Indy Parks is Winding Down Construction on the Final Projects from the $80 Million Lilly Endowment Grant
INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Mayor Joe Hogsett, City-County Councilor Nick Roberts, Indy Parks Director Brittany Crone, and community members highlighted the opening of new amenities at Sahm Park while celebratingthe substantial completion of the Lilly Endowment Grant. 39 projects from the grant are completed or will be complete at the end of the year or in early 2027. Construction for the 40th project at Lt. Graham Edward Martin Park is underway and will be completed in late 2027.
“The reopening of Sahm Park marks an important milestone in our commitment to upgrading and maintaining high-quality public spaces across Indianapolis,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “Thanks to our partnership with the Lilly Endowment, communities on the city’s northeast side can now experience new amenities that are creating high-quality places to play, gather, and spend time outdoors.”
The new amenities at Sahm Park include a new playground, shelter, pickleball courts, and a renovated tennis pavilion. The new playground at Sahm Park is one of 30 new playgrounds covered by the Lilly Endowment grant. In total, Indy Parks has completed 53 new playgrounds since 2022, which represents over 40% of the department’s playground offerings. The grant also provided new pickleball courts at six parks.
The $80 million Lilly Endowment Grant represents a major portion of the $150 million invested into new park amenities over the last four years. Those major funding sources include:
- $80 million Lilly Endowment Grant improving 40 parks
- $45 million from the Circle City Forward Initiative for the Frederick Douglass Park Family Center, Riverside Promenade & Adventure Park, Krannert Family Center, and Grassy Creek Environmental Community Center
- $17 million from the American Rescue Plan for 22 playgrounds and new amenities at Wes Montgomery Park
- $8 million for the MLK Gateway Project
- $4 million for Councilor led projects at WISH, Canterbury, Robey, and Thompson Parks
“Sahm Park has long been a cornerstone of the Castleton area, and it’s exciting to see these improvements completed,” said City-County Councilor Nick Roberts. “This investment reflects the importance of not only improving our parks, but maintaining them for future generations. Today, we’re ensuring Sahm Park remains a place where families can gather, stay active, and make lasting memories.”
As a part of the City’s recently approved 2027 Operating Budget, Indy Parks will see a 20% increase to the department’s facility maintenance budget. The budget fiscal passed alongside the city budget includes $2.1 million for Indy Parks playground and court improvements, along with new safety cameras. The basketball and tennis courts at Sahm Park are five of the 40 courts that will be improved with that funding next year. Additionally, the department anticipates breaking ground the $10 million Rev. Mozel Sanders Project and the first park building in Decatur Township at Jack Bulter Park in 2027.
“2026 has been a transformational year for our parks as we transition from construction to completion of major projects across the city,” said Indy Parks Director Brittany Crone. “These new amenities at Sahm Park will provide enriching experiences for families and residents of all ages for years to come.”
Indy Parks will also host a ribbon cutting for WISH Park on Monday, October 26 at 11am. This project was jointly funded by the Lilly Endowment Grant and Councilor Robinson’s $1 million District project.
