The $5 million project is funded by the Lilly Endowment Grant and the Holliday Park Foundation
INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Indy Parks and the Holliday Park Foundation announced that construction on a $5 million signature playground at Holliday Park will begin on November 1. The project will replace the existing playground built in 1992. Construction is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2025. The rest of Holliday Park, including the nature center, trails, and ruins will remain open during construction.
“Given the importance of Holliday Park to our residents, we at the City couldn’t be more thrilled to see its playground getting the attention it deserves. And the improvements won’t end here,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “With the historic investment of over $140 million in our city’s parks, we expect to replace over 40% of our playgrounds by 2026.”
The project is part of the $80 million Lilly Endowment Grant announced in 2023. Between the Lilly Endowment Grant, Circle City Forward, and American Rescue Plan funding, more than $140 million is being invested in Indy Parks in all nine townships across the city.
“Holliday Park truly stands out as one of the cherished jewels on the north side of Indianapolis,” said City-County Councilor Brienne Delaney, District 2. “Investments like this not only enhance the space but also invest in a legacy of family-friendly enjoyment, environmental education, and community gathering for generations to come.”
Thanks to generous community support, the Holliday Park Foundation raised an additional $2.4 million on top of the $3 million Lilly Endowment Grant. The additional funds help to expand the scale of the project and provide a maintenance fund for the playground. While work is starting early to aim for a fall 2025 completion, the Foundation is still actively fundraising to reach their target goal of $6 million and invites the community to take advantage of a 1:1 match challenge from the Efroymson Family Fund. Donations can be made online here or by check mailed to 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260.
“The Holliday Park Foundation is excited to lead the effort to reimagine the playground and create a space where the next generation can connect to the outdoors, joyfully play, and build community,” said Holliday Park Foundation Executive Director Adam Barnes. “More than just a refresh of playground equipment, the brand new, nature-themed play space will be an inclusive, engaging, versatile and vibrant commons that will serve as one of the city’s iconic open spaces.”
“Parks mean many different things to people,” said Indy Parks Director Phyllis Boyd. “Our investments in playgrounds like this ensure that our youngest residents will have meaningful and enriching experiences in our parks for decades to come.” Conceptual renderings of the new playground are available here.
