Honoring Black Culture through Indy Parks
It is with great honor that Indy Parks and Recreation presents “Pride of the Parks,” which helps to celebrate influential Black individuals who have made significant contributions within our communities. We have chosen to highlight the achievements and efforts of this special group of trailblazers by naming several of our most beloved parks and facilities in their honor.
Scroll down to read about some of the outstanding individuals who have contributed to the Indianapolis community and touched the lives of the people in our city. These individuals represent a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and achievements. We hope that you will take the opportunity to learn more about these important people whose names and legacies are preserved through Indy Parks.
View the brochure here.
Located at 100 E. 29th Street.
Having resided in the Mapleton-Fall Creek area for his entire life, Al Polin is a community activist who has helped keep this Indianapolis neighborhood thriving. Before retiring, Polin worked as a coordinator for the Quality of Life Human Relations at the Allison Division of General Motors. He continues to stay actively involved in his community and serves on the Indianapolis Community Policing Board, with the Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center, and on the Drug Free Indiana Commission. Polin is also active in promoting parks to local youth. Learn more about Al E. Polin Park here.
Located at 310 W. 42nd St.
After moving from Tennessee with his family, Andrew William Ramsey graduated from Manual High School in 1925. Ramsey went on to obtain his B.A. in Romance Languages from Butler University and his M.A. in French from Indiana University. Ramsey then devoted his life to teaching. Ramsey was an instructor in Romance Languages at the University of Louisville’s Municipal College. He was highly involved with the NAACP, the Indianapolis Urban League, and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. He also served as a long-time columnist for the Indianapolis Recorder. Learn more about Andrew Ramsey Park here.
Located at 900 Meikel St.
The first African American Motorcycle Officer in the Indianapolis Police Department, Edward Bay “Babe” Denny managed Ray Street Center and Miekel Street Park in the 1940s. He later served as a consultant to the mayor. Throughout his life, Denny was heavily active in the Indianapolis community in various ways. Learn more about Babe Denny Park here.
Located at 2302 E. 30th St.
A native of Indianapolis, Frank R. Beckwith was born in 1904 to former slaves. He grew up to become a successful attorney and an industrious civil rights activist. He was instrumental in the naming of Douglass Park (now Frederick Douglass Park) and the paving of Martindale Avenue. Beckwith was the first African American person to run as a candidate for President of the United States. He believed in breaking down psychological barriers so that people might successfully develop in their endeavors. Beckwith Memorial Park was dedicated in 1970. Learn more about Beckwith Memorial Park here.
Located at 3700 N. Clifton St.
As president of School 41’s PTO, Bertha Ross organized a baseball league for children between the ages of 7 and 15. Each year, Ross and her husband would raise money to outfit 12 teams. Other groups and businesses helped to sponsor the teams by raising money to furnish bats, mitts, uniforms, and coaches. Baseballs were provided by Indy Parks. Anyone within the age limits could play in this league, but Ross set up one condition: any child playing in her league could not get into any trouble. Learn more about Betha Ross Park here.
Located at 4050 N. Irvington Ave.
In 1899, Doris Cowherd was born the daughter of share-croppers who moved often. As a young woman in 1923, she moved to Indianapolis where she married, raised a family, and began her career. She worked for the Flanner House for 25 years as a cook while teaching canning and gardening as a means toward the self-sufficiency she believed in. Cowherd was a role model to the young people who lived in her neighborhood. She was instrumental in establishing the concept of neighborhood participation and cooperation. She encouraged her community to get involved with the parks, especially the one named for her at 41st and Irvington. Learn more about Doris Cowherd Park here.
Located at 1702 N. Broadway St.
Georgian-born Baptist minister Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. became nationally known as a proponent of civil rights and equality for all human beings. King’s fight for racial equity through non-violent demonstrations included the civil rights march on Washington D.C. in 1963, speeches, and conferences with national and international leaders concerning civil rights. King’s efforts led to the establishment of the Civil Rights Act of 1942, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. On April 4, 1968, King was tragically shot and killed in Memphis, Tennessee. He will always be remembered for his impact on civil rights in America. Learn more about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park here.
Located at 4241 Fairview Terrace.
Elwood Black was a public servant, community activist, and advocate for union labor and civil rights issues. He was elected City-County Councilman for District 6 in 1991, serving on the Community Affairs and Metropolitan Development committees. He worked as a basketball coach, maintenance worker, and delivery driver, and he served as president of United Auto Workers Union Local 550. Learn more about Elwood & Mary Black Park here.
Located at 5900 E. 38th St.
Eva C. Talley-Sanders is a Deputy Chief for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the first African American woman to hold that rank in the department. Her brother, Steve Talley, was a City-County Councilman. Talley Park is named for their family, including their parents Eva M. Talley and Van Lawson. Learn more about Eva C. Talley Park here.
Located at 1000 Udell St.
Frank F. Young was born in Indianapolis in 1873, the last child in a family of six children. Young began his ministry in 1892, serving at both Olivet and Garfield Baptist Churches. In 1907, he began the pastorate of the First Baptist Church North Indianapolis, where he remained for the next 60 years. During that time, the church relocated twice as its membership steadily grew. Young lived to be 94 years old. The longevity of his life was enhanced by his love for people both young and old. He served in many leadership capacities, and his social concern for and contributions to the betterment of his community and the City of Indianapolis were innumerable. Learn more about Frank Young Park here.
Located at 1616 E. 25th St.
Born a slave in 1817 in Maryland, Frederick Douglass escaped to freedom to become one of the leading abolitionists of his time. After relocating to Massachusetts, Douglass attended anti-slavery meetings where he began giving speeches on the topic. He was widely recognized for his eloquent speaking ability. Douglass was later appointed to the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society. He also founded and published his own anti-slavery weekly newsletter, The North Star. Douglass also wrote Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass among other abolitionist books. Learn more about Frederick Douglass Park here.
Located at 1302 Fall Creek Pkwy E. Dr.
Graham Edward Martin graduated from Crispus Attucks High School, Indiana University, and Howard University before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. In 1944, the Navy chose Martin as one of the first 13 African American men to train to become officers. They were commissioned as officers and created a path that changed the armed forces. Martin served four years in the Navy as a Lt. Junior Grade ship commander. Upon his return to Indianapolis, he coached varsity football and baseball at Crispus Attucks from 1947 to 1982. Learn more about Lt Jr Grd Graham Edward Martin Park here.
Located at 2100 N. Tibbs Ave.
James Foster “Bruiser” Gains served 27 years in the Indianapolis Police Department. Gaines was born and raised in Indianapolis and attended Crispus Attucks High School where he played football and basketball. He later served in the U.S. Navy from 1944-46 and managed the PAL project. During his time on the police force, Gaines devoted much of his time, energy, and resources to mentoring the youth and assisting people in need throughout the City of Indianapolis. Learn more about James Foster Gaines Park here.
Located at 2000 E. Roosevelt Ave.
While growing up in Indianapolis, John Ed Washington was a dedicated basketball player. He graduated from Arsenal Technical High School, where he was co-captain of the basketball team in his senior year and carried an 18.5 point per game average. He then went to the University of Evansville and became the star player of the University’s basketball team. His dedication to the sport won him several honors, including All-City player, All-Sectional player, and a chance to play for the 1974 Indianapolis City Championship basketball team. Washington was a member of the University of Evansville basketball team that tragically perished in a plane crash in December 1977. Although his career was cut short at age 21, he will always be remembered as a talented and devoted athlete. Learn more about John Ed Park here.
Located in Gardner Park, 6925 E. 46th St.
In 1999, John Stewart was an 18-year-old Indiana Basketball phenome. At 7-feet tall, the Lawrence North star player was signed to play for the University of Kentucky. At a game versus Columbus North High school, Stewart collapsed shortly after complaining of shortness of breath. He died at the hospital from a previously unknown heart condition. His mother now runs the John Stewart Foundation, which promotes cardiac screening for youth. The basketball court at Gardner Park is named in his honor.
Located at 1806 N. Columbia Ave.
Born in 1855 in Ohio, James T.V. Hill moved to Indianapolis in his early years. Hill was first employed in Indianapolis as a postal clerk and later as a barber. Eventually, he was admitted to Central Law School and graduated in 1882. Hill was one of the first Black attorneys admitted to the bar in Indianapolis. He served as a deputy prosecuting attorney in Marion County and was extremely active throughout the community. Learn more about JTV Hill Park here.
Located at 6100 Grandview Dr.
Juan Solomon was highly involved in civic activities with the Indianapolis and African American community. Solomon served as director of the Community Service Council and the Indianapolis Urban League, and he was a board member of the Indianapolis Department of Parks and Recreation. He also served on the Mayor’s Employment Task Force. Solomon made a living working for Eli Lilly for 32 years. Learn more about Juan Solomon Park here.
Located at 3649 Cold Spring Rd.
A native of Indianapolis, Marshall Walter Taylor began his bicycle racing career in Indiana, but was unable to train in the area because of racial prejudice. Mayor Taylor moved to Worcester, Massachusetts, making it his home and training grounds. From that time, he trained vigorously and won national and international acclaim. Taylor was the first Black athlete to achieve championship status in any competitive sport. After a 16 year racing career, Taylor retired with three U.S. championship titles and two world championship titles to his name. Learn more about the Major Taylor Velodrome here.
Located at 2800 E. 30th St.
Esteemed baseball player Oscar Charleston was born and raised in Indianapolis alongside his 10 brothers and sisters. He was one of the most influential contributors to the Negro League baseball teams in Indianapolis. Charleston spent 33 seasons playing for and managing the Indianapolis ABCs, the Chicago American Giants, and other Negro League Teams. He retired from baseball in 1945 and worked as a baggage handler for the Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1976, Charleston’s contributions to baseball were recognized through his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Learn more about Oscar Charleston Park here.
Located at 801 N. Indiana Ave.
Influential lawyer, businessman, and civic activist Freeman Bailey Ransom came to Indianapolis in 1910 after completing his law degree. He was an integral part of the success behind the Madame C.J. Walker Company, serving as the company’s attorney and general manager. Ransom was a member of the City-County Council and served as a legal consultant for the NAACP. Learn more about Ransom Place Park here.
Located at 3252 Sutherland Ave.
Rev. Charles Williams was instrumental in the development of the Indiana Black Expo, where he served as president from 1938 to 2004. Ordained in 1979, Williams helped shape many Indianapolis organizations including the Indiana Sports Corporation, the Indianapolis Downtown Promotion Council, the Indiana Convention and Visitors Association, the Indianapolis White River State Park Development Commission, and the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee. He also served as a special assistant to the mayor from 1976 to 1983. Learn more about Rev. Charles R. Williams Park here.
Located at 1300 N. Belmont St.
Minister and community leader Rev. Mozel Sanders began his life in Indianapolis in 1945, where he worked at a foundry during the day and preached at a local church at night. In 1959, he became the pastor of the Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, serving there until his death in 1988. Sanders hosted a daily radio program and was the founder of a national job training program. He started serving Thanksgiving dinner to less fortunate families in Indianapolis, which is a tradition that lives on today, thanks to the dedication of hundreds of volunteers. Learn more about Rev. Mozel Sanders Park here.
Located at 2360 Dr. MLK Jr. St.
Charles Watkins, a pastor at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church for eight years and a minister at St. Paul AME Church before that, was deeply involved in the Indianapolis community. Watkins served on the Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights and was president of the commission for two years. He was also the president of the Indianapolis Social Workers Club and was heavily involved with the YMCA. Watkins spent a lot of time abroad representing various local, state, and federal affairs. Learn more about Watkins Park here.
Located at 3400 N. Hawthorne Ln.
Jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery launched his music career in Indianapolis, becoming recognized as one of the world’s greatest jazz guitarists. Montgomery, a self-taught musician who would not read music, won every notable honor possible for a jazz musician during his career. At the height of his fame, and at only 45 years old, Montgomery suffered an unexpected fatal heart attack which left the jazz community shocked at his loss. His music remains an inspiration to jazz musicians everywhere. Learn more about Wes Montgomery Park here.
Located in Watson McCord Park, 3600 Watson Rd.
William Whitfield was a 12-year veteran of the Indianapolis Police Department. On patrol in a predominantly white neighborhood in 1922, Whitfield was shot and later died at the hospital. He was the first Black officer shot in the line of duty in Indianapolis. A plaque commemorating his service is on display at Watson McCord Park.
