Trails Celebration
Celebrate Trails with us at The Heirloom!
Thursday, April 25, 2024 | 11 AM
The Heirloom at N. K. Hurst | 230 W McCarty St, Indianapolis, IN 46225 | Directions
Chuck Flink, the President of Greenways Incorporated, is one of America's leading greenway planners, having completed comprehensive greenway, trail and open space plans for more than 250 communities within 36 States. He has also been a consultant to clients in Argentina, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Japan and St. Croix, USVI. Flink is a Fellow in the American Society of Landscape Architects Council of Fellows, and is the 2006 Distinguished Alumnus of the College of Design at North Carolina State University.
Flink coauthored "Greenways. A Guide to Planning, Design and Development," which received a 1994 Merit Award in Communications from the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), and is cited by the American Planning Association as “the best single reference” on greenway development. Flink also coauthored "Trails for the Twenty First Century." Both books have been translated into Chinese and are used as textbooks at Peking University in Beijing and Shenzhen.
Flink has been featured in prominent national and international publications including National Geographic, LA China, Landscape Architecture China, Business Journal, Private Clubs, Landscape Architecture, Walking, American Planning, Good Housekeeping, Southern Living and American City County. In 1995, he received an Environmental Excellence Award from the US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration for the Swift Creek Recycled Greenway, the nation's first greenway built from recycled trash. In 2001, he received a Merit Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects for his work on the Grand Canyon Greenway project.
Flink has lectured on the creation of greenways at more than 200 national and international conferences. He graduated Cum Laude in 1982 from North Carolina State University's College of Design and currently serves as Executive in Residence. He also currently serves on the NC State College of Design Leaders Council and Chairs the NC State University Board of Visitors (advisory to the Chancellor). He served three consecutive terms as Chairman of the Board for American Trails, Washington, DC. He served five terms as Chair of the Board of Trustees for the East Coast Greenway Alliance, a 3,000 mile urban trail that extends from Calis, Maine to Key West, Florida along the Atlantic Seaboard of the United States. He currently serves on the American Trails National Advisory Board and is Chair of the East Coast Greenway National Advisory Board.
The Greenways Foundation Trails Celebration stands as a distinguished annual event blending philanthropy, recognition, and celebration of Indiana's trails. The Celebration is a testament to the commitment to and passion for transforming Indiana's trails into world-class assets that enrich communities by bolstering local economies, improving human health and protecting our natural treasures. The Celebration serves as a platform to honor outstanding individuals whose tireless efforts have significantly contributed to the enhancement of these trails.
The event also plays a crucial role in sustaining the Greenways Foundation's mission. Through the generosity of its attendees and sponsors, the Celebration generates vital funds that fuel ongoing advocacy initiatives, ensuring the continued creation, improvement, and maintenance of Indiana's trails. By attending and supporting this event, participants become integral contributors to the realization of a vision where these greenways not only thrive but also enrich the lives of communities across the state.
Ray Irvin, 2024 Virgil Legacy Award Winner
Ray Irvin, affectionately known as Mr. Greenways, has left an indelible mark on Indiana's trail system. For decades, his unwavering dedication has propelled the state's trails into a vibrant network of recreational pathways and natural sanctuaries. His tireless efforts, spanning various endeavors, have transformed the landscape and enriched the lives of countless individuals.
One of Irvin's seminal contributions lies in the publication of Indiana's Greenways and Bikeways Master Plan, fondly referred to as "Hoosiers on the Move." This comprehensive plan served as a roadmap, guiding the development and expansion of trails across the state. It laid the foundation for connectivity, accessibility, and sustainability within Indiana's trail infrastructure.
Irvin's impact extends beyond planning; he has been a crucial catalyst for funding trails statewide. Through his advocacy and strategic initiatives, he has secured financial resources to support the construction, maintenance, and enhancement of trails. His vision has ensured that trails remain accessible to all, fostering a sense of community and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Furthermore, Irvin's commitment to conservation is evident in his efforts towards land acquisition for trails. By acquiring hundreds of acres of land, he has preserved natural habitats and created corridors for wildlife, enhancing biodiversity and ecological resilience. His conservation ethos underscores the importance of preserving green spaces for future generations to enjoy.
Irvin's dedication to environmental stewardship is exemplified by his role in cleaning up the White River. Recognizing the river's significance as a natural asset, he led initiatives to improve water quality and mitigate pollution. His advocacy has revitalized the White River, transforming it into a pristine recreational resource for residents and visitors alike.
Among Irvin's many achievements, his advocacy for the Monon Trail stands out as a testament to his enduring legacy. His instrumental role in championing the trail's development and expansion has turned it into a beloved community asset, attracting cyclists, runners, and nature enthusiasts from far and wide.
As we reflect on Ray Irvin's remarkable contributions, it is only fitting to honor him at this year's Trails Celebration. In recognition of his lifetime of service and dedication, we are proud to present him with the Virgil Lifetime Award. This prestigious accolade symbolizes Irvin's unparalleled commitment to shaping Indiana's greenways and leaving a lasting legacy of outdoor recreation, conservation, and community engagement.
Join us in celebrating the father of Indiana's greenways, whose passion and vision have transformed landscapes and enriched lives. Together, let us pay tribute to Ray Irvin, a trailblazer whose legacy will endure for generations to come.
