Editing Indianapolis (section)

==Geography==
[[File:Indianapolis by Sentinel-2, 2020-09-19.jpg|thumb|A 2020 [[Sentinel-2]] true-color image of the Indianapolis metropolitan area]]
Indianapolis is located in the [[East North Central states|East North Central]] region of the [[Midwestern United States]], about {{convert|14|mi|km}} south-southeast of Indiana's [[geographic center]].<ref>{{cite report |url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/unnumbered/70039437/report.pdf |title=Geographic Centers of the United States |publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey |page=2 |access-date=May 5, 2022}}</ref> It is situated {{convert|98|mi|km}} northwest of [[Cincinnati, Ohio]], {{convert|107|mi|km}} north of [[Louisville, Kentucky]], {{convert|164|mi|km}} southeast of [[Chicago, Illinois]], and {{convert|168|mi|km}} west of [[Columbus, Ohio]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.geodatos.net/en/distances/cities/united-states/indiana-rgn/indianapolis |title=Distances from Indianapolis, Indiana, United States |publisher=Geodatos |website=geodatos.net |access-date=April 11, 2024}}</ref> According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], the [[Indianapolis (balance)]] encompasses a total area of {{convert|367.9|sqmi|km2}}, of which {{convert|361.6|sqmi|km2}} is land and {{convert|6.3|sqmi|km2}} is water.<ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020"/> It is the [[List of United States cities by area|18th-most extensive]] city by land area in the U.S.

As a [[consolidated city-county]], Indianapolis's [[city limits]] are coterminous with [[Marion County, Indiana|Marion County]], except the autonomous and semi-autonomous municipalities outlined in [[Unigov]].<ref name="Britannica">{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Indianapolis-Indiana |title=Indianapolis |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=June 13, 2016}}</ref><ref name=StatsIndiana12>{{cite web|title=Indiana InDepth Profile: Largest Cities and Towns in Indiana (35,000+)|publisher=Indiana Business Research Center, Indiana University, Kelley School of Business|url=http://www.stats.indiana.edu/profiles/profiles.asp?scope_choice=a&county_changer=18000&button1=Get+Profile&id=2&page_path=Area+Profiles&path_id=11&panel_number=1|access-date=May 22, 2017}}</ref> Nine [[civil township]]s form the broadest geographic divisions within the city and county; these are [[Center Township, Marion County, Indiana|Center]], [[Decatur Township, Marion County, Indiana|Decatur]], [[Franklin Township, Marion County, Indiana|Franklin]], [[Lawrence Township, Marion County, Indiana|Lawrence]], [[Perry Township, Marion County, Indiana|Perry]], [[Pike Township, Marion County, Indiana|Pike]], [[Warren Township, Marion County, Indiana|Warren]], [[Washington Township, Marion County, Indiana|Washington]], and [[Wayne Township, Marion County, Indiana|Wayne]] townships.<ref name="Townships">{{cite encyclopedia |title=Townships |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Hale |first=Michelle |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/townships/ |access-date=January 21, 2022}}</ref> The consolidated city-county borders the adjacent counties of [[Boone County, Indiana|Boone]] to the northwest; [[Hamilton County, Indiana|Hamilton]] to the north; [[Hancock County, Indiana|Hancock]] to the east; [[Shelby County, Indiana|Shelby]] to the southeast; [[Johnson County, Indiana|Johnson]] to the south; [[Morgan County, Indiana|Morgan]] to the southwest; and [[Hendricks County, Indiana|Hendricks]] to the west.<ref>{{cite report |last1=Geib |first1=W.J. |last2=Schroeder |first2=Frank C. |url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MANUSCRIPTS/indiana/marionIN1908/marionIN1908.pdf |title=Soil Survey of Marion County, Indiana |date=October 6, 1908 |publisher=U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Soils |pages=5{{hyphen}}6 |access-date=May 5, 2022 |archive-date=July 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708221416/https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MANUSCRIPTS/indiana/marionIN1908/marionIN1908.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Between 2.6 million and 11,700 years ago, the Indianapolis area was situated on the southern margin of the [[Laurentide Ice Sheet]]. The erosive advance and retreat of glacial ice produced a flat or gently sloping landscape, known as a [[till plain]]. Elevations across Indianapolis vary from about {{convert|650|ft|m|0}} to {{convert|900|ft|m|0}} [[above mean sea level]].<ref name="Geology">{{cite encyclopedia |title=Geology |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Mirsky |first1=Arthur |last2=Cox |first2=Kristiana |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/geology/ |access-date=December 28, 2023}}</ref> Indianapolis is located in the [[White River (Indiana)#West Fork|West Fork White River]] [[drainage basin]], part of the larger [[Mississippi River]] watershed via the [[Wabash River|Wabash]] and [[Ohio River|Ohio]] rivers.<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.in.gov/dnr/water/files/WFWR_web.pdf |title=Ground-Water Resources in the White and West Fork White River Basin, Indiana |page=8 |quote=Streamflow leaving the basin enters the Wabash River, then the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, and eventually reaches the Gulf of Mexico. |publisher=State of Indiana, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water |date=2002 |access-date=December 28, 2023}}</ref> The White River flows {{convert|31|mi|km}} north-to-south through the city and is fed by some 35 streams, including Eagle Creek, [[Fall Creek (Indiana)|Fall Creek]], Pleasant Run, and [[Pogue's Run]].<ref name="White River">{{cite encyclopedia |title=White River |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Strunk |first1=Kevin |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/white-river/ |access-date=May 5, 2022}}</ref> The city's largest waterbodies are artificial [[quarry lake]]s and [[reservoir]]s.

===Cityscape===
{{Wide image|Panoram Indy.jpg|1000px|A 2009 panorama of the [[Downtown Indianapolis]] skyline and White River in daylight}}
{{Wide image|NightPanoIndy.jpg|1000px|A 2009 panorama of the Downtown Indianapolis skyline and White River at twilight}}
{{Wide image|Panorama of downtown Indianapolis skyline, July 2016.jpg|1000px|A 2016 panorama of the Downtown Indianapolis skyline, looking northeast from atop the [[Perry K. Generating Station]]}}
[[File:Indiana Central Canal - 2013 June - 01.jpg|thumb|A northern segment of the former [[Indiana Central Canal]]]]
Indianapolis is an example of a [[planned city]]. In 1821, the [[Indiana General Assembly]] selected a site near the [[confluence]] of the [[White River (Indiana)|White River]] and [[Fall Creek (Indiana)|Fall Creek]] to serve as the new state capital, adopting a plan co-designed by surveyors [[Alexander Ralston]] and [[Elias Pym Fordham]].<ref>{{cite book|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David J.|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert G.|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|publisher=Indiana University Press|year=1994|location=Bloomington and Indianapolis|page=132|isbn=0-253-31222-1}}</ref> The [[grid plan]] called for a town of {{convert|1|sqmi|km2}} centered on a [[traffic circle]] (from which Indianapolis's "Circle City" nickname originates).<ref>{{cite journal|author=William A. Browne Jr.|title=The Ralston Plan: Naming the Streets of Indianapolis|journal=Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History|volume=25|issue=3|page=8 and 9|publisher=Indiana Historical Society|location=Indianapolis|date=Summer 2013}}</ref> Four diagonal avenues{{emdash}}[[Indiana Avenue|Indiana]] (northwest), Kentucky (southwest), [[Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis|Massachusetts]] (northeast), and Virginia (southwest){{emdash}}radiated a block from the circle.<ref>Browne, p. 11 and 16.</ref> The city's address numbering system originates at the intersection of [[Washington Street (Indianapolis)|Washington]] (running east–west) and [[Meridian Street (Indianapolis)|Meridian]] streets (running north–south).<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|year=1994|publisher=Indiana University Press|location=Bloomington & Indianapolis|page=1485}}</ref>

The {{convert|8|mi|km|adj=on}}-long [[Indiana Central Canal]] is the oldest extant artificial facility in the city, dating to the 1830s. Between 1985 and 2001, nearly {{convert|1.5|mi}} of the former canal in downtown Indianapolis were redeveloped into a cultural and recreational amenity. North of 18th Street, the canal retains much of its original appearance, flowing through the northside neighborhoods of [[Riverside, Indianapolis|Riverside]], [[Butler–Tarkington, Indianapolis|Butler–Tarkington]], [[Rocky Ripple, Indiana|Rocky Ripple]], and [[Broad Ripple Village, Indianapolis|Broad Ripple]]. This segment has been recognized as an [[American Water Landmark]] since 1971.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Central Canal Corridor |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=March 2021 |last=Verderame |first=Jyoti A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/central-canal-corridor/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Central Canal |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Lauritz Larson |first=John |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/central-canal/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref>

In the 2020 census, Indianapolis was among the 20 largest cities in the U.S. by both population and land area; however, the city’s population density of 2,455 people per square mile (948/km<sup>2</sup>) [[List of United States cities by population|ranked 222nd]]. This contrast is evident in Indianapolis's cityscape where [[low-density development]] patterns dominate and some {{convert|14600|acres}} of farmland remain within its municipal boundaries.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2022/Online_Resources/County_Profiles/Indiana/cp18097.pdf |title=2022 Census of Agriculture - County Profile: Marion County, Indiana |publisher=U.S. Department of Agriculture |access-date=December 28, 2024}}</ref>

====Neighborhoods====
{{See also|List of Indianapolis neighborhoods}}
[[File:Webster Avenue in Irvington Terrace.jpg|thumb|Single-family homes in [[Irvington Terrace Historic District|Irvington Terrace]]]]
For statistical purposes, the consolidated city-county is organized into 99 "neighborhood areas" with most containing numerous individual historic and cultural districts, subdivisions, and some semi-autonomous towns. In total, some 500 self-identified neighborhood associations are listed in the city's Registered Community Organization system.<ref>{{cite web |title=About the Data |url=https://indyvitals.org/AboutTheData |publisher=The Polis Center at IUPUI |access-date=November 26, 2021}}</ref> As a result of the city's expansive land area, Indianapolis has a unique [[Transect (urban)|urban-to-rural transect]], ranging from dense urban neighborhoods to suburban [[tract housing]] subdivisions, to rural villages.<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David J. |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert G. |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=1994 |location=Bloomington and Indianapolis |pages=243–244|isbn=0-253-31222-1}}</ref>

Typical of American cities in the Midwest, Indianapolis urbanized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, resulting in the development of relatively dense, well-defined neighborhoods clustered around streetcar corridors, especially in [[Center Township, Marion County, Indiana|Center Township]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Center Township |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Donnelly |first1=Cathleen |last2=Verderame |first2=Jyoti |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/center-township/ |access-date=November 27, 2021}}</ref> Notable [[streetcar suburb]]s include [[Broad Ripple Village, Indianapolis|Broad Ripple]], [[Irvington Historic District (Indianapolis, Indiana)|Irvington]], and [[University Heights, Indianapolis|University Heights]].<ref name="Neighborhoods and Communities">{{cite book |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David J. |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert G. |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=1994 |location=Bloomington and Indianapolis |pages=132–39 |isbn=0-253-31222-1}}</ref> Starting in the mid-20th century, the [[post–World War II economic expansion]] and subsequent [[suburbanization]] greatly influenced the city's development patterns. From 1950 to 1970, nearly 100,000 housing units were built in Marion County, most outside Center Township in suburban neighborhoods such as [[Castleton, Indianapolis|Castleton]], [[Eagledale, Indianapolis|Eagledale]], and [[Nora, Indianapolis|Nora]].<ref name="Neighborhoods and Communities"/>

Since the 2000s, [[downtown Indianapolis]] and surrounding neighborhoods have seen increased reinvestment mirroring nationwide market trends, driven by [[empty nesters]] and [[millennials]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Olson |first=Scott |date=November 15, 2013 |url=http://www.ibj.com/articles/44639-study-downtown-can-sustain-huge-apartment-boom |title=Study: Downtown can sustain huge apartment boom |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=June 11, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Russell |first=John |date=February 25, 2015 |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/money/2015/02/25/report-downtown-apartment-market-booming-units-way/24000905/ |title=Report: Downtown apartment market booming, with more units on the way |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |access-date=June 11, 2016}}</ref> Renewed interest in urban living has been met with some dispute regarding [[gentrification]] and [[affordable housing]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Eason| first=Brian |date=August 18, 2015 |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2015/07/23/tax-relief-plan-targets-gentrifying-indy-neighborhoods/30585231/ |title=Council passes resolution seeking help for owners in gentrifying areas |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |access-date=June 11, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Courage |first=Cara |date=August 21, 2015 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/aug/21/indianapolis-gentrification-arts-big-car-jim-walker-fountain-square-garfield-park |title=Why Indianapolis is a test case for a fairer form of gentrification |work=The Guardian |access-date=June 11, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Larson |first=Annika |date=February 10, 2016 |url=http://www.nuvo.net/indianapolis/the-rent-is-too-damn-high/Content?oid=3787156|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160212100211/http://www.nuvo.net/indianapolis/the-rent-is-too-damn-high/Content?oid=3787156 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 12, 2016 |title=The rent is too damn high! |newspaper=NUVO |access-date=June 11, 2016}}</ref> According to a Center for Community Progress report, neighborhoods like [[Cottage Home Historic District|Cottage Home]] and [[Fall Creek Place, Indianapolis|Fall Creek Place]] have experienced measurable gentrification since 2000.<ref>{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Emily |date=December 14, 2016 |url=https://www.nuvo.net/arts/general_arts/are-indy-neighborhoods-gentrifying/article_f7ef3602-5992-5043-b61a-25a88b59aabd.html |title=Are Indy neighborhoods gentrifying? |newspaper=NUVO |access-date=December 20, 2016}}</ref> The [[North Meridian Street Historic District]] is among the most affluent urban neighborhoods in the U.S., with a mean [[household income]] of $102,599 in 2017.<ref>{{citation |title=High Income Urban Neighborhoods |publisher=Higley 1000 |website=higley1000.com |url=http://higley1000.com/about-this-site/methodology/top-urban-neighborhoods-by-mean-household-income |access-date=September 17, 2017 |archive-date=September 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914124844/http://higley1000.com/about-this-site/methodology/top-urban-neighborhoods-by-mean-household-income |url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Architecture====
{{See also|List of tallest buildings in Indianapolis|National Register of Historic Places listings in Marion County, Indiana}}
[[File:Monument Circle, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.jpg|thumb|Built between 1888 and 1901, the [[Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument (Indianapolis)|Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument]] is perhaps the most prominent of the city's [[Neoclassical architecture]].]]
Noted as one of the finest examples of the [[City Beautiful movement]] design in the U.S., the [[Indiana World War Memorial Plaza|Indiana World War Memorial Plaza Historic District]] began construction in 1921 in downtown Indianapolis.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indiana World War Memorial Plaza Historic District|url=https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/indianapolis/wwmemorialplaza.htm|publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior|access-date=May 20, 2016}}</ref><ref name="INDWARMEM">{{cite book|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David J.|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert G.|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|publisher=Indiana University Press|year=1994|location=Bloomington and Indianapolis|pages=762–763|isbn=0-253-31222-1}}</ref> The district, a [[National Historic Landmark]], encompasses several examples of [[neoclassical architecture]], including the [[American Legion]], [[Central Library (Indianapolis)|Central Library]], and [[Birch Bayh Federal Building and United States Courthouse]]. The district is also home to several sculptures and memorials, ''[[Depew Memorial Fountain]]'', and open space, hosting many annual civic events.<ref name="INDWARMEM"/>

After completion of the [[Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument (Indianapolis)|Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument]], an ordinance was passed in 1905 [[Height restriction laws|restricting building heights]] on the traffic circle to {{convert|86|ft|m|0|abbr=on}} to protect views of the {{convert|284|ft|m|0|abbr=on}} monument.<ref name="height">{{cite book|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David J.|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert G.|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|publisher=Indiana University Press|year=1994|location=Bloomington and Indianapolis|page=648|isbn=0-253-31222-1}}</ref> The ordinance was revised in 1922, permitting buildings to rise to {{convert|108|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}, with an additional {{convert|42|ft|m|0|abbr=on}} allowable with a series of [[setback (architecture)|setback]]s.<ref name="height"/> A citywide height restriction ordinance was instituted in 1912, barring structures over {{convert|200|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite book|author=City of New York Board of Estimate and Apportionment|title=Commission on Building Districts and Restrictions: Final Report|publisher=M. B. Brown Printing & Binding Co.|year=1916|location=New York|page=62}}</ref> Completed in 1962, the [[City-County Building (Indianapolis)|City-County Building]] was the first high-rise in the city to surpass the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument in height.<ref>{{cite web|title=City-County Building, Indianapolis|publisher=Emporis.com|url=http://www.emporis.com/buildings/118692/city-county-building-indianapolis-in-usa|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513035046/http://www.emporis.com/buildings/118692/city-county-building-indianapolis-in-usa|url-status=usurped|archive-date=May 13, 2015|access-date=June 11, 2016}}</ref> A [[building boom]], lasting from 1982 to 1990, saw the construction of six of the city's ten tallest buildings.<ref name="buildings">{{cite book|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David J.|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert G.|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|publisher=Indiana University Press|year=1994|location=Bloomington and Indianapolis|pages=28–37|isbn=0-253-31222-1}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emporis.com/statistics/tallest-buildings/city/101039/indianapolis-in-usa|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150408010453/http://www.emporis.com/statistics/tallest-buildings/city/101039/indianapolis-in-usa|url-status=usurped|archive-date=April 8, 2015|title=Tallest buildings in Indianapolis|access-date=June 11, 2016|publisher=Emporis.com}}</ref> The tallest is [[Salesforce Tower (Indianapolis)|Salesforce Tower]], completed in 1990 at {{convert|811|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.emporis.com/buildings/118700/salesforce-tower-indianapolis-in-usa|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806082116/http://www.emporis.com/buildings/118700/salesforce-tower-indianapolis-in-usa|url-status=usurped|archive-date=August 6, 2016|title=Salesforce Tower, Indianapolis|access-date=September 4, 2017|publisher=Emporis.com}}</ref>

[[Indiana limestone]] is the signature building material in Indianapolis, widely included in the city's many monuments, churches, academic, government, and civic buildings.<ref name="buildings"/>

====Parks====
{{See also|List of parks in Indianapolis}}
[[File:"The Ruins" at Holliday Park, Indianapolis, Indiana.jpg|thumb|The Ruins at Holliday Park]]
The city of Indianapolis maintains 212 public parks, totaling {{convert|11258|acre|ha}} or about 5.1% of the city's land area.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Parks and Greenspaces |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Hale |first1=Michelle |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/parks-and-greenspaces/ |access-date=January 15, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tpl.org/sites/default/files/files_upload/CityParkFacts_2017.4_7_17.FIN_.LO_.pdf |title=2017 City park facts |publisher=The Trust for Public Land |page=11 |access-date=January 16, 2022 |archive-date=January 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113034104/https://www.tpl.org/sites/default/files/files_upload/CityParkFacts_2017.4_7_17.FIN_.LO_.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Eagle Creek Park]], Indianapolis's largest and most visited park, ranks among the [[List of urban parks by size|largest municipal parks]] in the U.S., covering {{convert|4766|acre|ha}}.<ref>{{cite news |last=Eason |first=Brian |date=June 18, 2016 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2016/06/18/indys-struggling-parks-we-have-work-do/85495128/ |title=Indy's struggling parks: 'We have work to do' |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |access-date=July 31, 2019}}</ref>

[[Garfield Park (Indianapolis)|Garfield Park]], the city's first municipal park, opened in 1876 as Southern Park.<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David J. |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert G. |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=1994 |location=Bloomington and Indianapolis |page=608 |isbn=0-253-31222-1}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David J. |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert G. |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=1994 |location=Bloomington and Indianapolis |page=1008 |isbn=0-253-31222-1}}</ref> In the early 20th century, the city enlisted landscape architect [[George Kessler]] to conceive a framework for Indianapolis's modern parks system.<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David J. |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert G. |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=1994 |location=Bloomington and Indianapolis |page=867 |isbn=0-253-31222-1}}</ref> Kessler's 1909 [[Indianapolis Park and Boulevard System|Indianapolis Park and Boulevard Plan]] linked notable parks, such as [[Brookside Park (Indianapolis)|Brookside]], [[Irvington Historic District (Indianapolis, Indiana)#Parks|Ellenberger]], Garfield, and [[Riverside Park (Indianapolis)|Riverside]], with a system of parkways following the city's waterways.<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David J. |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert G. |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=1994 |location=Bloomington and Indianapolis |pages=868–869 |isbn=0-253-31222-1}}</ref> The system's {{convert|3474|acres}} were added to the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |title=Indianapolis Park and Boulevard System |url=http://focus.nps.gov/AssetDetail/NRIS/03000149 |publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior |access-date=May 20, 2016}}</ref>

Marion County is also home to parks managed by the State of Indiana, including [[Fort Harrison State Park]] and [[White River State Park]]. Established in 1996, Fort Harrison State Park covers {{convert|1744|acre|ha}} that are overseen by the [[Indiana Department of Natural Resources]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/files/ftharrison_trail.pdf |title=Fort Harrison State Park |publisher=Indiana Department of Natural Resources |date=December 2018 |access-date=January 16, 2022}}</ref> Since 1979, White River has been owned and operated by the White River State Park Development Commission, a quasi-governmental agency.<ref>{{cite web |title=White River State Park Development Commission |url=http://www.downtownindy.org/member-profile/white-river-state-park-development-commission/ |publisher=Downtown Indy Inc. |access-date=October 4, 2018}}</ref> White River's {{convert|250|acre|ha}} are home to several attractions, including the [[Indianapolis Zoo]] and [[White River Gardens]]. Two [[land trust]]s are active in the city managing several sites for [[nature conservation]] throughout the region.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://conservingindiana.org/preserves/ |title=Preserves |date=August 21, 2019 |publisher=Central Indiana Land Trust |access-date=January 17, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Haley |date=November 10, 2020 |url=https://youarecurrent.com/2020/11/10/preserving-property-mud-creek-conservancy-halfway-to-fundraising-goal-to-purchase-land-for-sargent-road-nature-park/ |title=Preserving property: Mud Creek Conservancy halfway to fundraising goal to purchase land for Sargent Road Nature Park |newspaper=Current |publisher=Current Publishing |access-date=January 17, 2022}}</ref>

===Flora and fauna===
[[File:Reminds me of the bridgestone commercial (2669256227).jpg|thumb|[[White-tailed deer]] in Indianapolis]]
Indianapolis is situated in the [[Southern Great Lakes forests]] [[ecoregion]] which in turn is located within the larger [[temperate broadleaf and mixed forests]] [[biome]], as defined by the [[World Wide Fund for Nature]].<ref name="ecoregion">{{cite web |url=https://www.worldwildlife.org/ecoregions/na0414 |title=Southern Great Lakes forests |publisher=World Wide Fund for Nature |access-date=January 15, 2022}}</ref> Based on the [[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]]'s [[List of ecoregions in Indiana|alternative classification system]], the city is located in the [[Corn Belt|Eastern Corn Belt Plains]], an area of the country known for its fertile soil.<ref>{{cite web |url=ftp://ftp.epa.gov/wed/ecoregions/in/OHINFront.pdf |title=Ecoregions of Indiana and Ohio |publisher=U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |access-date=June 13, 2016}}{{Dead link|date=March 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>

Much of the [[decidious]] forests that once covered 98% of the region were [[deforestation|cleared]] for agriculture and [[urban sprawl|urban development]], contributing to considerable [[habitat destruction|habitat loss]].<ref name="ecoregion"/><ref name="Holland, et al.">{{cite journal |vauthors=Holland, et al. |date=December 30, 2017 |title=Results of the 2016 Indianapolis Biodiversity Survey, Marion County, Indiana |url=https://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/ias/article/view/23763/22907 |journal=Proceedings of the Indiana Academy of Science |volume=126 |issue=2 |pages=166{{hyphen}}167 |access-date=May 5, 2022}}</ref> Indianapolis's current urban tree canopy averages approximately 33%.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bonilla Muñiz |first=Leslie |date=September 30, 2021 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/thousands-of-new-city-trees-to-go-where-data-says-theyre-needed-most |title=Thousands of new city trees to go where data shows they're needed most |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=January 16, 2022}}</ref> A rare example of [[old-growth forest]] in the city can be found on {{convert|15|acres}} of [[Crown Hill Cemetery]]'s North Woods in the [[Butler–Tarkington, Indianapolis|Butler–Tarkington]] neighborhood.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bartner |first=Amy |date=May 5, 2017 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2017/05/05/va-crown-hill-reach-agreement-save-old-forest/101339254/ |title=VA, Crown Hill reach agreement to save old-growth forest |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett |access-date=January 15, 2022}}</ref> The cemetery's {{convert|555|acres}} represents the largest green space in [[Center Township, Marion County, Indiana|Center Township]], home to an abundance of wildlife and some 130 species of trees.<ref>{{cite news |last=Higgins |first=Will |date=October 25, 2017 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/life/2017/10/25/crown-hill-stop-hunting-deer-our-cemetery/789979001/ |title=Crown Hill: Stop hunting deer in our cemetery |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett |access-date=January 15, 2022}}</ref> Native trees most common to the area include varieties of [[Fraxinus|ash]], [[maple]], and [[oak]].<ref name="ecoregion"/> Several [[invasive species]] are also common in Indianapolis, including [[Ailanthus altissima|tree of heaven]], [[Euonymus fortunei|wintercreeper]], [[Lonicera maackii|Amur honeysuckle]], and [[Pyrus calleryana|Callery pear]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Martin |first=Ryan |date=September 8, 2021 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/environment/2021/09/08/indiana-invasive-plants-lurking-your-backyard/5413743001/ |title=What happens if you don't remove these invasive plants lurking in your Indiana yard |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett |access-date=January 16, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gibson|first=London |date=April 6, 2021 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/environment/2021/04/06/council-considers-banning-invasive-bradford-pear-tree-indiana/6988023002/ |title=Bradford pear trees are highly invasive. This is why they aren't banned in Indiana. |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett |access-date=January 16, 2022}}</ref>

A 2016 [[bioblitz]] along three of the city's [[riparian corridor]]s found 590 [[taxon|taxa]].<ref name="Holland, et al."/> [[Urban wildlife]] common to the Indianapolis area include mammals such as the [[white-tailed deer]], [[eastern chipmunk]], [[eastern cottontail]], and the [[eastern gray squirrel|eastern grey]] and [[American red squirrel]]s.<ref name="ecoregion"/> In recent years, local [[raccoon]] and [[groundhog]] populations have increased alongside sightings of [[American badger]]s, [[North American beaver|beavers]], [[American mink|mink]], [[coyote]]s, and [[red fox]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Gibson |first=London |date=September 22, 2020 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/environment/2020/09/22/indianapolis-urban-wildlife-might-surprise-you/5580839002/ |title=Scrub Hub: Indianapolis has a ton of raccoons and we're not sure why |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett |access-date=January 15, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Glusac |first=Elaine |date=May 2, 2017 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/02/travel/safari-city-guide-urban-wildlife-ecosystems-viewing.html |title=On Safari in the City: A Guide to Urban Wildlife Viewing |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=May 5, 2022}}</ref> Birds native to the area include the [[northern cardinal]], [[wood thrush]], [[eastern screech owl]], [[mourning dove]], [[pileated woodpecker|pileated]] and [[red-bellied woodpecker]]s, and [[wild turkey]].<ref name="ecoregion"/> Located in the [[Mississippi Flyway]], the city sees more than 400 migratory bird species throughout the year.<ref>{{cite web |year=2013 |url=https://www.amosbutleraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/trailguide_2013.pdf |title=Indy Birding Trail Guide |publisher=Amos Butler Audubon Society |access-date=May 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gibson |first=London |date=September 24, 2019 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/environment/2019/09/24/bird-watching-indiana-new-visitors-stopping/2286775001/ |title=Surprising birds are stopping in Indiana. Here's why — and where you can see them. |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett |access-date=May 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Stacey |first=Madison |date=April 15, 2022 |url=https://www.wthr.com/article/life/animals/bird-migration-collisions-indianapolis/531-b3bf35ed-43d2-4955-933d-56f46b556259 |title=As hundreds of birds migrate through Indy, group draws attention to bird collisions throughout city |publisher=WTHR |access-date=May 5, 2022}}</ref> Some 57 species of fish can be found in the city's waterways, including [[bass (fish)|bass]] and [[Centrarchidae|sunfish]].<ref name="White River"/> Some federally-designated [[endangered species|endangered]] and [[threatened species]] are native to the Indianapolis area, including several species of freshwater [[mussel]]s, the [[Bombus affinis|rusty patched bumble bee]], [[Indiana bat]], [[Myotis septentrionalis|northern long-eared bat]], and the [[Trifolium stoloniferum|running buffalo clover]].<ref>{{cite web |date=March 9, 2020 |url=https://www.in.gov/dnr/nature-preserves/files/np_marion.pdf |title=Indiana County Endangered, Threatened and Rare Species List County: Marion |publisher=Indiana Department of Natural Resources |access-date=January 15, 2022}}</ref>

In recent years, the [[National Wildlife Federation]] has ranked Indianapolis among the ten most wildlife-friendly cities in the U.S.<ref>{{cite press release |last=Vecchio |first=Anna |date=March 12, 2019 |title=National Wildlife Federation Honors Indianapolis, Indiana as one of America's Top 10 Cities for Wildlife |url=https://www.nwf.org/Home/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2019/03-12-19-Indianapolis-Top-Ten |location=Merrifield, VA |publisher=National Wildlife Federation |access-date=May 5, 2022}}</ref>

===Climate===
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Indianapolis has a [[hot-summer humid continental climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]]: ''Dfa''), but can be considered a borderline [[humid subtropical climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]]: ''Cfa'') using the {{convert|-3|C|F|}} isotherm. It experiences four distinct seasons.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Kottek|first1=Marcus|last2=Greiser|first2=Jürgen|last3=Beck|first3=Christoph|last4=Rudolf|first4=Bruno|last5=Rubel|first5=Franz|display-authors=2|title=World Map of Köppen–Geiger Climate Classification|date=June 2006|journal=Meteorologische Zeitschrift|volume=15|issue=3|page=261|doi=10.1127/0941-2948/2006/0130|publisher=E. Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung|bibcode=2006MetZe..15..259K |url=https://opus.bibliothek.uni-augsburg.de/opus4/files/40083/metz_Vol_15_No_3_p259-263_World_Map_of_the_Koppen_Geiger_climate_classification_updated_55034.pdf}}</ref> The city lies at the transition between [[United States Department of Agriculture|USDA]] plant [[hardiness zone]]s 6a and 6b.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.plantmaps.com/hardiness-zones-for-indianapolis-indiana |website=plantmaps.com |title=Indianapolis, Indiana Hardiness Zone Map |access-date=March 23, 2024}}</ref>

Typically, summers are fairly hot, humid, and wet. Winters are generally cold with moderate snowfall. The July daily average temperature is {{convert|75.4|°F|1}}. High temperatures reach or exceed {{convert|90|°F|0}} an average of 18 days each year,<ref name="NOAA Indianapolis Weatherbox"/><!-- defined by template:Indianapolis Weatherbox --> and occasionally exceed {{convert|95|°F}}. Spring and autumn are usually pleasant, if at times unpredictable. Midday temperature drops exceeding {{convert|30|F-change|disp=or}}<!--Convert template here is for a temperature change--> are common during March and April, and instances of very warm days ({{convert|80|°F|0|disp=or}}) followed within 36 hours by snowfall are not unusual during these months. Winters are cold, with an average January temperature of {{convert|28.1|°F|1}}. Temperatures dip to {{convert|0|°F|0}} or below an average of 3.7 nights per year.<ref name="NOAA Indianapolis Weatherbox"/><!-- defined by template:Indianapolis Weatherbox -->

The rainiest months occur in the spring and summer, with slightly higher averages during May, June, and July. May is typically the wettest, with an average of {{convert|5.05|in|cm}} of rain.<ref name="NOAA Indianapolis Weatherbox"/><!-- defined by template:Indianapolis Weatherbox --> Most rain is derived from thunderstorm activity. There is no distinct dry season, although occasional droughts occur. Severe weather is not uncommon, particularly in the spring and summer months. Indianapolis experiences an average of 20 thunderstorm days annually.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.currentresults.com/Weather/US/average-days-thunderstorms-cities-summer.php|title=Total Days With Thunderstorms at US Cities in Summer|publisher=Current Results|access-date=June 11, 2016}}</ref>

Indianapolis's average annual rainfall is {{convert|42.4|in|cm}}. Snowfall averages {{convert|25.9|in|cm}} per season. Official temperature extremes range from {{convert|106|°F|0}}, set on [[1936 North American heat wave|July 14, 1936]],<ref name=IndyClimate>{{cite web| title=Indianapolis Climatological Information|publisher=National Weather Service, Weather Forecast Office|url=http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ind/?n=localcli#day|access-date=December 9, 2013}}</ref> to {{convert|-27|°F|0}}, set on [[1994 North American cold wave|January 19, 1994]].<ref name=IndyClimate/><ref name=TWC>{{cite web|url=http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/IND:9|title=Average Weather for Indianapolis International Airport, IN&nbsp;— Temperature and Precipitation|access-date=June 28, 2010|publisher=The Weather Channel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628234525/http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/IND:9|archive-date=June 28, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{Indianapolis weatherbox}}