Reflections &Transitions

As 2025 draws to a close, Millersville’s Board is reflecting on the year, celebrating our accomplishments, thanking our supporters, welcoming new volunteer leaders, and looking forward to the new year with you!

First, some very special volunteer kudos and thanks… 

…to Amy Hammes, recently relocated from this area, who has kept us connected as Schools’ initiative chair, Board President, and email and social media communications lead. Her dedication, even while raising a family and working, have greatly benefited our community. We wish her well – she will be missed!

…to Mollie Benson, whose care and quiet creative energies provide Millersville with its world-class website, and Ali and Andrew Hromis for donating their invaluable website technical support

…to Matt Benson, for personally managing Millersville’s six greenspaces and other beautification projects, and John Hazlett for actively supporting the Emerson Way upland prairie meadows project;

…to Chris Pitzer, for tirelessly leading and supporting the watering team, and Fred Beyne for adopting care of the Fall Creek Pkwy Gateway median; 

…to Phyllis Starks, for her amazing leadership of the Quick-Hitter Litter team;

…and to Cac Diehr, Millersville’s fearless founding leader, who stepped down as President in May, but continues contributing her experience as Director. The revitalization of our community is thanks to Cac’s vision, ongoing commitment and leadership.  

Please help us honor that commitment by becoming involved in the many volunteer opportunities of our organization, as we continue its mission to:

• Promote Millersville history, schools and culture
• Protect its waters, parks and greenways
• Preserve its diverse neighborhoods
• Utilize community resources to safely connect homes, schools, shops and trails
• Create a desirable and unique place to live, learn, work, play, and stay

New Village Business

This year, the Village welcomed several new businesses, including Goody2Treats Bakery located in the Windridge Shopping Center between LaCantina and the Burger Joint—an ideal spot for dessert after your meal! For a full list of our neighborhood businesses, please visit our website’s directory, and “shop local”!

Dollar Tree Closing

Staff announced Dollar Tree will close on January 4, 2026. The Village needs a solid, neighborhood-oriented business at this key location. Please send tenant suggestions to: millersvilleboard@gmail.com

Garrett’s Smokehouse Barbeque Moving

The Garrett’s have provided a wonderful Millersville business plus community support for over a decade. Please find them at their new location in the AMP at 16 Tech, starting January 12th.

Where’s the Village Sign? 

The Village sign at 56th St & Kessler Blvd was knocked off its base during a two-car accident on October 10th. A Board member retrieved it, and it's now stored safely while repair estimates are being gathered.

Indianapolis 2025 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update: 

Public Comment Jan 12–Feb 4, 2026

Planners have scheduled a final public comment period based on input from summer meetings. Share your feedback at four in-person locations, or online via DMD social media.

More info: https://www.indy.gov/activity/comprehensive-plan-for-the-city-county

Why is this important?

This update incorporates previously excluded areas and neighborhood plans, including Millersville’s Village & Corridor Plan. Two years of study and input from our community formed Millersville’s Plan, whose priorities and goals remain relevant today. We encourage you to review the Plan on our website, review the City’s updated Plan and share your comments. 

This year, Millersville’s Board has collaborated with the city’s Long-term Planners to ensure our Plan remains represented, and will follow their recommended steps to seek its certification in March 2026.

2025 Annual Meeting Recap

For a recap of this Spring’s 2025 Annual Meeting and the 2024 Treasurer’s Report, please visit our website!



2025 Annual Meeting and 2024 Treasurer's Report

Update: Fall Creek “Beach” Parties in Millersville

For the past three summers, crowds of up to 100 people have gathered on the banks of Fall Creek in the Millersville Preserve, on the Fall Creek Trail, and at the Fall Creek Overlook (5500 E Fall Creek Parkway N. Dr.) to swim and party. Several smaller swim parties have taken place at various spots along Fall Creek Trail northeast of 56th and Kessler, with the largest regular gathering occurring near the Woolens Gardens parking area at the east end of Fall Creek Parkway North Drive.

Community volunteers talked with partygoers in 2023 and 2024 to try to manage these gatherings. Nothing changed…and the parties got bigger.  

In 2025, ongoing worrisome and unlawful activities -- such as swimming in a preserve area where there are no lifeguards or restroom facilities, drinking alcohol, dumping trash in the woods and creek, burning ground fires, and playing loud music -- led Millersville at Fall Creek Valley and nearby neighborhoods to seek help from city officials, including our City County Councilor, IMPD North District, Indy Park Rangers, and Indianapolis Parks leadership. In response, communication, education, and enforcement efforts were increased.



Please keep an eye out in 2026 and report large swim parties and illegal activities to IMPD via their non-emergency line (311), so users of Fall Creek and the trail can continue to safely enjoy these natural spaces, while preserving what Millersville volunteers have created and stewarded with the city for 14 years.