Franklin Township Community Park is the third to begin construction in the last two weeks
INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Mayor Joe Hogsett and Indy Parks announced the start of construction on a $2.8 million project at Franklin Township Community Park. The project is the third to begin construction in the past two weeks as part of Indy Parks’ Construction Season Kickoff. Funded through the Lilly Endowment Grant to Indy Parks, improvements will include a new playground, pickleball and basketball courts, and paved trails. The $80 million Lilly Endowment Grant is providing improvements to 42 parks as part of the larger $140 million investment in the Indy Parks system. An overview of the project is available here.
“The work happening at Franklin Township Community Park marks the beginning of additional quality-of-life improvements coming to our Southside neighborhoods,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “Soon, our residents in Franklin Township will be able to play and enjoy the outdoors in a new way by taking advantage of all the amenities coming to this park.”
Improvements at Franklin Township Community Park will include new pickleball courts, as will the Chapel Hill and Tarkington projects announced last week. To support one of the fastest growing sports in the country, Indy Parks identified the need for more pickleball courts in the 2023 Comprehensive Master Plan. Current indoor pickleball programming and open gyms can be found here.
“Investments like these ensure that Franklin Township continues to grow as a vibrant community,” said City-County Councilor Brian Mowery, District 25. “With new playgrounds, trails, and courts, families and residents of all ages will have more opportunities to stay active and connected. I’m excited to see these improvements in our parks take shape and the positive impact they will have on our community.”
Indy Parks 2023 Comprehensive Master Plan also identified the city’s southern three townships as a priority for new park development and investing in existing park spaces. Improvements at Franklin Township Community Park are part of over $10 million being invested in southside parks, including potential land acquisition opportunities, and developing donated land in Decatur Township.
“The coming improvements at Franklin Township Community Park will bring new, high quality park amenities to yet another community,” said Indy Parks Director Phyllis Boyd. “Thanks to the historic investment in Indy Parks, we are meeting the growing demand for recreation and fun across the city.”
Indy Parks will be hosting a Community Engagement Session for Decatur Farms Park on the city’s southwest side on Tuesday, March 18, at 6:30 pm at Winding River Golf Course, 8015 Mann Road, Indianapolis. Indy Parks acquired land and a facility near the intersection of Paddock Rd and W County Line Road at the end of 2023. The public meeting will provide information about the property and allow residents to share their preferences on potential amenities on the site.
