The Friends of Garfield Park oversaw the $4 million project funded by the Lilly Endowment
INDIANÁPOLIS – Today, Indy Parks and the Friends of Garfield Park announced that the Garfield Park Sunken Garden Fountains will reopen with a celebratory event on Saturday, June 6. The event will start at 4pm with a formal ribbon cutting scheduled for 4:45pm. The Friends of Garfield Park will provide family entertainment until 7pm. After sundown, the community is invited to see the new colored lights that will enhancing the look of the fountains.
The $80 million Lilly Endowment Grant provided funding to Indy Parks, the Holliday Park Foundation, the Eagle Creek Park Foundation, and the Friends of Garfield Park (FOGP)- who oversaw the project to reconstruct the park’s Sunken Garden Fountains. The Fountains were part of the original design for the Sunken Garden back in 1916 by renowned architect George Kessler.
“The Sunken Garden fountains in Garfield Park are among our city’s most iconic landmarks. Their restoration ensures that our community and visitors can enjoy them for years to come,” said Mayor Hogsett. “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Friends of Garfield Park and the Lilly Endowment for their support in bringing these fountains back to their former glory.”
The Friends of Garfield Park (FOGP) oversaw the project in collaboration with Indy Parks. The reconstruction of the fountains and sunken garden made up $3 million of the project. FOGP has an ongoing goal to raise an additional $1 million to support long term preservation of the fountains. FOGP will continue fundraising for the remaining $300,000 towards that preservation fund, more information and the opportunity to donate can be found here: https://garfieldparkindy.org/fountain-preservation-campaign/
“The Friends of Garfield Park is proud to have led this historic preservation project,” said FOGP Executive Director Libby Hiple. “The completion of the fountains marks a major milestone for Garfield Park. The Friends are committed to the long term preservation of this treasured park centerpiece to ensure this vibrant space remains operational for future generations.”
Under the Lilly Endowment Grant, Garfield Park also received $2.5 million for a new playground next to the Garfield Park Pagoda shelter. Construction on that project began in early 2026 and is scheduled for completion this fall.
“Garfield Park holds a special place in our city’s history and our park system as our first city park,” said Indy Parks Director Brittany Crone. “Thanks to our partners, the Friends of Garfield Park and the Lilly Endowment, one of our city’s most iconic and historic spaces has been restored for future generations to enjoy.”
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**Please note: Due to storms currently forecasted for Saturday, the event maybe changed or cancelled. The Sunken Garden and fountains will reopen to the public on Saturday regardless of whether the event takes place. Updates will be shared on Indy Parks social media and website.
