Official Magazine of the City of Fishers • April 2017
STATE OF THE CITY RECAP page 6
KFB RETURNS FOR 2017 page 8
ALL NEW EVENT CALENDAR page 11
Think Fishers is the official magazine for the City of Fishers, Indiana. It is produced in-house by the City of Fishers Public Relations Department. Additional copies are available at City Hall. For more information, visit www.fishers.in.us. ON THE COVER: With warmer weather on the way, Fishers is gearing up for many big outdoor events! LEFT: Mayor Fadness and other City employees help clean up a flower bed during KFB
MAYOR Scott A. Fadness DEPUTY MAYOR Leah McGrath CITY COUNCIL David George, Southwest District
A MESSAGE FROM
MAYOR FADNESS
Todd Zimmerman, At Large Rich Block, At Large Cecilia Coble, At Large Brad DeReamer, Northeast District
Spring is here! This month I’m looking forward to our annual community initiative
Eric Moeller, North Central District
to Keep Fishers Beautiful. I enjoy working alongside you to make sure our
Pete Peterson, Southeast District
community is vibrant and well-maintained. I hope you’ll make plans to join us on Saturday, April 15. To get involved, visit page 8.
Selina Stoller, Northwest District John Weingardt, South Central District Todd Zimmerman, At Large
The construction season is also back in full force. Make sure that you sign up for our Drive Fishers list to receive weekly construction update emails that will help you plan ahead. Just visit www.fishers.in.us/fishersalert to get signed up.
CITY JUDGE Daniel E. Henke
I hope to see you out and about enjoying our community this month! Before you
CITY CLERK
know it, we’ll be enjoying community favorites like the summer concerts at the
Jennifer Kehl
amphitheater and the summer farmers market. CITY CONTROLLER Oscar Gutierrez Yours in Service, CITY ATTORNEY Chris Greisl PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR Scott Fadness
Eric Pethtel PLANNING & ZONING DIRECTOR Tony Bagato
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FISHERS CITY HALL 1 Municipal Drive Fishers, Indiana 46038
We answer questions every day about all things Fishers via private messages,
317.595.3111 | www.fishers.in.us
posts and mentions on our Facebook and Twitter pages. We figured, if one resident
administration@fishers.in.us
has a question about the community, it’s likely that another may have the same question. That’s why we encourage you to share your questions by using the hashtag
#AskFishers, and each month we’ll share a featured question here.
www.facebook.com/fishers.indiana TWITTER @FishersIN
What are the tall poles going up just north of exit 210? Damien, via Twitter
INSTAGRAM NickelPlateDistrict
ENGINEERING DIRECTOR Jeff Hill
The tall poles are part of the construction for the new Topgolf entertainment center. The poles will support the 75-foot nets for
PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR
the facility. Topgolf Fishers is slated to open this fall.
Tony Elliot POLICE CHIEF Mitch Thompson FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES CHIEF Steve Orusa IT DIRECTOR
We want a glimpse into city life from your perspective, so each month we’ll feature
Tracy Gaynor
your photos from around our community! To submit your photos, simply use the hashtag #AroundFishers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram when you share photos
FLEET MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR
of your favorite local spots and activities.
Elliott Hultgren HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR Cici Conover ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Brandon Dickinson PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR Ashley Elrod THINK FISHERS EDITOR Tiffany Rogers, Communications Manager DESIGN & LAYOUT Elizabeth Creakbaum, Brand Coordinator
Susan Davis (@indysuz)
Lisa Wilkins (@fishersfarmersmarket)
PRINTED BY FINELINE PRINTING GROUP www.finelineprintinggroup.com
facebook.com/FishersIN
APRIL 2017
@FishersIN
NickelPlateDistrict
3
live music FISHERS KICKS OFF ITS 15TH SUMMER CONCERT SEASON
The City of Fishers is thrilled to celebrate its 15th year of summer concerts in the Nickel Plate District with the City’s most ambitious lineup to date, featuring both local and major national recording artists. “The Nickel Plate District really comes to life during the summer months, and visitors are in for a great time this year,” said Mayor Scott Fadness. “Not only are there free music options for people of all walks of life, but the amenities in downtown offer unique places to gather, eat and shop. I encourage visitors to explore the Nickel Plate District this summer and enjoy.” This summer, Music lovers will enjoy two free weekly concert series, including Tuesday Night Concerts presented by IU Health Saxony Hospital, as well as AMP After Dark concerts on Friday nights. Highlights for the 2017 concert season include: • The Woomblies Rock Orchestra | June 2 • B105.7 presents 80’s at the Amp | June 3 • 107.9 The Mix presents Smash Mouth | June 9 • Q95 and Barnes & Thornburg LLP present John Waite | June 16 • WJJK presents Loverboy | July 7 • WTTS presents Jennie DeVoe | July 14 • WTTS presents Moon Taxi | August 4 • Blues Fest | September 1-2 “We couldn’t be more excited to bring this great lineup to Fishers this summer. I hope everyone will join us this summer for an epic experience at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater,” said Tony Elliot, Parks and Recreation Department Director. “Fishers is going to rock all summer long!” The full concert lineup can be found online at www.fishers.in.us/ summerconcerts and on the Nickel Plate District App. For updates about the Nickel Plate District and the Amphitheater, follow the Nickel Plate District on Facebook and Instagram.
FISHERS BIZ SPOTLIGHT
FOUNDED IN 1979, Matrix Integration is
Fishers events like the IoT Summit and
a homegrown company that helps clients
the Hackathon. We’ve even provided
integrate technology solutions into their
consulting assistance to Launch on their
business operations. After establishing
wireless infrastructure. We also partner
operations in Fishers in 2005, Matrix
with a handful of the Launch member
Integration has seen the growth of the
companies like eHealthcare Consulting
entrepreneurial spirit in the community.
and neighboring Technology Park
Here, we ask a few questions to get to
residents like Flexware Innovation.
know them a little bit better: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE FISHERS WHAT’S YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH?
LUNCH SPOT?
We are expert technology advisors. For
Verde
more than 35 years we have helped clients design, implement and utilize
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2017?
technology to achieve success. Our
We have two major initiatives for 2017: IT
expertise includes: Professional Services,
security and growth.
Data Center, Networking, Computing, Collaboration, and Security.
First, with security threats increasing Matrix sees a huge need for IT security
WHAT IS ONE UNIQUE CONNECTION YOUR
expertise. We are increasing our skills
BUSINESS HAS TO FISHERS?
and hiring talent to support the need.
We chose to move to the Certified Tech
Second, there is still growing demand
Park primarily because of Mayor Scott
for local, enterprise IT expertise. So, we
Fadness and Launch Fishers Director,
are growing both our sales team and our
John Wechsler’s commitment to making
engineering team in Indianapolis and
Fishers a hub of entrepreneurialism and
Louisville to meet that need.
economic growth. For more information, visit Since our move we’ve nurtured that
Matrix Integration’s website at
relationship by participating in Launch
www.matrixintegration.com.
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RECAP
2017 STATE OF THE CITY On March 15, Mayor Scott Fadness delivered the Fishers State
investments in 2016 along the 116th Street and I69 corridor, and
of the City. The annual event provides a chance for community
is looking forward to investing throughout the year to improve
members to hear about the progress and plans for Fishers. Mayor
traffic flow within the city.
Fadness invited Opinion Editor and Columnist Tim Swarens to join him on stage for a candid, off-the-cuff conversation in
Fishers is Entrepreneurial.
front of a crowd of over 500 business and community leaders.
Citing Launch Fishers as one of the single most transformational
The discussion narrowed in on the three goals for Fishers: to be a
projects for the community, Mayor Fadness discussed the impact
smart, vibrant, and entrepreneurial city.
of entrepreneurship in Fishers. The creation of the popular coworking space has not only impacted our community, but as
Fishers is Smart.
a result of Launch Fishers Co-Founder John Wechsler’s work
Establishing sustainable growth policies is a top priority
across the state, more than 40 coworking locations have popped
toward being a smart city. “Suburban communities tend to
up around the state.
be transactional by nature: good schools, affordable housing, but with that you don’t find great engagement in the
And the momentum continues with the recent announcement of
community,” said Mayor Fadness. Bringing together a vibrant
the Internet of Things (IoT) Lab-Fishers. This new concept will
combination of residents, employees, and visitors is a central
allow an entrepreneur with an idea to connect an everyday object
component of a sustainable economy.
to the internet a place to tinker, create, collaborate, and innovate. The Indiana IoT Lab-Fishers will be at the forefront of innovating
Creating
sustainable
neighborhoods
is
key
to
growing
engagement. Mayor Fadness is turning his focus to particular
Indiana’s three major industries: manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics and warehousing.
parts of the community that are starting to experience decay by investing early and often. Top priority areas include 96th Street,
As the discussion began to wrap up, Swarens brought up a
116th Street and Allisonville Road, and the Geist area. “We want to
few topics that effect Fishers residents outside of city limits.
make sure those areas are as vibrant and sustainable twenty years
Referencing the sustainability of Fishers, collaboration with
from now as they are today,” remarked Mayor Fadness.
regional partners such as the Indy Chamber and regional mayors will continue to be increasingly important for Fishers. By working
Fishers is Vibrant.
together to create a stronger region, the Indy metro will be more
“I don’t want to see 40,000 people leaving Fishers every day,”
competitive at attracting and keeping talented workers and offer
commented Mayor Fadness when asked about bringing new
better liveability for residents.
jobs to Fishers. With over 1,550 new jobs announced in the last year, building a vibrant business economy so Fishers residents
As Mayor Fadness closed out the State of the City, he left the
can live, work, and play all within their own community is well
crowd with a goal: that in the future, people will say that this is
on its way.
a community of purpose and intent to become a smart, vibrant and entrepreneurial city. To track the progress of Fishers and stay
The downtown Nickel Plate District is contributing to the vibrancy
up to date on the latest news, follow the City of Fishers on social
of the city by creating a dining and cultural destination for
media for updates throughout the year:
residents and visitors alike. From Farmers Markets to Saturday evening dinner to the Summer Concert Series, at the heart of the
www.facebook.com/fishers.indiana
vibrant community is the Nickel Plate District. @FishersIN As with any vibrant, growing city comes the need to address growth challenges such as traffic. Fishers dedicated road
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NickelPlateDistrict
Mayor Fadness speaks with Tim Swarens during the 2017 State of the City event at Forum Conference & Events Center
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Vibrant City FISHERS PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR TONY ELLIOT EXPLORES THE CITY’S EFFORTS TO SUSTAIN PUBLIC SPACES Mayor Fadness’ vision for Fishers as a smart, vibrant, and
VOLUNTEERISM
entrepreneurial community is embodied each day in a multitude
Beyond the City’s green practices, there are many ways for
of ways within the City of Fishers. One way in which the City
residents to engage with neighbors and the natural environment
advances this vision and spirit is through environmental
this spring. Keep Fishers Beautiful, Fishers’ largest single-day
stewardship and commitment to community engagement.
volunteer event, takes place on April 15. This day of service is
Fishers was recognized in 2016 as the Green Community of the
open to neighborhoods, businesses, and the community at large
Year by the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT) for
in the spirit of preserving the natural beauty and vibrancy of
its commitment toward sustainable best management practices.
the City.
The month of April plays host to Earth Day and is also National Volunteer Month, so it is an appropriate time to highlight Fishers’
The award-winning Community Garden Program (CGP) blooms
initiatives that reflect the vision of the City:
in April at Cyntheanne Park. The CGP provides an opportunity to grow your own farm-to-fork vegetables, but also to learn and
TREE RECYCLING
connect with fellow gardeners.
Following the 2016 holiday season, Fishers’ residents dropped off nearly 3,200 trees, which created 320 cubic yards of
To be a smart, vibrant and entrepreneurial community, we must
pine mulch to be used in parks this spring. The tree recycling
also be a learning community. Connect with Fishers Parks and
initiative, sponsored by Sambol’s Tree Farm, creates a cost
Recreation this spring to share your thoughts and ideas for
savings of $8,000.
ongoing sustainability. Also, please engage with us to participate in Keep Fishers Beautiful or many other volunteer options this
Each spring as the City prepares its parks and athletic fields
spring. Community engagement is at the heart of a vibrant city.
for the busy summer season, the Department of Public Works
Find out how to get involved this April!
utilizes a unique, microbiological organic fertilizer treatment that establishes resilient, lower-maintenance grass surfaces and also
www.facebook.com/fishersparksandrecreation
balances the soil’s ecosystems. So, as you explore the parks this summer, know that there is a purpose and intent in sustaining beautiful, healthy public spaces.
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@FishersParks
SPECIAL EVENTS
PARKS PROGRAMS
MOVIES IN THE PARK
SPECTACULAR STRING ART
Friday Nights, April - May | Sunset | Nickel Plate District AMP
Thursday, April 13 | 6:30 - 7:30 PM | Billericay Park Building
It’s time to roll out the blanket and grab some popcorn - Spring
Ages 14+ | Residents $12, Nonresidents $18
Movies in the Park returns, offering the perfect opportunity
Register by April 6 with activity title “String Art”
to unwind under the stars on Friday nights! This year, mobile concessions will be available during each show. Movies are selected to meet the interests of a large number of people, and
TWO TIMES THE FUN!
we trust parents to make decisions on which films are most
Two Times the Fun programs are designed for interactive play with
appropriate for their families.
your two-year-old and other toddlers. Parents, your participation is required so you can get in on the fun, too!
4.14 Star Wars: The Force Awakens
5.12 Cinderella (2015)
4.21 Pete’s Dragon (2016)
5.19 Storks
LIL’ BUNNIES
4.28 The Huntsman: Winter’s War
5.26 Finding Dory
Friday, April 14 | 10 - 11 AM | Holland Park Building
5.05 The Secret Life of Pets
Residents $6, Nonresidents $9 Register by April 7 with activity title “TTTF Bunnies”
ARBOR DAY - LET’S FLOCK THE NPD Now through Thursday, April 27 | Nickel Plate District Amphitheater
BIRD FEEDING FRENZY
Grab a flamingo ($3 each while supplies last) and join in as we
Tuesday, April 18 | 10:30 - 11:30 AM | Billericay Park Building
customize these colorful lawn decorations for the Nickel Plate
Ages 2 - 5 | Residents $7, Nonresidents $11
District! To participate, stop by the Fishers Parks & Recreation
Register by April 11 with activity title “Bird Feeding Frenzy”
office for your flamingo and a copy of the rules. All flamingos should flock back to the NPD AMP on Friday, April 28 between
PRE-K PROM
6 and 6:30, where winners will be selected and auctioned off
Friday, April 21 | 6 - 7:30 PM | Saxony Hall
(participants may choose to keep their flamingo if desired).
Ages 2 - 5 | Residents $5, Nonresidents $8 Register by April 14 with activity title “Pre-K Prom”
KEEP FISHERS BEAUTIFUL SPRING SERVICE DAY
JEDI MOMS & PADAWAN SONS
Saturday, April 15 | 9 AM - 3 PM | Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve
Thursday, May 4 | 5:30 - 7 PM | Billericay Park Building
Spring Service Day welcomes residents of all ages to Ritchey
Ages 5 - 12 | Residents $8, Nonresidents $12
Woods Nature Preserve as we work together to protect our
Register by April 27 with activity title “Jedi Moms & Sons”
environment from invasive plants that pose as a threat to our native wildflowers. This is a rain or shine event. Pre-registration by April 12 is encouraged. Eager to volunteer? To learn how you can get envolved, contact Dan Domsic at domsicd@fishers.in.us or by phone at (317)595.3151.
APRIL 2017
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
MY SUMMER GARDEN SERIES Mondays, May 8 -August 21 | 5:30 - 6:30 PM | Cyntheanne Park Ages 7 - 18 | Residents $25, Nonresidents $30
SPRING RECYCLING DAY
Register by May 1 with activity title “My Summer Garden”
Saturday, April 15 | 8 AM - 1 PM | Billericay Park Responsibly rid your home of electronics, paints and other
MOTHER DAUGHTER CUPCAKE PARTY
liquids, paper and large pieces such as lawn mowers. For a full
Friday, May 12 | 6 - 7:30 PM | Billericay Park Building
list of accepted items, visit www.fishers.in.us/calendars.
Ages 5 - 12 | Residents $20, Nonresidents $30 Register by May 5 with activity title “Cupcake Party”
PUBLIC MEETINGS
SMART START SOCCER SESSION 1
To view a list of upcoming meetings and submit community events for publication, visit www.fishers.in.us/calendars.
Mondays, May 15 - June 12* | 5 - 6 PM | Holland Memorial Park Ages 3 - 5 | Residents $48, Nonresidents $72 Register by May 1 with activity title “SS Soccer 1” | *No class May 30
FISHERS FARMERS’ MARKET SMART START BASEBALL SESSION 1
Saturdays, May 6 - September 30 | 8 AM - Noon | NPD AMP
Thursdays, May 18 - June 15* | 5 - 6 PM | Holland Memorial Park
Our popular summer Fishers Farmers Market returns! This
Ages 3 - 5 | Residents $48, Nonresidents $72
season will feature all of your favorite seasonal goodies,
Register by May 1 with activity title “SS Baseball 1” | *No class June 1
including Indiana grown, raised, made, and baked products from over 55 vendors. The whole family will enjoy live music,
DIY: SUCCULENT GARDEN SUMMER WREATH
entertainment and cooking demonstrations while stocking up
Friday, May 19 | 6:30 - 8:30 PM | Billericay Park Building
on fresh local food. Don’t miss out on these Specialty Days
Ages 16+ | Residents $20, Nonresidents $30
throughout the 2017 Market Season:
Register by May 12 with activity title “Summer Wreath” 5.27 Pet Day
BEFORE YOU PARTICIPATE...
6.03 Strawberry Festival 6.10 Health & Wellness Expo
YOU MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE Registration can be completed online at the Fishers Parks & Recreation website (www.fishers.in.us/parks), by mailing in your completed form with payment, or in person at the Fishers Parks Office (phone registration not accepted).
CHECK IT OUT! For additional information regarding these programs, as well as other events and partner classes, be sure to check out the latest issue of the Fun Guide by visiting www.issuu.com/fishersindiana.
FISHERS PARKS & RECREATION 11565 Brooks School Road Fishers, Indiana 46037 (317)595.3150 Open Monday - Friday | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
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APRIL 2017
7.15 Celebrate Kids & BIZ KIDZ Entrepreneurial Vendor Day 9.30 Fall Harvest Festival
HAPPENING THIS
APRIL IN FISHERS
KEEP THIS CALENDAR TO STAY UP TO DATE ON LOCAL EVENTS!
LET’S FLOCK THE NPD!
SPECTACULAR STRING ART
Now - Thursday, April 27 | Around the NPD
6:30 - 7:30 PM | Billericay Park Building
Visit www.fishers.in.us/parks for more info
Residents $12, Nonresidents $18
MOVIES IN THE PARK
LIL’ BUNNIES
Begins April 14 | Sundown
10 - 11 AM | Holland Park Building
Nickel Plate District AMP | Free
Residents $6, Nonresidents $9
4.14 Star Wars: The Force Awakens
5.12 Cinderella (2015)
4.21 Pete’s Dragon (2016)
5.19 Storks
4.28 The Huntsman: Winter’s War
5.26 Finding Dory
5.05 The Secret Life of Pets
KFB SPRING SERVICE DAY 9 AM - 3 PM | Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve Volunteers welcome!
POTTERY & PINOT 6 - 8 PM | Saxony Hall Residents $17, Nonresidents $26
MUSIC & MOVEMENT
BIRD FEEDING FRENZY
10 - 11 AM | Holland Park Building
10:30 - 11:30 PM | Billericay Park Building
Residents $2, Nonresidents $3
Residents $7, Nonresidents $11
HERE COMES PETER COTTONTAIL 7 - 8 PM | Billericay Park Building Residents $20, Nonresidents $30
FAMILY LOVE
PRE-K PROM
6 - 7 PM | Billericay Park Building
6 - 7:30 PM | Saxony Hall
Residents $6, Nonresidents $9
Residents $5, Nonresidents $8
FISHERS WILL BE HOME TO THE STATE’S FIRST IOT LAB Mayor Fadness recently announced the formation of the state’s first Internet of Things lab. The new facility will be designed to bring each component of the emerging tech sector of Internet of Things (IoT) together as a lab for innovation and collaboration. Indiana IoT Lab-Fishers is scheduled to open summer 2017. For more information visit IndianaIOT.com.
NICKEL PLATE TRAIL PROPOSAL Mayor Scott Fadness and Noblesville Mayor John Distlear joined Hamilton County commissioners to announce plans to develop the Nickel Plate Trail last month. The proposed 14-foot wide pedestrian and bicycle trail will connect Fishers and Noblesville from 96th Street in Fishers to Pleasant Street in Noblesville, totaling 9.2 miles. The trail will be developed under a federal rail banking program, which will allow conversion of the railroad to a trail, while preserving the right to reestablish rail service. Project updates can be found online at www.nickelplatetrail.com.
FISHERS POLICE DEPARTMENT NOMINATED FOR TECHPOINT MIRA AWARD Fishers Police Department has been selected as a 2017 TechPoint Mira Award Nominee. The Department’s new Crimewatch app is up for Tech Service of the Year. The app allows residents and local officers to connect in two-way dialogue about suspicious activity in the community. Cast your vote for Crimewatch here: https://app.reviewr.com/s1/showcase/mira.
HELP US KEEP FISHERS BEAUTIFUL Join us for Keep Fishers Beautiful on Saturday, April 15! There are serval ways for you to get involved in this annual event, from Spring Recycling Day to participating in neighborhood clean ups to Spring Service Day at Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve. Visit www.fishers.in.us/kfb to learn more.