INDIANAPOLIS — Some major changes may be coming to Broad Ripple Park and some residents are concerned about the proposed new family center.
A former library turned into a family center could soon be demolished and replaced with a new facility with a gym, track, group fitness and multi-use rooms and primary care facilities for Community Health Network.
The partnership with Community Health Network would help fund the $19 million facility, according to Indy Parks leaders.
Some residents are opposed to the plan and say there is no need for new construction because there are several large and vacant buildings in Broad Ripple and Glendale. They think the park should be separate from private companies.
"I feel like should be limited to park and recreational uses and supplemental to that," Bill Malcolm, a Broad Ripple resident, said. "There's no connection between a doctor office and sick people going to Broad Ripple Park."
Leaders with Indy Parks say the partnership will allow they to build a facility they wouldn't otherwise be able to afford.
"The place is bustling," Indy Parks Director Linda Broadfoot said. "This will just allow us to serve so many more people offer so many more people."
Amanda Furr, MD, a physician executive, integrated primary care, released the following statement regarding the proposed partnership:
Community Health Network is committed to the health and well-being of the communities we serve. We are delighted to be chosen by the city of Indianapolis and Indy Parks to help promote health and fitness; and to provide convenient, exceptional care to residents and visitors of Broad Ripple where they live, work and play. We first began serving the Broad Ripple community nearly 25 years ago, when we opened a primary care practice on Broad Ripple Avenue. This new opportunity strengthens our commitment by allowing us to expand on those services to meet the growing demand of this community. This will be a place where families and visitors can easily access health and wellness programs like prevention screenings, smoking cessation, maternity care, parenting classes, weight management, sports physicals, fitness training, all while getting access to primary care services. Broad Ripple is home to many of our caregivers; and we are excited to work with city and community leaders and residents to develop an innovative site of care that complements and supports both the history and future of Broad Ripple Park.
Leaders say the plan is still in the design phase and there are a few more hearings with the city before they can break ground on the new facility, but hope to do so in the next few months.
You can learn more about the plan here.
