Children's Museum of Indianapolis plans outdoor attraction

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is planning an outdoor expansion that includes a mini golf course and two pedal cart racetracks.

The museum is planning an attraction named the Sports Legends Experience that would also feature spaces for basketball, tennis and street hockey, The Indianapolis Star reported (http://indy.st/20WswAg).

Plans filed with the city's Metropolitan Development Commission place the nearly 10-acre recreation area on what is now a parking lot just north of the museum building. Those plans designate spots for soccer, baseball and football activities and have track and family fitness loops.

Museum spokeswoman Leslie Olsen said the project is expected to cost considerably more than $10 million. She declined to give further information, saying that an announcement was planned in the coming weeks to give details.

The city development commission's staff is recommending approval for the work at the museum north of the city's downtown.

A commission report said the plans will "provide both parents and children an outdoor sports experience in a noncompetitive environment within the" campus of the museum.

It also would bring another space for children in the area to engage in physical activity. Studies have found that as many as one-third of children in Marion County are overweight or obese.

The museum is among the city's top attractions, drawing more than 1 million people a year.

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Information from: The Indianapolis Star, http://www.indystar.com