The $6 million project was jointly funded by the Lilly Endowment and Holliday Park Foundation
INDIANÁPOLIS – Indy Parks and the Holliday Park Foundation (HPF) are excited to announce the grand opening of the newly constructed playground at Holliday Park, a community-driven project years in the making. The reimagined playground will be open to the public on Sunday, November 2, 2025. A free grand opening event will be held from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Holliday Park (6363 Mill Road.), including food, refreshments, and nature-inspired activities.
“The playground at Holliday Park has been a northside family destination for generations,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “Thanks to the Lilly Endowment and the Holliday Park Foundation, generations to come will also get to build memories on the new playground. It is because of philanthropic efforts like these that more of our residents can experience new, revitalized spaces at our city parks.”
Designed to reflect the natural beauty of Holliday Park, the new playground features dedicated age-appropriate play areas, a redesigned entry court, gathering space, a parking lot to improve connectivity and accessibility, and nature-themed elements that encourage exploration, discovery, and imagination. Design team Rundell Ernstberger Associates welcomed public input and took advantage of advancements in play equipment to ensure a safe, engaging, and inclusive space for children of all ages and abilities. Images of the playground can be found aquí.
“This playground is a true reflection of what our community can accomplish together,” said Adam Barnes, Executive Director of HPF. “Lilly Endowment’s gift inspired us to dream big, and thanks to the support of donors, project partners, and friends of Holliday Park, we have a reimagined play space children will enjoy for generations.”
The project began with a generous $3 million leadership gift from Lilly Endowment Inc. to the Holliday Park Foundation for a new playground at Holliday Park. Building on that motivating foundation, HPF worked with community members, donors, and project partners to raise the matching $3 million needed to transform the previous playground into a signature, destination play experience and gathering space at Holliday Park. HPF also led the planning and construction process, in coordination with project partners.
“The Holliday Park playground has been more than just a playground for so many families; it’s been a place for kids to explore their limits and make lasting bonds,” said City-County Councilor Brienne Delaney. “The partnership between the Lilly Endowment and everyone who supported this project ensures that a new generation of kids will love coming to Holliday Park.”
“The completion of this new playground is a testament to the Holliday Park community and what this park means to the city,” added Indy Parks Director Brittany Crone. “Indy Parks appreciates the generosity of the Lilly Endowment and every donor who made this project possible.”
The opening comes as the City continues to build new amenities in parks across Indianapolis, including the replacement of over 40% of Indy Parks playgrounds with new equipment and surfacing. In total, over $150 million is being invested in new and upgraded park amenities across the city’s 218 parks.
Grand Opening Details:
Cuando: Sunday, November 2, 2025, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Dónde: Holliday Park (6363 Mill Road.)
What: Family fun, nature activities led by park staff, and one of the first chances to play!
Parking: Free parking is available in three lots: one at the playground, one west of the Ruins, and another near the Nature Center.
The new playground will be a lasting cornerstone of Holliday Park, serving thousands of families every year and strengthening the park’s role as a gathering space for the Indianapolis community. To learn more, visit www.hollidaypark.org/playground.
