In late 2022, the Lilly Endowment granted $80 million towards improvements across 42 parks in the Indy Parks system. The parks selected for funding were prioritized for upgrades based on community input, an equity lens, and likely impact due to usage rates. The equity lens was informed by a recent assessment of park amenity conditions and a vulnerability index determined by census blocks associated with a particular park. The community engagement, project design, and construction schedule will run through 2025. The total grant award represents 14 times the annual Parks capital budget.
View a map of all parks receiving Lilly Endowment funds here.
List of Park Improvements
Al E. Polin Park is in the Mapleton-Fall Creek neighborhood and was established in 1973. Approximately $600,000 of the Endowment’s gift will go toward a basketball court upgrade, walkway improvements, playground replacements, and beautification.
Located at 100 E 29th St.
Indy Parks worked with Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in developing the park’s master plan and entered into a long-term land lease agreement. The City is requesting $2 million for the replacement of the playground, upgrading the basketball court and baseball diamond, and adding pickleball courts, a comfort station, and a splash pad.
Located at 900 Girls School Rd.
Located at Dubarry Park is a 27-acre hidden gem on the east side of Indianapolis that offers a new playground, comfort station, fishing pond, and sledding hill. The master plan identified an area for a splash pad and utilities were stubbed off for future installation. The City is requesting $700,000 for the splash pad.
Located at 3698 Dubarry Rd.
With over 5,000 acres, Eagle Creek Park is the largest park in the Indy Park system and celebrated its 50th birthday in 2022. Recent investments in the park have resulted in over $831,362 in improvements. Its share of $2.6 million from the Endowment’s gift will go toward proposed accessibility upgrades for the Pin Oak Trail near the Earth Discovery Center, added community program engagement, and the development of a documentary about the park’s history.
Located at 7840 W. 56th St.
Graham Edward Martin Park, located on 67 acres near Fall Creek and 16th Street, will receive $1.86 million to construct a splash pad, shelter, two parking lots, pickleball courts, a comfort station, improvements to the sports fields near Crispus Attucks High School. The City has committed $450,000 to improve the playground facilities.
Located at W. 16th St & Fall Creek Pkwy. E. Dr.
Located on the near east side of Indianapolis at Andrew J. Brown and East 25th Street, the 43-acre park was established in 1921 and is in the Martindale-Brightwood Community. As part of Circle City Forward, the City has secured almost $23 million for a new family center which will include fitness areas, locker rooms, a gym, and program activity space. In spring 2021, project organizers and designers began meeting with the public to create plans for the new facility, and the final design was presented in July 2021. An additional $5.268 million from the Endowment will go towards the construction of a new playground, synthetic sports fields (football & baseball), and office furnishings and appliances.
Located at 1616 E 25th St.
Garfield Park is the oldest park in Indianapolis with unique amenities such as a conservatory, sunken gardens, and the MacAllister Center for the Performing Arts. $5.5 million will go to improve the Pagoda, playgrounds, and sunken garden fountains.
Located at 2345 Pagoda Dr.
The Mary and John Geisse Soccer Complex at Eagle Creek Park will receive $2.458 million in improvements to its drainage system, pavilion shelter, and comfort stations to accommodate expanded programming.
Located at 7225 W. 56th St.
Located at the intersection of E. 30th Street and N. German Church Rd., Grassy Creek has many natural amenities such as wetlands, lowlands, and forests. The City has secured $8.6 million in funding to acquire 82 acres of land and construct a new environmental center. $5.65 million of the Endowment will go to construct new playgrounds, and park trails and provide furnishings and appliances.
Located at 10510 E. 30th St.
Planned improvements for Gustafson Park in 2023 include a new digital scoreboard, comfort station, playground, and basketball courts. The City is requesting $1.6 million to upgrade an existing NFL football field to a synthetic multi-purpose field in order to improve and increase community access to a high-quality sports field experience.
Located at 3010 Moller Road
The 99-acre Franklin Township Community Park is located adjacent to Franklin Central High School. The City is seeking $2.85 million in funds for a new playground, shelter, hardcourts, and paving of the existing nature trail to better serve school athletic needs as well as the wider community.
Located at 8801 E. Edgewood Ave.
The 94-acre Holliday Park is home to the iconic Ruins, a 13,000 square foot nature center, and over 3.5 miles of trails. The City has secured $1.5 million and requests an additional $3 million for playground improvements, signage, walkway upgrades, and gazebo maintenance.
Located at 6363 Springmill Rd.
This 46-acre park consists of three multi-use fields for the sports of cricket, lacrosse, hurling, rugby, and Gaelic football. The $5.1-million-dollar facility was completed in 2014. The City is requesting $2,150,000 to build a concession pavilion with restrooms and a paved parking lot. The $99,000 design fee and plans are shovel-ready.
Located at 1313 South Post Rd.
Currently undergoing a major renovation, Krannert Park’s existing family center is being improved to make room for new exercise areas, multi-purpose rooms, locker rooms, a new enclosed swimming pool, and an exterior splash pad. The City has secured $10.6 million for the family center renovation and seeks an additional $3.7 million to upgrade the playground, trails, and basketball court.
Located at 605 S. High School Rd.
The City is requesting $2.75 million for planned improvements that include the conversion of the natural turf practice field to synthetic turf, improving the main field grade and irrigation, and adding LED sport stadium lighting to both fields.
Located at 1502 W. 16th St.
In addition to the Major Taylor Skate Park, The Indy Cycloplex features the Major Taylor Velodrome, a criterium bike course, and a BMX track. The City is requesting $750,000 to expand the popular skate park and add LED sports lighting to extend operational hours.
Located at 3649 Cold Spring Rd.
Located on the city’s south side and established in 1961, Perry Park offers outdoor recreational opportunities and includes Indy Parks’ only ice rink. The City has secured $1.1 million in local funds for aquatic and park improvements and is seeking $1.3 million for a new playground and shelter.
Located at 451 E. Stop 11 Rd.
The Riverside Regional Park Master Plan responds to neighboring residents’ and other Indianapolis community members’ desires for new amenities and the updating of existing park features to better serve more people. These proposed improvements include the creation of a regional aquatic center, athletic fields, the conversion of Riverside Golf Course into an adventure park, the Riverside Promenade, and the renovation of the Taggart Memorial into a performance venue, which has been accomplished with the generous support of the Lilly Endowment.
The City has secured over $6.5 million in funds for the adventure park and promenade and is seeking $11.55 million in funding for the nature zone, new trails, river zone, racing zone and the Taggart Memorial Playground. As evidenced by the significant investment in Riverside Regional Park, it is worth noting that this park is truly unlike any other – the new Riverside will offer some of the most comprehensive park services available in one location, including the following: facilities for Soap Box Derby racing, outdoor entertainment venues, boating activities, and multi-use trails. Riverside Regional Park will truly be a destination for both residents and those visiting Indianapolis; and as a regional park, Riverside draws Indianapolis residents from the entire region while still serving the needs of those living in near proximity.
Located at 2420 E. Riverside Dr.
Located on the city’s northeast side, Sahm Park will be connected to the Nickel Plate Greenway once the trail is developed. Due to increasing demand for community rental spaces, the City is asking for $2.7 million to renovate the tennis pavilion, add additional shelters and walkways, parking improvements, and replace the 1996 playground, including adding adult exterior fitness equipment.
Located at 6801 E. 91st St.
Southside Park, located in the University Heights and Rosedale Hills neighborhood, is a short walk from the University of Indianapolis, serving its students and community residents. Approximately $2 million is needed to install a new playground, adult fitness equipment, a sports field, hardcourts, and a shelter.
Located at 1941 E. Hanna Ave.
Southwestway Park is Indy Parks’ second largest park and includes an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails, baseball and soccer fields, and a playground. The City requests $1.25 million for a comfort station and playground replacement to include adult fitness.
Located at 8400 Mann Rd.
Located near 39th and Meridian, Tarkington Park boasts a splash pad, performance shelter, and basketball and tennis courts. The City seeks $3 million to complete phase two of the master plan by adding circular walkways, rental shelters, a farmers market pavilion, and field improvements to better serve youth football.
Located at 45 W. 40th St.
Tolin Akeman Park is about 5 acres, and its master plan calls for upgrading the playground, adding a shelter, basketball court, pickleball courts, and walking trail. The City is requesting $1.270 million to implement these improvements.
Located at 4459 Shelbyville Road
With over 120 acres on the near east side of Indianapolis, Washington Park has a large amount of green space and many amenities including a family recreation center, an outdoor basketball complex, walking trails, playgrounds, an 18-hole disk golf course, and a mountain bike course programmed in partnership with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. The City has committed $437,000 to improve the family center, add a northside small playground, and shelter and design the center playground and splash pad. The City requests $3.5 million to replace the 1995 center playground and add a splash pad, shelter, parking lot, and comfort station.
Located at 3130 30th St.
Playgrounds in 18 small parks across the city will be upgraded with $8.38 million in Lilly Endowment funds. Updates will feature rubberized or synthetic turf play surfaces, accessible walkways and shade structures. The parks are located in some of the most economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in Indianapolis.
Playgrounds included:
- Arsenal Park
- Babe Denny Park
- Bellamy Park
- Christian Park
- DeQuincy Park
- Doris Cowherd Park
- Eagle Highland Park
- Faculty Park
- Highway Parcel #15
- James Foster Gaines Park
- Hanover North Park
- Moreland Park
- Patricia Park
- Paul Ruster Park
- Ridenour Park
- Thatcher Park
- Virginia Lee O’Brien Park
- WISH Park
An extensive outreach effort will inform potential program providers of opportunities for park-based programming. This includes releasing a request for information (RFI) for program providers, engaging potential respondents in information and feedback sessions, sharing program-related findings from the 2023 update of the Parks Comp Plan (funded by the City), and developing a phased approach to program implementation. $80,000 of Lilly Endowment funding will go to support the programming initiative.
A portion of Lilly Endowment support, $1.5 million, will be reserved for a contingency fund to offset cost increases and unpredictable supply chain delays.
