GREENWOOD, Ind. – Mayor Mark W. Myers says Greenwood is emerging from the pandemic stronger than ever, emphasizing the city’s economic development successes, infrastructure improvements and quality of life investments during his tenth State of the City address.
Operating with one of the state’s lowest tax rates and a strong balance sheet, the city is adding jobs, welcoming more visitors and building world-class public amenities. Myers discussed Greenwood’s competitive advantages – and the many transformational public projects recently completed and underway – to a crowd of more than 300 business leaders, community advocates and Greenwood citizens.
“We’ve worked hard to position Greenwood for success, which includes the ability to weather times of difficulty or uncertainty,” said Myers. “Last fall, we opened a world-class park that will anchor Greenwood’s downtown for generations to come. In May, we welcomed yet another internationally known company to our community. Earlier this year, Common Councilors approved redevelopment plans for the former Greenwood Middle School property, which includes nearly $70 million in private investment. The smart money is on Greenwood. Businesses and economic development professionals are proving that fact every day.”
The event, hosted by Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance, culminated with Myers unveiling designs for a new outdoor sports complex on Greenwood’s southeast side.
The complex will be situated on 40 acres near the I-65/Worthsville Road interchange. Catering toward local and traveling sports teams and their families, the destination park will have four softball diamonds, four baseball diamonds, and a multi-use playing field for soccer, cricket and other sports. The complex will also feature the city’s second splash pad and add to Greenwood’s inventory of inclusive playground equipment.
“This is an exciting public amenity we’re confident will provide tremendous benefits to our community, both immediately and for future generations,” said Myers. “It’s another example of what we do in Greenwood. A prideful city, driven by thoughtful, meaningful progress.”
Additional highlights of the address included:
- The ninth straight balanced budget presented to the Greenwood Common Council, which was adopted unanimously.
- A decreasing tax rate, which is now the lowest amongst Indiana cities with a population of 50,000 or greater.
- Thoughtful approaches and successful outcomes of the Greenwood Police and Fire Departments during the pandemic, including prevention of rioting while conducting a comprehensive examination and overhaul of police policies.
- Completion of the re-imagined Old City Park. The park’s recreational centerpiece is a 20-foot cube tower, the first of its kind in Indiana, and one of only three in the country. Other features include an 18-foot wide promenade adjacent to Pleasant Creek, seamlessly integrating into the creek’s natural landscape. There is extensive open space, a new pedestrian bridge, urban porch swings, bocce ball courts and more.
- Continued construction on the Greenwood Fieldhouse, which is scheduled to open later this year. The fieldhouse will be equipped to host a variety of sports, including volleyball, futsal, badminton, soccer, baseball, basketball and pickleball. The facility will have an elevated, three-lane track for walking and running and will house Greenwood’s first indoor turf field, complete with an electronic scoreboard and seating for spectators.
- Indy South Greenwood Airport as the new home to Indiana State Police’s Aviation Section, Strategic Planning Section and command staff for its Special Operations Section. In addition to the state police’s new hangar, the airport recently completed a row of five new corporate hangars, three of which are available to rent.
- An $83 million redevelopment of the former Greenwood Middle School property. The public-private partnership includes city investment in public infrastructure upgrades and a new parking garage that will provide needed parking in Old Town. The project will bring townhomes, condos and apartments to diversify housing options in the city’s downtown. There will be commercial space for restaurants and retail, and Greenwood expects an additional $1 million in annual tax revenue as a result of the redevelopment.
“This is an important milestone in our years-long effort to revitalize Old Town and ensure its future as our city’s thriving core. The project includes diverse, authentic amenities, seamless integration of greenspace, and opportunities for all ages to live, work, play and stay in downtown Greenwood,” said Myers.
