Lake Sullivan Sports
Complex Native Prairie
Prepared by: Vance Fletcher
School of Math and Science, Marian
University, Indianapolis, IN

Indy Cycloplex Prairie Restoration
Project Introduction and Background:
Information on the Organization:
The Lake Sullivan Sports Complex known as The Indy Cycloplex is an Indianapolis
city park that is being run by Marian University. The complex hosts many different
cycling disciples including cyclo-cross, mountain, BMX, and is home of the Major
Taylor Velodrome. Home of the Marian University Cycling team the complex is a key
part in training and racing for the multi national championship team.
The Indy Cycloplex values their green space and currently runs an urban garden, weekly
farmers’ market, daily programming, and more. In order to improve the environment, the
Cycloplex wants to enhance a large space currently used for off road cycling by converting
the overgrown space into a native prairie. The conversion of this space into prairie will
create a better habitat for native species and allow for more water to be absorbed in this
low lying plot as well as being aesthetically more pleasing while also decreasing the
number of weed seeds. Marian University strongly believes in responsible stewardship and
by utilizing the land will enhance the park both aesthetically and functionally for all of its
users while taking care of its city’s’ parks. Planting native species allows for restoration
while still allowing for cycling events and recreation to take place. Marian University’s
vision is to create a Center for Sustainable Living. The complex can be used in collaboration
with the Marian University EcoLab to promote fitness education, environmental education,
and overall green living.
Location:
This public venue is also a part of the Riverside Regional Park and hosts many recreational
opportunities. Serving the greater Indianapolis area, this small park just outside of
downtown is easy to access and promotes a natural and healthy lifestyle. The Lake Sullivan
Sports Complex is located at 3949 Cold Spring Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46222 just north of
Marian University. Bordering to the west is the Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab, and to the
south east the White River. Directly south is the Riverside Golf Course and north, the park
is blocked off by Interstate 65.
History of the Site:
Central Indiana is extremely flat due to the glacier till from the last ice age. Marion County
especially was smoothed out by Tipton Till Plain that filled in the bedrock valleys. After the
ice age the resulting postglacial flooding carved away a small valley while exposing natural
springs on the site. Pre European settlement, central Indiana was covered in forest. The

Indy Cycloplex Prairie Restoration
Lake Sullivan Complex was likely covered in a Beech-maple forest. Historically this forest
consisted of
After colonization in the 1800’s Marion county was turned from heavily covered forest into
agriculture. Most of this farmland was drained and farmed until Indianapolis began to grow
and industrialize the area in the 1900’s. During the great depression (1934) the
Indianapolis mayor decided to create jobs and a waterfowl and nature park with the focus
being Lake Sullivan. This worked well until the expansion of I-65 in the 1930’s. Eventually
the land was turned into a fish hatchery with the lower basin left as swamp. Afterward little
was done with the swampy land until 1995 when Indy Parks and the IUPUI Center for
Earth and environmental Science agreement to manage the park as a center for wetland
education. Recently Marian University has taken over control of the fragmented park using
it as a recreational facility with an off-road cycling course, as can be seen from the aerial
photo, letting the vegetation grow.
American beech
White ash
Sugar maple
40%
11%
11%
White oak
Elm spp.
Box elder
6%
5%
5%

Indy Cycloplex Prairie Restoration
Major Features:
This low lying 12-acre plot of land has one major feature. Being in close proximity to the
White River, the city of Indianapolis has added pipes from the Lake Sullivan low land in
order to help with flooding during high water. When the White river rises the whole area is
covered in water for several days in order to help with flooding lower down the river. This
means the vegetation is submerged for up to a week at some times. Due to this feature
along with Crooked Creek the east side of the park is very wet the majority of the time. This
area is composed of Ua (Udorthentis, cut and filled) soil which is found in well drained
areas with zero to three percent slopes. The foliage is not covered with any trees and has
grown out from turf grass into weeds with the start of some small trees.
Site Characteristics:
The three main soils on the site are:
Udorthents, cut and filled (Ua) soils are found on zero two three degree slopes. This
land is well drained and contradictory to our previous knowledge never floods. Vegetation
is diverse here with many natives doing well, especially woody plants.
Gessie silt loam (Ge) soil is found on the eastern side of the park. This soil is found
on flood plains with the top eight inches consisting of silt loam. Below this is a deep layer of
loam. This soil is well drained but experiences frequent flooding.

Indy Cycloplex Prairie Restoration
Miami complex (MxD2) is typically 0-8 inches of silt upon a clay loam. It is found on
the steep slopes ranging from 12-18% along Cold Spring road. With a high run off and
erosion the current turf grass planted here will not do well.
Hydrology:
Water is collected during rain fall with much of it being absorbed from the vegetation
through deep root systems that non native plants do not have. After heavy rainfall water
will sit for long periods of time, especially on the end of the basin, before evaporating. With
continued heavy rainfall some of the water from the basin is carried to what is left of the

Indy Cycloplex Prairie Restoration
Sullivan Lake and drained out to the White river. As mentioned before when the White
River rises after abundant rainfall a series of pipes allow for the river to back up and flood
the basin. This is the most extreme instance and seldom occurs.
Light:
Much of the basin experiences full sunlight with only a few small trees lining the roads on
both the north and south side of the park. Due to their orientation there is little to no light
obscured during the day. Lining Cold Spring road there is a small patch of trees creating
shade throughout most of the day.
Vegetation:
Left to grow, a plethora of weeds have taken over, of these include English plantains
(Plantago lanceolata), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), goldenrod (Solidago), fescues
(Festuca), creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense), teasel (Dipsacus), some of these plants are
invasive while much of the others offer little environmental benefit. Low lying vegetation
around the area include reed canary (Phalaris arundinacea), smartweed also know as
knotweed (Polygonum), moneywort (Bacopa monnieri), softstem bul rush (Schoenoplectus
tabernaemontani), bur-reed (Sparganium), small white aster (Symphyotrichum
lateriflorum), and swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnate). Most of the ground is covered in
Kentucky bluegrass and reed canary due to the moisture.
Current Uses:
Now under management of Marian University the park is being used as part of their cycling
facility. Currently there are ten-foot-wide paths cut into the basin with worn away paths for
cycling practice and races. These paths are viewable from the most recent aerial photos
taken. As shown these trails only occupy about half of the field. With a restoration plan
these paths will still be cut to provide plenty of recreational space for the races and rides.

Indy Cycloplex Prairie Restoration
Major Areas (Figure, below)
 Area one: Lower Basin
 Area two: SE Basin drainage
 Area three: Hillside along Cold Spring road
Area One: Basin:
Soils/hydrology/sun
This area contains cut and fill soil, which is all zero to three percent slopes. This soil
is well drained and very typical in a developed location. Being the lowest lying portion of
the area the basin collects some water and typically stays a little wet after rain. In extreme
cases the basin will flood when the White river rises in order to reduce flooding.
Surrounded on all sides by a road the basin is completely open and thus has full sun at all
times.

Indy Cycloplex Prairie Restoration
Vegetation Survey
Left to grow, a plethora of weeds
have taken over of these include
English plantains (Plantago
lanceolata), Kentucky bluegrass
(Poa pratensis), goldenrod
(Solidago), fescues (Festuca),
creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense),
teasel (Dipsacus), some of these
plants are invasive while much of
the others offer little
environmental benefit.
Current use
The lower basin has a
winding 1-mile path 10ft. wide
cut throughout, mostly on the
west side. This path is utilized as
an off road cycling course for
training and racing. Heavily used
over 100 people a week and
1,000 on race day ride this loop.
Removing the weeds and planting
native habitat will not only
increase the habitat value of the
land but will help in reducing the
number of weed seeds, help to
reduce the amount of moisture, look better. The current uses will not be affected as it is
simply the removal and replanting of a low stature prairie.
Area Two: SE Basin Drainage:
Soils/hydrology/sun
This area contains Gessie silt loam. This land is frequently flooded due to its location
in a flood plain. This soil has a profile with silt on the top 8 in. with loam underneath up to
80 in. Even though it is prone to flooding the land is well drained and runoff is very low.
There is a little shade provided by the low lying brush with small infrequent trees.
Area 3
Area 1
Area 2

Indy Cycloplex Prairie Restoration
Tree Survey
The whole of the lower basin has about a dozen of trees above 6ft. tall. Of these the
species of callery pear, willow, white mulberry and ash could be identified.
Vegetation Survey
Low lying vegetation around the area include reed canary (Phalaris arundinacea),
smartweed also know as knotweed (Polygonum), moneywort (Bacopa monnieri), softstem
bul rush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani), bur-reed (Sparganium), small white aster
(Symphyotrichum lateriflorum), swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnate), and Kentucky
bluegrass (Poa pratensis). Most of the ground is covered in Kentucky bluegrass and reed
canary due to the moisture.
Current use
This wet portion of the park currently has no use. What is left of the original Sullivan
Lake would tie in perfectly with the creation of a native prairie, allowing for two natural
ecosystems to work together in close proximity. When flooded ducks and geese are among
the species that utilize the land for migration and foraging. By removing the invasive reed
canary and planting native wetland species we will create better habitat that can be utilized
by these migratory birds as well as many other species in the area.
Area Three: Hillside Along Cold Spring road:
Soils/hydrology/sun
On a steep slope (12-18%) the hillside consist of Miami complex (MxD2) soil that is
highly eroded. Recently turf grass has been planted but will not do well due to the high
erosion and tree cover. Hennepin loam (HeF) is also found on extreme slopes of 25-50%. It
has a very high runoff and woody vegetation does well. As mentioned the tree cover is high
with most of the ground being covered in shade the majority of the day. Due to this I would
recommend replacing the turf grass with a woodland mix that will flourish under the shade
of the trees and develop deep roots that will reduce erosion and runoff.
Vegetation Survey
Currently there is little vegetation due to the steep slope and erosion. As mentioned
there is turf grass (Lolium multiflorum) along with the invasive Honey Suckle (Lonicera).
Current use
This steep portion of the park recently has a mountain bike trail cut into the hillside.
This is a narrow (4ft. wide) path that rises along the road and then cuts back down the
hillside. After being built little was done with the ground around the path. Again we would
leave the mountain bike trail and plant these native species along the hillside. This will

Indy Cycloplex Prairie Restoration
increase habitat value, reduce erosion and runoff, create for a more appealing view from
the road, as well as cut down on management.
Environmental Restoration
As can be seen little has been done with the site. Even so the site is in good
environmental shape and has plenty of potential. Three primary environmental
restoration/management issues are recommended. Invasive plants need to be addressed
before they become a further issue. Along with the removal of invasive species, the
continued monitoring and removal of new plants when identified needs to occur. Secondly
the removal of weeds and the planting of diverse natives in order to improve water
absorption and increase the educational and wildlife value of the sites. Finally, the removal
of turf grass and the planting of natives in order to decrease erosion along with reducing
management cost and time.
Invasives:
All three areas contain invasive species. Some of which include, honey Suckle
(Lonicera), reed canary (Phalaris arundinacea), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), garlic
Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), ), creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense), as well as the callery pear
(Pyrus calleryana) to name a few.
Invasives management priorities:
Highest: Kill off and remove all species from the lower basin. It has become infested with
invasives and is not worth the time and effort to save any native species. A complete spray
and then removal to the ground will be necessary in order to plant new native species. This
will be the only way to gain control of the area.
High: Removal of invasives along hillside. Due to the terrain invasive plants do not have as
strong of a presence along the hillside but cannot be left as is. With time they will take over
and wipe out the native species. Spraying and removing the undergrowth and then
replanting with a undergrowth forest mix is recommended.
Medium-high: Along the hillside honeysuckle has been removed. The continued removal
and treatment of stumps needs to be continued in order to stop the honeysuckle before it
becomes a true naissance.
Medium: The continued inspection of land for invasives. Twice a year all of the property
should be walked and spot sprayed in order to target invasives while reducing the
collateral damage of the native species. This must be up kept in order to keep the invasives
at bay.

Indy Cycloplex Prairie Restoration
1. Low stature prairie:
a. Currently the weed cover is providing nothing to the environment is is only
increasing the weed seed count. A prairie will add color, educational opportunity, better
rainfall infiltration, and habitat for butterfly’s, birds, and many other species. Low statue
prairie would be most practical as you could still see the races and it would allow great
views of the whole park.
To establish this prairie, the recommended rout would be to spray the weeds with a
2% roundup mix to kill it. Then removal of the weeds would be recommended in order to
reach the soil. This could be done by disking, or possibly mowing at a very low height.
Management would include spot spraying of invasives as well as prescribed burning every
1-3 years. The Hamilton County Urban Conservation Association provides a detailed
maintenance and weed control plan at http://www.hamiltoncountyuca.org/ . A seed mix
similar to the low stature prairie mix offered by Spence Restoration would be
recommended:
b. An alternate less expensive option would be to use the Pheasant Forever mix
which could possible be funded through the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program that
offers cost share. Additionally, Pheasant Forever offer a seed drill for a monetary donation.
The Pheasants Forever Central Indiana Chapter CP Mix at $81 an acre is very economical.
Grasses
oz/acre
32 Bouteloua curtipendula (Side-Oats Grama)
2 Carex bicknellii (Prairie Oval Sedge)
2 Carex muhlenbergii (Sand-Bracted Sedge)
32 Elymus canadensis (Canada Wild Rye)
4 Elymus virginicus (Virginia Wild Rye)
48 Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)
8 Sporobolus heterolepis (Prairie Dropseed)
128
Forbs
1 Allium cernuum (Nodding Wild Onion)
1 Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed)
1 Aster azureus (Sky Blue Aster)
0.5 Aster ericoides (Heath Aster)
2 Aster laevis (Smooth Aster)
2 Baptisia leucantha (White False Indigo)
3 Coreopsis lanceolata (Lance-Leaf Coreopsis)
2 Coreopsis palmata (Plains Coreopsis)
3 Echinacea pallida (Pale Purple Coneflower)
4 Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)
3 Eryngium yuccifolium (Rattlesnake Master)
1 Helianthus mollis (Downy Sunflower)
2 Helianthus occidentalis (Western Sunflower)
2 Lespedeza capitata (Bush Clover)
1 Liatris aspera (Rough Blazing Star)
1 Liatris scariosa var nieuwlandii (Blazing Star)
1 Liatris spicata (Dense Blazing Star)
0.5 Monarda fistulosa (Bergamot)
2 Parthenium integrifolium (Wild Quinine)
1 Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Beardtongue)
1 Penstemon hirsutus (Hairy Beardtongue)
2 Petalostemum purpureum (Prairie Clover)
1 Potentilla arguta (Prairie Cinquefoil)
0.5 Pycnanthemum virginianum (Mountain Mint)
2 Ratibida pinnata (Yellow Coneflower)
4 Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan)
1 Solidago nemoralis (Gray Goldenrod)
1 Solidago riddellii (Riddell's Goldenrod)
1 Solidago speciosa (Showy Goldenrod)
0.5 Veronicastrum virginicum (Culver's Root)
48

Indy Cycloplex Prairie Restoration
Although it is not as diverse, they also have a Forb upgrade (Pollinator) Mix offered at $128
and acre. The CP mix contains:
CP Mix
oz/acre
Budheckia hirta(Black-Eyed Susan)
Gray-Headed Coneflower
Illinois Bundleflower
Lanceleaf Coreopsis
New England Aster
Partridge Pea
Echinacea purpurea(Purple Coneflower)
Purple Prairie Clover
White Prairie Clover
Big Bluestem
Indian Grass
Schizachvrium scoparium(Little Bluestem)
Bouteloua cutipendula(Side-Oats Grama)
Pollinator Upgrade Mix
oz/acre
Canada Milkvetch
Cup Plant
False Sunflower
Foxglove Beardtongue
Hoary Vrevain
Pale purple Coneflower
Rattlesnake Master
Roundhead Bushclover
Sky Blue Aster
Stiff Goldenrod
Wild Bergamot
2. Early Successional Wetland mix:
The lowest section of the basin is to the south east, due to this most of the rain fall
runs to this corner of the plot and keeps the ground damp most of the time. A wetland mix
would create much more habitat and nutrients compared to the invasive plants currently.
The native plants also have deeper reaching root system that allows better water
absorption and help to keep the water table down and clean. Due to this a wetland seed mix
is necessary especially during times of flooding.
The establishment of a wetland similar to the prairie all of the current vegetation
would have to be removed in order for the seeds to reach the soil. After that a seed drill
would be recommended. Spence Restoration has an Early Successional Wetland Mix that
would work well. This mix contains:
3. Upland Woodland Mix
With steep slopes little water is held on the north-west side of the park. As well as
being covered in 80-100% of tree cover the current grasses will not do well. Instead native
forbs and sedges will thrive while also eliminating soil erosion and he deeper root systems
will also help with runoff. This seed mix by Spence Restoration Nursery would be a perfect
fit.
Grasses and Sedges
oz/acre
Forbes
oz/acre
1Aquilegia canadensis (Wild Columbine)

Indy Cycloplex Prairie Restoration
1
Carex cephalophora (Short-Headed
Bracted Sedge)
1Carex gracillima (Graceful Wood Sedge)
1Carex sparganioides (Burreed Sedge)
8Diarrhena americana (Beak Grass)
3Elymus riparius (Riverbank Wild Rye)
2Elymus villosus (Silky Wild Rye)
64Elymus virginicus (Virginia Wild Rye)
16Hystrix patula (Bottlebrush Grass)
96
2
Aster cordifolius (Heart-leaved Blue Wood
Aster)
1Aster lateriflorus (Side-Flowering Aster)
2Aster shortii (Short's Aster)
2
Eupatorium purpureum (Sweet Joe-Pye
Weed)
2Eupatorium rugosum (White Snakeroot)
3Heliopsis helianthoides (False Sunflower)
2
Penstemon calycosus (Smooth
Penstemon)
1
Solidago caesia (Blue-Stemmed
Goldenrod)
16
Recreation,Fitness,and Environmental Education
Being a sports complex fitness is a major focus. Marian University also would like to
emphasize the educational side of the project. To do this the current trails cut into the
lower basin and backside of the velodrome will be recreated or left in place. This gives a
total of just over a mile of trail. The trails can be accompanied by the addition of signs, an
Grasses and Sedges
oz/acre
4 Carex frankii (Frank's Sedge)
1 Carex hystericina (Porcupine Sedge)
1 Carex granularis (Meadow Sedge)
4 Carex vulpinoidea (Fox Sedge)
10 Elymus riparius (Riverbank Wild Rye)
64 Elymus virginicus (Virginia Wild Rye)
2 Glyceria striata (Fowl Manna Grass)
2 Leersia oryzoides (Rice Cut Grass)
2 Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass)
2 Scirpus atrovirens (Dark Green Bulrush)
4 Spartina pectinata (Prairie Cordgrass)
96
Forbs
1 Alisma subcordatum (Water Plantain)
2 Asclepia incarnatia (Swamp Mildweed)
1 Aster firmus (Shining Aster)
1 Aster simplex (Panicied Aster)
1 Boltonia latisquama (False Aster)
2 Cassia hebecarpa (Wild Senna)
2 Eupatorium maculatum (Spotted Joe-Pye Weed)
1 Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset)
1 Helenium autumnaie (Autumn Sneezeweed)
1 Lycopus americanus (Water Horehound)
1 Mimulus ringens (Monkeyflower)
1 Penstemon digitalis (goxglove Penstemon)
3 Silphium perfoliatum (Cupplant)
1 Solidago gigantean (Late Goldenrod)
1 Solidago riddelli (Riddell’s Goldenrod)
2 Verbena hastate (Blue Vervain)
2 Vernonia fasciculata (Smooth Ironweed)
24

Indy Cycloplex Prairie Restoration
outdoor fitness station, park benches, and educational activities in order to enhance the
overall wellness and education of the property.
Fitness stations:
In order to promote a well-rounded athlete and to bring in more disciplines than just
cycling the inclusion of outdoor fitness stations would be a perfect fit. The NorwallRunner
package would increase the number of athletes while promoting the fitness of the whole
athlete. The NorwallRunner package from Norwell Outdoor Fitness includes six pieces
made from 100% recyclable steel that are long lasting.
NW 103 Sit Up – Norwall Outdoor Fitness (http://www.norwelloutdoorfitness.com/) Made
of 100% steel this durable piece like all others has a 15 year warranty on all pipes and
welds. The Sit Up strengthens your abdomen, thighs and hips and the difficulty is
determined by level of experience.
NW 104 Pull Up – Norwall Outdoor Fitness
(http://www.norwelloutdoorfitness.com/) The Pull
Up helps to increase strength in your shoulders,
arms, shoulder, back and core. The piece can also
be utilized for stretching.
NW 105 Bar – Norwall Outdoor Fitness
(http://www.norwelloutdoorfitness.com/)
Polished and glass blasted just like all of their
products the bar is a simple piece that can be
used to strengthen your chest, triceps, core and
front of the shoulders simply and efficiently.
NW 401 Stretch – Norwall Outdoor Fitness
(http://www.norwelloutdoorfitness.com/) An
essential part to any workout is proper
stretching. The Stretch helps with the flexibility of
your hamstrings, calves, and gluteus, especially after
exercising
NW 51 Bench – Norwall Outdoor Fitness

Indy Cycloplex Prairie Restoration
(http://www.norwelloutdoorfitness.com/) Multi-purpose, the bench can be utilized for
training working your arms, back, abdomen, and legs. Of course it can also be used for
simply resting
NW 503 Sign – Norwall Outdoor Fitness
(http://www.norwelloutdoorfitness.com/) The Norwall Sign gives
specific information on training and the concept
of the park. It also features Norwell’s App
which features workouts and training ideas.
Each sign is customized specifically for the park.
Environmental EducationActivities:
The lake Sullivan complex can be tied in with the Nina Mason Ecolab located across the
street. A native prairie would be great to include with the Ecolab for field trips and classes.
E1 Installing a large sign at the front of the prairie to show the paths and layout of
the land along with some history and facts about native prairies would be a great
way to introduce new comers to the park.
E2 Along the paths specific plugs can be planted. With the placement of signs these
plants can teach about their uses. Including their uses by Native Americans as food,
and medicine.
E3 Having a habitat display with pictures of animals that the park supports would
be a great learning experience. Teaching about the ecosystem and how each species
plays a particular role within it. From the soil to the plants, insects, birds, and
mammals.
E4 Along the path having a small mowed section that included a couple of benches
for walkers and runner to take a brake and appreciate nature. Ask what do they see?
Colors, flowers, birds, animals. You can even create a scavenger hunt. Encourage
people to look, feel, and smell.
E5 To tie in with the current Ecolab trails the fitness stations can be utilized to
create a fitness trail. Creating a gravel trail in the basin that would connect different
stations would promote exercise and utilize some of the space.
E6 In order to educate people they must know what is happening. Placing native
habitat signs around the boarders of the park, especially the roads, will inform that
that the site is currently being maintained as a restoration project.

Indy Cycloplex Prairie Restoration
Literature Cited: Dolan, Rebecca W., "Two Hundred Years of Forest Change: Effects of Urbanization on Tree
Species Composition and Structure" Arboriculture & Urban Forestry / (2015): 136-145. Hamlett, Ryan. "A Room
with a View - Lake Reginald Sullivan." Historic Indianapolis All Things Indianapolis History RSS. N.p., n.d. Web.
15 Nov. 2015.
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