leaders from Sallie Mae and The Canal and White River State Park Cultural District, outlined two new efforts to further enhance The Canal and White River State Park at a press conference this morning.

A new, interactive exhibit along the city’s canal walk, created as the pilot project for a broader "Interpretive Master Plan," was unveiled today. This Interpretive Master Plan—themed "Reflections on the Water. Past. Present. Future."—is designed to attract district visitors and engage them in a learning experience along the historic Central Canal. Mayor Peterson detailed the city’s planned infrastructure improvements and enhancements to the canal walk.

"The canal is one of our downtown’s truly special places, and today’s announcement speaks to the community’s commitment to further enhance this fine amenity," said Mayor Peterson. "The Interpretive Master Plan and newly unveiled pilot project are excellent examples of true community partnership that leverage the resources of the cultural organizations, corporate citizens and city government to provide significant experiences for central Indiana residents and visitors. These experiences enhance the vitality and livability of Indianapolis."

The Interpretive Master Plan and pilot project for the cultural district were made possible through a grant from The Sallie Mae Fund, a charitable organization sponsored by Sallie Mae. "Our mission is squarely focused on helping level the playing field for those seeking a higher education—this educationally–oriented initiative is a natural extension of this mission," said June McCormack, executive vice president of Sallie Mae and a member of the Indianapolis Cultural Development Commission.

McCormack also encouraged the participation of other corporate sponsors for the continued development of all of the elements of the Interpretive Master Plan. "I invite my counterparts in corporations across Indianapolis to help make the Canal a premier destination in the heart of downtown Indianapolis," she said.

The focus for the Master Plan’s pilot project—situated on the underside of the St. Clair Street Bridge on the canal—is transportation. From transportation by water and rail to road and flight, Indianapolis has been at the forefront of innovation and emerging technologies that have shaped the city. Four interpretive panels with lighting and ambient sound technology help tell this transportation history.

Mayor Peterson noted that the city will make a number of infrastructure improvements to the canal walk, including enhancements to a pedestrian bridge and repairs to fix the deteriorating steps along the Ohio Street basin. The city is currently working with a contractor to redesign the pedestrian bridge and develop a plan to further support infrastructure improvements. Work on the bridge and steps will begin this fall and will be completed by spring 2007.

The Canal & White River State Park Cultural District is one of six cultural districts created by the Indianapolis Cultural Development Commission. The Commission established the Cultural District Program, managed by Indianapolis Downtown, Inc., to facilitate the cultural development of distinct locations in the city and to spur private–sector participation. These locations are intended to offer a unique mix of arts, entertainment and hospitality activities.

Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf Architects’ master plan proposal was developed with input from organizations, institutions and individuals that visit, live and work along the canal.

The Sallie Mae Fund, a charitable organization sponsored by Sallie Mae, achieves its mission—to increase access to a post–secondary education for America's students—by supporting programs and initiatives that help open doors to higher education, prepare families for their investment, and bridge the gap when no one else can. For more information visit www.salliemaefund.org.