Indianapolis, Indiana – According to a press release from the Central Indiana Police Foundation, local businessman Turner Woodard and his family have donated $250,000 to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s Mounted Patrol to aid in the construction of a new horse barn, stables, and offices.
The new building is expected to start ground in April, with a grand opening scheduled for later in the year. It will be located on a portion of the former Central State Hospital Campus on W. Washington St., west of downtown.
“I’m honored that my family can make this donation in the name of The Woodard Van Riper Family Foundation. This gift is our entire family giving back to a worthy and deserving cause. My wife Diann, my daughters Taylor and Whitney, and my son Turner John were raised in Indianapolis and they have a fond appreciation and great respect for the Mounted Patrol,” said Woodard.
The community is served by the IMPD Mounted Patrol Unit. Conventions, sporting events, cultural events, and special occasions are typically where you can catch them.
“The IMPD Mounted Horse Patrol is a special unit of highly trained and dedicated officers that has looked after our operations during my thirty years of owning the Stutz Factory in downtown Indianapolis. They have always been there for us and it’s our turn to be there for them. They are a great asset for the city,” Woodard said.
Even with the large donation, the 1.7 million dollar facility is still in need of financial assistance, “While we have received several significant donations the past few months, we are still in need of about $500,000 to ensure the stables are fully completed and outfitted,“ said Lisa Rollings, executive director of the Central Indiana Police Foundation.
Anyone looking to donate can do so here.
