Carmel, IN – A celebration was held on June 8 to dedicate the new trail just north of 136th Street off of the Monon Greenway to two individuals who have been advocates for bicycling in our community. It was named the Hagan-Burke Trail in honor of Judy Hagan and in memory of Ed Burke, whose commitment to the Carmel community extends beyond this trail. The trail, which is a little more than one mile, connects the Monon Greenway to 146th Street. A portion of the trail travels along Cool Creek.

Judy Hagan has a vision for parks, trails, and greenways in Carmel. She has diligently supported this vision while shaping the community and improving the quality of life for Carmel citizens. Hagan’s active involvement as a parks advocate began in the late 1980s due to a zoning issue in her neighborhood. Her involvement grew as she became a member of the Carmel-Clay Parks Board, a founding member of the Carmel Monon Greenway Committee, and a member of the Carmel-Clay Plan Commission. Hagan has also been instrumental in developing the Carmel Access Bikeway system.

As a founding member of the Hamilton County Alternative Transportation Taskforce in 1990, Hagan helped develop the Hamilton County Thoroughfare Plan to provide safe travel corridors for bicyclists, pedestrians and vehicles. As a member of the Carmel Monon Greenway Committee, she was heavily involved in the conversion of the former Monon Railroad from 96th Street to 146th Street.

During her time on the Parks Board, the Carmel parks system expanded from 50 acres to more than 800 acres. She also served two terms as the elected Clay Township Trustee. During her terms, she led the purchase of the land and oversaw the development of the 161-acre Central Park and the 100,000 square foot Monon Center. During her time as a member of the Plan Commission, she was a leading voice for bicycle and pedestrian connectivity in Carmel and Clay Township and she continues to be an advocate for bicycling.

Ed Burke gave willingly of his time and talents to make Carmel a better place to live. Burke was also an avid cyclist who participated in many biking events in Carmel and around the country.

Professionally, Burke advised many groups as a certified public accountant. He also served as president of the Carmel Redevelopment Commission (CRC). As a member of the CRC, he spent much of his time working on the details for redevelopment initiatives, such as the Arts & Design District and City Center, including Carmel’s Center for the Performing Arts.

Burke found that biking events were a good way to keep in shape and spend valuable time with his friends and family while on rides. Even throughout Burke’s battle with cancer, he still rode 10-15 miles two to three times a week. He set an example of strength, wisdom, and faith from which we can all learn.

Carmel has been designated a bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists from 2006 through 2012. “We are continually improving facilities for bicyclists by making trail connectivity a priority and improving pathways. The 5.2 mile Monon Greenway in Carmel has played a major role in encouraging residents to think about using their bicycles more often as a form of transportation, and we hope this additional trail furthers this encouragement,” said Mayor Brainard. 

“This trail should serve as a reminder of the impact Judy and Ed have had on our community and as a way to thank them for their service,” said Ron Carter, Carmel City Council member and current president of the CRC.