The Spades Park Pogues Run Greenway Glow Stone Trail, designed by CHA Consulting, Inc. (CHA), has been named the 2026 Innovative Trail of the Year by the Indiana Greenways Foundation. The award recognizes trail projects that advance the future of trail development in Indiana through innovation, community impact, and exceptional design.
Presented during the Trails Celebration on April 10, 2026, in Indianapolis, the award highlights a groundbreaking collaboration among the City of Indianapolis, CHA, and community stakeholders that transformed a key segment of the Pogues Run Greenway into a one-of-a-kind public space. The project also earned a Merit Award at the 2025 ACEC Indiana Engineering Excellence Awards, further demonstrating its influence as a model for innovative infrastructure.
Located within Spades Park, the project introduces Indiana’s first glow-in-the-dark asphalt trail, creating a visually distinctive nighttime experience. To bring this concept to life, CHA incorporated photoluminescent glow stones into the trail surface. The material absorbs sunlight during the day and emits an ambient glow at night, improving visibility without requiring electrical lighting infrastructure. Inspired by the historic Feast of Lanterns celebration and former Nowland Avenue glass roadway, the design celebrates Indianapolis’ cultural heritage through a modern public amenity that connects residents with the city’s past while creating a memorable destination for the future. As part of the broader Pogues Run Greenway network, the trail strengthens connections between Brookside Park and Spades Park to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, the Monon Trail, and downtown Indianapolis, expanding access to recreational activities and community destinations.
The Glow Stone Trail demonstrates how innovative trail design can enhance safety, promote active lifestyles, and create stronger connections between neighborhoods and public spaces. By creating a distinctive user experience, the project supports ongoing neighborhood revitalization while showcasing new possibilities for sustainable infrastructure. As communities across the country seek creative approaches to trail development, the Pogues Run Greenway Glow Stone Trail offers a replicable model for integrating technology, placemaking, and cultural identity into public infrastructure.
The Indiana Greenways Foundation works to expand and enhance the state’s network of land and water trails, supporting healthier, more sustainable communities. Through advocacy, education, and strategic investment, the organization advances trail development initiatives that benefit Hoosiers today and for generations to come. Learn more at the Indiana Greenways Foundation’s official website.