About Frederick Douglass Park
Black history sits on 80 acres of land on East 25th Street in Indianapolis, where Frederick Douglass Park first opened in 1921. Named after abolitionist Frederick Douglass, this park located in the Martindale-Brightwood community, was one of the first parks to welcome black residents and was once known as the city’s “black park”. A swimming pool was added in 1927 and Frederick Douglass Park Golf Course opened in 1928. Martindale, in the late 19th and throughout the 20th Century, was a segregated community for African Americans, which is still reflected in the predominantly African American population you see in the area today.
In 2021, it was announced that Douglass Park would be receiving a new family center thanks to funding from Mayor Hogsett’s Circle City Forward Initiative. The new family center opened on May 23, 2024 and is the largest center in the Indy Parks system. It offers premium spaces that connect recreation to families and the beautiful park and amenities around it. Walk on the new indoor track while watching basketball and other sporting events happening below in the gymnasium. Be sure to check out one of the many programs offerings that will include senior aerobics, summer day camp and much more! From dance aerobics, strengthening and toning to arts and crafts and special events, there will be something here for everyone! There will also be a historical display in the family center that outlines the deep history of the park.
Douglass Park will also be receiving improvements thanks to funding from the Lilly Endowment Grant including a new playground that will open along side the Family Center, multi-use synthetic sports fields, and furniture and office supplies for the family center.
Winter Warming Center
During extreme temperatures and weather events, Indy Parks Family Centers are available as cooling or warming centers during open hours. To learn more, visit parks.indy.gov/extremeweather
