By: Jeremy Kranowitz

I am delighted to serve as the new president of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, an organization we both love. Since I am new to Indy, part of my journey to explore the city involves staying at Airbnbs in different neighborhoods. As I share my thoughts and experiences, I hope that you will provide your own suggestions! 

This past week marked my twelfth week in Indianapolis. I stayed in the Northeast corner of the city, in the Geist neighborhood. Did you know that according to ww.indy.gov, there are 99 officially designated neighborhoods in Indianapolis—slightly different than the list noted on the famous Naplab (Naptown Design Laboratory) Map. You can see information about your own neighborhood here: http://maps.indy.gov/MyNeighborhood/. 

Recently, I asked our mapping guru, Karl Selm, to create a map that showed every neighborhood where Keep Indianapolis Beautiful has worked with volunteers to pick up litter, plant a tree, create a pocket park, or other work to make Indy a greener, more vibrant city. The answer, much to my delight, is that we have worked in 93 of the 99 neighborhoods—and two of those missing neighborhoods are industrialized areas like Park 100 and the airport. We have essentially worked in every corner of the city! My pledge is that we will continue to do so in the months and years ahead.

Geist is a neighborhood that enjoys a lovely tree canopy and access to water. I love that feeling of serenity when you go into an area with more of the natural world than the built environment. A friend recently reminded me of the Japanese practice of “shinrin yoku” or “forest bathing.” The idea is to take a mindful walk in the woods, and think about the role that the forest plays in supporting people – producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide, filtering pollutants from the air and water, sheltering and feeding animals and insects large and small. I encourage everyone to get outside and walk in the woods when you can!

This week’s culinary adventure was more about place than cuisine. I picked Wolfie’s Grill, which is right in the marina on the Geist Reservoir. I arrived after dark, so wasn’t able to see much of the water, but I loved being right at the water’s edge. I ordered the Pan Crusted Chicken, which came with mashed potatoes and broccoli. It was a perfect meal for a cold, dark night. 

It’s hard to believe that three months has gone by so quickly. I will continue this adventure of exploring different neighborhoods in Indy for another month. Stay tuned to find out about next week’s travels through the city we both love. Thanks for your support along the way.

Remember, we have a generous donor who is offering us a 1:1 match for any donations made between now and the end of the year up to $50,000. That means that a $25 donation will be worth $50! Every little bit counts. Please help us continue our work to make Indianapolis a place where people and nature can thrive. 

#BeautifulNeedsYou

JEREMY’S NEIGHBORHOOD RECOMMENDATIONS

WHAT TO EAT

Pan Crusted Chicken at Wolfie’s Grill

WHAT TO DO

Go forest bathing! Get out in the wilderness and slow down during holiday season!

Please join us in our work to make Indianapolis the best it can be, with vibrant public places and neighborhoods. Find out more at kibi.org!

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