White River recreational businesses reopen after flooding

INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) — The White River is opening back up after mid-August’s historic flooding. Hamilton County has lifted its travel ban on the river, clearing the way for recreational businesses and people to get back on the water.

“This is Indianapolis, a predominant public space, and we would love to welcome you to it. Help you rediscover it if you will. Our goal and our vision is to make Indy a river city. We still aim to do that,” said Peter Bloomquist, founder of Frank’s Paddlesports Livery.

Hamilton County lifted the travel ban on the river, which means it’s declared safe for recreational use like kayaking and canoeing. The health department found the White River sample water has returned to pre-flood sanitation levels, marking an important step in the recovery.

Bloomquist rents out canoes and kayaks along the river. He says he closed his business for two weeks because of the flood. “It’s thousands of lost revenue, but you can’t help but think about how it’s small potatoes compared to our fellow river community in some areas.”

Bloomquist and his team handed out generators in hard-hit areas, and he is currently helping fundraise for flood victims. But now that the floodwaters have disappeared, Bloomquist is also helping with the cleanup by cutting trees and clearing debris.

He says business is slow to return, but he’s hoping it picks up with scorching heat. “You got to beat the heat somehow, right? Don’t get me wrong, I can dig on the AC once in a while. But if you’re going outside. You want to be next to, on, or in water.”

The river is open but not completely back to normal. Officials urge people to keep an eye out for debris along the river.