Abstract:
Every summer, thousands of people enjoy the smells, sights and sounds of the Indiana State Fair. The space is enjoyed as a cultural and entertainment venue that provides recreational and social opportunities for many people. What happens to the fairgrounds after the lights of the carnival are turned off, the livestock is returned to rural Indiana farms and the music of a live concert is no longer heard drifting past the grandstand?Unfortunately, with the exception of a small portion of the site, the majority of the fairgrounds area remains unused for most of the year. It is important to realize that an event, such as the state fair, was developed for the education, recreation and entertainment of Indiana residents. Now is the time to rediscover those hidden opportunities with a redevelopment masterplan for the Indiana State Fairgrounds.The development of this revitalization land use plan for the state fairgrounds as an attractive public space provides several positive results for the city of Indianapolis. First, it helps to turn seldom used land into a frequently visited space. Second, this plan will help to establish neighborhood pride and foster social growth within the community. Lastly, it combines art, nature, sociology, history and aesthetics into a successful urban re-development that provides cultural enrichment for citizens within an urban environment. It is when a space can provide a stimulus to such activities that it truly realizes it's full potential.
