Community Center to Accept SilverSneakers Memberships
As the Fishers Community Center prepared for its official opening, one question kept surfacing among prospective users: Will it accept SilverSneakers memberships?
SilverSneakers, a popular insurance-based program that provides free access to participating fitness facilities for eligible seniors, is one of several similar benefits offered through Medicare plans and large employer insurance programs. Fishers officials have now provided a definitive answer. Following action by the Board of Public Works and Safety, the Community Center has been authorized to accept SilverSneakers and comparable programs, allowing qualifying residents to receive free memberships.
City Launches Traffic Study, Plans Road Improvements Near Event Center
The city is taking new steps to address traffic surrounding the Fishers Event Center. With a full year of traffic data now available, the Board of Public Works and Safety approved a comprehensive corridor analysis to study how current and future development will impact nearby roads. In a related move, the board also signed off on a professional services agreement for design work tied to a planned street-widening project in the same district. Construction on the widening is expected to begin in spring 2026.
Chicken N Pickle Project Canceled, City Buying Site for $1M
In economic development news, a highly anticipated project announced in 2023 will not be moving forward. Chicken N Pickle, a restaurant and recreation chain that had planned to build near the Fishers Event Center, failed to meet required development deadlines, according to Fishers Economic Development Director Megan Baumgartner. As a result, the city is purchasing the parcel originally reserved for the project for about $1M.
Fishers Event Center Marks One Year of Major Acts and Sports Tenants
Meanwhile, the Fishers Event Center recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, marking a fast-paced inaugural year since opening on November 22, 2024. The 7,500-seat venue has quickly become a regional entertainment destination, hosting national touring acts including Alabama, Cirque du Soleil, comedians Jeff Foxworthy and Leanne Morgan, country artists Megan Moroney and Blake Shelton, and Nathaniel Rateliff. The arena also featured John Legend’s 20th anniversary tour and welcomed several sports tenants: the Indy Fuel of the ECHL, Indy Ignite of Major League Volleyball, and the Fishers Freight of the Indoor Football League.
$23.6M in SR 37 Funds Redirected to Land Purchases
The Fishers City Council also took action related to funding from the State Road 37 project. When the city issued debt for the final phase of improvements at 141st Street, the bond proceeds ultimately left a balance of $23.6M. Following a council-approved transfer of funds on November 17, the leftover money will now be used to purchase land in Fishers. Many of the parcels will be located in the downtown Nickel Plate District and near the Fishers Event Center. The land will be managed by the Town Hall Building Corporation and the Redevelopment Commission.
Stormwater Fees Moving to Monthly Utility Bill in 2026
Finally, residential property owners will see a change in how they pay stormwater fees. Currently billed annually at $79.92, the fee will shift to a monthly charge beginning in March 2026 and will be combined with the city’s existing residential utility bill for sewer and trash service. City Controller Lisa Bradford told council members that the stormwater fee will appear on the March bill—the same month scheduled increases to sewer and trash rates take effect. For example, the city’s trash collection contract with Republic Services will rise from $16.39 to $17.33 per month. The new monthly stormwater charge is expected to fall between $6 and $7 per household.
