Major Taylor Velodrome to be Managed by Marian University

Mayor Announces Partnership with Marian University for Management of Lake Sullivan Sports Complex

Agreement Provides for Investment of $2 Million in Capital Improvements at the Complex, Home of the Major Taylor Velodrome

INDIANAPOLIS – Mayor Greg Ballard today announced a proposed partnership with Marian University for the management, operation and maintenance of the Lake Sullivan Sports Complex, a city-owned park and home to the Major Taylor Velodrome, located at 3649 Cold Springs Road.

“It is no secret that the entire Lake Sullivan Sports Complex is in desperate need of repair. One need only look at the crumbling infrastructure to see that inattention over the past decade and a lack of resources to provide adequate programming and make capital improvements has kept this park from being used to its fullest potential,” said Mayor Ballard. “Marian University has a long-standing tradition of excellence in cycling, and as the primary user for this complex already, they have a vested interest in seeing this project succeed.”

Under the proposed agreement, Marian University will invest more than $2 million in capital improvements within the next ten years and then enter into a revenue share with the city for the remainder of the 15-year contract. Under the profit share model, the City will receive 10 percent of all gross revenue above $250,000. Additionally, Marian will assume all operational cost for the property, which totals totals $70,000 in the Indy Parks budget on an annual basis and includes costs for employees, mowing, trash pickup and all utilities.

Significant upgrades to the tracks and trails will include the velodrome track, BMX track, a road course, cyclocross and a 4K walking and jogging trail on the complex. Additionally, Marian will assume all responsibility for maintenance and utility costs for the facility and make other upgrades.

“The Lake Sullivan Sports Complex is an amazing venue that is underutilized, and we see many opportunities to promote health and fitness to residents of all ages as well as create a nationally recognized competitive cycling facility that can host road, cyclocross, BMX, and track cycling events,” said Dean Peterson, Marian University Cycling head coach. “With the addition of our cycling training center, it will become a one-of-a-kind facility in the U.S.”

The proposal, sponsored by City-County Councillor Angel Rivera and co-sponsored by Councillor Monroe Gray, will be presented before the City’s Department of Parks and Recreation Board today at 3:45 p.m. at the City-County Building, Room 206. If approved, the measure will then go before the full City-County Council for a first reading at the April 11 Council meeting. The proposal will be reviewed by the Council’s Department of Parks and Recreation Committee on April 14.